I wonder if this…
Democratic Governor Jay Inslee says Washington will likely adopt a California-style pollution limit on gasoline and other transportation fuels.
Inslee recently ordered a feasibility and cost study of a low-carbon fuel standard.
For months now, Washington Republicans have been predicting that Inslee will use his executive powers to enact a low-carbon fuel standard. Inslee acknowledges he’s looking at ways to do this without legislative approval. Either way he thinks Washington is poised to move forward. (via OPB)
…has anything to do with this:
BMW said on Friday that it would invest $200 million and double its work force at a factory in Washington State that makes carbon fibers as the company moves to use more of the lightweight material in cars and meet demand for a new electric vehicle.
The German carmaker operates the factory in Moses Lake in a joint venture with the SGL Group, another German company, which will share in the investment. BMW said it would hire 120 new workers as part of the expansion, which is to be completed early next year and bring the total number of employees to about 200. (via New York Times)
Washington State is poised to embark on an clean fuels standard. Like in CA, where a similar proposal paved way for dramatic increase in the clean fuels sector, Washington will likely enjoy a great economic and jobs boon.
Clean Fuels programs that reduce fuel carbon pollution provide opportunities to expand clean fuels. By opening the market to alternative fuels and investing in new infrastructure, like Electric Vehicle charging stations, it’s no wonder that businesses have their eyes on states where they can feel comfortable investing.
While the 120 new jobs BMW is investing in Washington’s clean fuel production process may not correspond directly with Governor Inslee’s announcement that the state will move forward with a clean fuels program, WA’s movement towards ensuring certainty for the clean fuel sector will improve investor confidence and likely lead to new jobs, businesses, and economic development, as it did in California.
Here in Oregon, there are a number of businesses investing in our next batch of renewable fuel options. But without certainty that Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program will continue, these businesses are concerned about investing in additional jobs and development. Learn more about Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program and check out the long list of business supporters here.)