Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands
Dear Friends and Supporters,
One of the goals of my administration, which I’ve mentioned to you before, is my desire to Develop Renewable Energy Resources on State Lands, Address the Challenges of Climate Change, and Create Renewable Energy Jobs. This goal is outlined in the strategic plan that is currently being discussed at public meetings around the state. You can read and comment on the plan here. The comment period is open until February 19th, 2010.
I know many of you share my concerns about the impact that we are having on our planet’s climate.
It is my belief that we can do something about it. As Commissioner of Public Lands, I am working to make sure that State-owned lands play a significant role in the building of a clean energy economy in Washington State. With wind, solar, wave and tidal energy facilities sited on our lands, and our forests supplying both renewable biomass and local, sustainable materials for green buildings, I plan to make sure that the Department of Natural Resources is part of the solution!
Many of you were excited about my Biomass Pilot Project that I initiated in 2009, and I’d like to provide you with an update. Last month, we selected four projects in the first phase of biomass‐to‐energy projects; four projects in four distinct areas on the state: Bingen, Colville, Omak, and Port Angeles. Because I want to make sure that these projects will create stable, family-wage jobs, this legislative session I am requesting legislation to allow us to enter into long-term supply contracts with businesses, which would pave the way for long-term employment in our rural communities. Our bill is currently waiting to be voted on by the House after near unanimous committee votes, and has already had a hearing in the Senate.
I look forward to working on these projects and others to expand the role of state lands in the development of renewable energy. Most of all, I look forward, as always, to your thoughts, suggestions, and emails. Together, we are changing the way people think about our state's natural resources!
Sincerely,
Peter J. Goldmark
Commissioner of Public Lands
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