2021 Legislative Recap
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June 2021
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Firework Safety
W
hen the 2021 legislative session adjourned April 25, the capitol campus was quiet. No lobbyists were allowed in the building and no reporters looked for final comments. Only a handful of lawmakers were on the floor. The rest were represented by small Zoom squares on a large flat-screen TV in the corner of each chamber. A mostly remote session brought new challenges for legislators who virtually came to Olympia in January with hefty goals in mind: set the state up for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, assist with response to the public health emergency, reform policing and fight a changing climate.
Democrats also managed to get two significant pieces of climate legislation over the finish line: a low-carbon fuel standard, similar to what British Columbia, Oregon and California have already adopted, and a cap and trade program modeled after a similar program in California. Both were priorities of Governor Inslee, who has made combating climate change his signature issue. Republican opponents argue the bills will drive up fuel and energy prices.
In the end, 335 bills were passed, which is the lowest number for an odd year 105day session since 1983.
The low-carbon fuel standards bill requires a gradual shift to cleaner ingredients, such as plant-based biodiesel.
The Democratic majorities were successful in passing legislation on priorities such as pandemic response, fiscal policy, environmental policy, police reform and childcare. Some policies, such as the capital gains tax and cap-and-invest, have been on the Democrats’ wish list for years.
The cap-and-trade system collects carbon fees called “credits” from companies that emit greenhouse gases, while statewide emission limits decrease every year.
On the last day of the legislative session, legislators passed their 2021-2023 operating budget, appropriating $10.6 billion in COVID-19 federal stimulus funds and $59 billion in state revenue. The budget will direct funds to a wide range
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of state programs. Written and negotiated by majority Democrats, it also includes revenue from a capital gains tax that passed the Legislature on the final day of session.
It is important to note that many of the environmental and energy bills that were passed this year will likley have major cost implications to the energy industry. Inland continues to work with lawmakers and state agencies to keep your costs as low as possible. We will be sure to bring you updates as they develop.
Legislative recap
EFFICIENCY Breaking down solar
Stormy Weather T he days are getting longer, which means it is time to get outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. Summertime brings many favorite activities like cooking out with family and friends, afternoons on the water and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life.
Summer months also make conditions right for dangerous storms. These potential weather events can cause destruction to our electrical system and Inland Power crews are ready to respond should power outages occur in our area. When major storms knock out power, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they get to work on any downed lines. Storm safety is also vital for you as well.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm and disaster preparedness, and you can visit www.ready.gov for additional resources. •
Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials and make sure your prescriptions are current and filled. Be sure you have backup power sources for any necessary medical devices (i.e. oxygen). Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and a portable, battery-operated phone charger. Be sure your car is fueled up in case you need to charge devices in your car. Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.
Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with Continued inside
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In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.
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Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check Inland’s website and social media accounts for power restoration updates.
Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.
After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs, including on your property.
Hopefully, we don’t experience any severe storms this summer, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. At Inland Power, we recommend that you act today because there is power in pre-planning. From our co-op family to yours, we hope you have a safe and wonderful summer.
MORE WAYS TO STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER!
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!!! Fireworks displays are an awe-inspiring celebration of our nation’s independence. However, used improperly, fireworks can be as dangerous as they are spectacular.
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oday’s consumers want options, including the type of energy powering their homes. Many homeowners are looking for less expensive forms of energy with ongoing savings. While others are looking for a green energy source. These two motives are why many homeowners are exploring rooftop solar panels. The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by increased legislative policy, availability of financial incentives and the proliferation of companies offering and promoting solar panel installation. However, as attractive and popular as rooftop solar panels may appear, it is important for you to fully understand their true costs, the operational reality of this form of energy and actual energy savings. To determine whether rooftop solar is your best option, you must do your due diligence. We’re here to help. As your trusted energy advisor, Inland Power can offer a candid assessment of your specific situation. After all, Inland has a different “bottom line” that is not directly tied to the sale of a product or service. We constantly strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. Is rooftop solar right for you?
O
ne of the greatest pastimes for kids of all ages is flying kites. While we want everyone to enjoy this activity, we also want them to be careful not to get their kites tangled up in power lines. Every year in the United States, children are electrocuted when their kite strings come in contact with a power line. Even though kite string is not a conductor of electricity, it can easily become contaminated with dirt and water, which will conduct the electrical current down the kite string. Electricity is always trying to find the shortest path to ground and it is not picky as to what path it uses. If that path is a kite string with conducting properties and a child,
it doesn’t care. It will follow that path until the path is broken. We cannot emphasize enough the danger involved with flying kites near power lines. Instruct your children not to fly their kites close to any power line or substation. Find a park or a wide-open area to fly kites. If a kite or kite string does come in contact with a power line, let loose of the string immediately. A person’s life is much more valuable than any kite. If the kite or string becomes tangled in the power line, don’t try and get it out. Call (509) 747-7151, and linemen will be glad to come and extricate it from the power line. Kites and power lines just don’t mix.
Firework Safety
To help determine whether rooftop solar is right for you, Inland’s energy advisors will look at the following: • overall energy efficiency of the home/ building • age and pitch of the roof • orientation of the sun in relation to the home/building • tree coverage near the home/building • weather patterns for the region
Unlike a solar company that has one objective––to sell their products and services––we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for some, it’s not the answer for all. When helping you determine whether rooftop solar is right for you, Inland’s energy advisors will also discuss the many financial considerations: • Is there a large, up-front payment required or are fees spread out over time? • Will the homeowner own the panels or will they be leased? • Are there any hidden costs, i.e., does the roof need to be replaced before installing the panels? • Are there ongoing maintenance fees? • Are there rebates or other financial incentives available? • Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment? • Is it more cost effective to invest in other energy saving measures? Most importantly, we will provide perspective on the total energy puzzle. Taking into account current energy consumption, the home “envelope,” age and efficiency of the HVAC system and home site, our energy advisors can help you determine whether rooftop solar is the best choice given your objectives. When assessing solar options, it is an excellent time to examine other potential energy efficiency improvements for your home. For example, it may make sense to insulate the attic or upgrade your windows. Either way, it is important to weigh all of your options to ensure you are getting all the benefits you expect.
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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworkrelated injuries around the 4th of July. Keep in mind that home firework displays are illegal in many areas, so be sure to check local laws before heading to the fireworks stand. Also, consider attending a professional display. These shows are put on by trained professionals and include larger, more advanced fireworks. If you do decide to celebrate with a fireworks display at home, keep these safety tips in mind: • Always supervise children around fireworks. Many don’t realize that even sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees and can cause injuries. • Never place any part of your body directly over fireworks when lighting the fuse. Back up a safe distance immediately after lighting. • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. • Keep water and a fire extinguisher handy in case of fire or another mishap. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket or light them in metal or glass containers.