Rep. Ybarra’s energy bill passes House and Senate | Awaiting governor signature

OLYMPIA — 13th District State Rep. Alex Ybarra’s energy bill, HB 1948, has unanimously passed through the Washington House and Senate.

HB 1948 involves elements of renewable energy policy. The bill forces utility companies to measure electricity usage according to the Energy Independence Act without negatively impacting renewable energy investments. The bill also prohibits regular renewable energy customers from having the energy added towards their total energy usage count.

The Energy Independence Act is a program initiative to increase production of renewable fuels to promote sustainable energy.

“With HB 1948, we’re staying true to the original goals of the Energy Independence Act while paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Washington,” read Ybarra’s press release.

The bill is now awaiting Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature to become law.