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"With so many humans on earth, its no wonder energy use is
a major issue. I'm glad to hear that some people are taking a look
at creative, environmentally friendly ways to produce the energy they
need without over-taxing our natural world."
— Woodchuck
Wind power for Washington state's poor gets federal funding
Text received from State of Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development release
 OLYMPIA—Washington
State will receive $1 million to help low-income households access
affordable, clean energy supplied by locally managed wind power, Senator
Patty Murray announced.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
REACH (Residential Energy Assistance Challenge) project allows Washington
to continue addressing the inequitable energy burden of low-income
households in the state and to help low-income families become self-sufficient.
The project's primary goals are to develop 12 megawatts of wind power
dedicated to low-income households and to reduce the energy burden
of 12,000 families currently eligible for federal assistance by 20
percent.
This will be done by helping agencies that serve low-income families
acquire and operate wind turbines, exchanging the energy produced
with other power companies for rate discounts and rebates for their
low-income energy customers. These agencies will also receive help
in becoming part owners in cooperatively owned wind farms with blocks
of power set aside for low-income households.
"This funding demonstrates our commitment to providing long-term
solutions for people and communities during very challenging economic
times," Murray said. "I am proud that Washington State is
leading the way with such innovative approaches to energy assistance."
The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
(CTED) will administer the three-year grant through A
World Institute for Sustainable Humanity (A W.I.S.H.). The Bellingham-based
contractor has provided training and technical assistance, expert
witnesses, program design, strategic planning, and advocacy for public
interest clients across the nation. A W.I.S.H was also the lead contractor
for Washington's current REACH grant.
Securing long-term, fixed-price energy sources and non-federal energy
assistance through the wind power industry will increase self-sufficiency
of low-income families for the next 20 years — the minimum
expected lifespan of a wind power plant. A W.I.S.H.'s work on this
project with other community-based organizations will also promote
economic development in the state.
Learn more about wind energy from the GreenTreks Documentary Wired:
A Day in the Life of Energy
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