Governor Christine Gregoire just took the state one step closer to
producing a greater percentage of homegrown energy through public/private
ventures by approving the Energy Freedom Fund.
"Whatcom and Skagit county farmers are in a good position to provide crops
to biofuel markets," said State Representative Jeff Morris (D - 40th LD),
Chair of the Technology, Energy, and Communications committee and strong
advocate of the energy plan. "This funding will set up factories and
distribution centers necessary to make widespread biofuel production a
reality and will expand markets for our farmers."
The Energy Freedom Fund (House Bill 2939) provides necessary capital to
support the production of biodiesel, ethanol and other forms of green
energy. The Legislature authorized $25 million in grants and low interest
loans for local governments and port facilities to develop refinery and
production facilities.
"A new economy more reliant on biofuels will help clean our air and reduce
our dependence on foreign oil," Morris said. "I would like to thank the
Governor for her support and look forward to working on expanding biofuel
markets throughout the state."
The Energy Freedom Fund received wide bipartisan support in both the House
and Senate and is part of a larger package of legislation designed to
bolster the current biofuel industry, jumpstart investment in emerging
ones and support the development of homegrown energy.