Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday signed a bill that for the first time broadens the definition of renewable energy.
The measure makes electricity produced from older biomass facilities, such as pulp mills, eligible for the state's renewable energy mandate. Supporters say it will benefit rural communities and a struggling timber industry.
Since voters approved Initiative 937 in 2006, there have been numerous attempts by lawmakers, utilities and industry to expand what qualifies as a renewable energy source.
The law requires nearly a third of the state's utilities, those with at least 25,000 customers, to build toward getting 15 percent of their power from wind, solar, geothermal and certain woody biomass by 2020.
The measure makes electricity produced from older biomass facilities, such as pulp mills, eligible for the state's renewable energy mandate. Supporters say it will benefit rural communities and a struggling timber industry.
Since voters approved Initiative 937 in 2006, there have been numerous attempts by lawmakers, utilities and industry to expand what qualifies as a renewable energy source.
The law requires nearly a third of the state's utilities, those with at least 25,000 customers, to build toward getting 15 percent of their power from wind, solar, geothermal and certain woody biomass by 2020.
