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Renewable Energy Measure Approved in Washington, Fails in California
Two states had measures on the ballot to address energy conservation and encourage alternative energy production and technology. While Washington's measure passed, California's failed.
Washington's Initiative 937 will result in targets for energy conservation and use of renewable energy resources for all electric utility companies that serve more than 25,000 customers in the state. Electric companies will required to provide 3 percent of total electricity to its retail customers from renewable resources by 2012, with that percentage eventually increasing to 15 percent of total electricity distribution by 2020. Renewable resources include wind farms, solar panels and geothermal plants. This initiative passed 52 percent to 48 percent.
California's initiative proposed to levy a tax on oil extracted within the state to fund a new program whose goal is to reduce petroleum consumption by 25 percent, promoting incentives for alternative energy and more efficient technologies, and encouraging education and training. Anticipated revenues from this tax were estimated to be between $225 million and $485 million each year. The initiative failed 55 percent to 45 percent.