Gregoire says state needs alternatives on energy

Developing alternative sources of energy is essential for Washington to cope with the “global crisis” on energy, Gov. Christine Gregoire said Tuesday in a speech in Spokane.

Gregoire, speaking to a conference about energy at the Davenport Hotel, touted wind, solar and agricultural sources of power being used or researched in the state.

After the speech, Gregoire said that for too long the state has taken energy for granted. That’s changing with higher costs at the pump and prices expected on electricity bills this winter.

“We have had a wake-up call,” Gregoire said. “It’s been a rude awakening.”

The governor praised partnerships created to work on energy policy between government, businesses and research institutions, such as Washington State University. She said she supports using tax incentives to encourage alternative energy projects.

“We need to be pioneers,” she said. “… I don’t think any idea should be put off the table,” she said.

The conference was organized by WSU’s Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service.

Ed Weber, director of the institute, said one of the goals of the event is to propel the development of an organization in Spokane to analyze the energy needs of the Inland Northwest.