State Legislature 2013 session

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56. For lower utility bills, get SHB 1017 out of committee

The Senate majority coalition is looking for opportunities to help the middle class. Here’s a slam-dunk: Help middle-class Washingtonians save money on their utilities by passing SHB 1017.

SHB 1017, the Equipment Efficiency Standards Bill, is a bill that will save energy, water and money – by making new battery chargers, showerheads, faucets, and outdoor lights more efficient. Sadly, the bill is currently not on the Senate majority caucus’ agenda for a hearing.

The bill consists of a few common sense measures that will save a lot of energy and water and will reduce utility bills for homes and businesses in our state. The savings from SHB 1017 really add up. By 2018, the standards will save enough electricity to power 38,000 Washington homes a year. The water standards will conserve 1.9 billion gallons of water a year – equal to a full year's water use in 32,000 Washington homes. The water and energy savings also mean big savings on utility bills across the state: by 2018, $60 million per year.

All these benefits come with almost no costs to the state treasury, consumers, manufacturers or retailers. Ask Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom and your Senator to call for the passage of SHB 1017.

It’s low-cost, high-benefit legislation that’s good for consumers, the environment and the economy – It is something we all SHOULD agree on.

This bill, part of the environmental community’s Clean Energy Solutions Environmental Priority, passed out of the House with bipartisan support. Now, it’s the Senate’s turn. Please contact Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom to ask him to hear SHB 1017.

Wouldn’t you love a lower utility bill?

Edie Gilliss
WCV Political Director