Sen. Steve Hobbs, a strong proponent of renewable energy, is in Washington, D.C., for a conference on renewable energy and how it relates to national security.

The conference is hosted by Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and national security organizations concerned about our reliance on fossil fuels and major national security problems caused by climate change.

“As a state lawmaker and member of the military, I know how important this issue is,” Hobbs said. “We’re fortunate to live in a state that values clean energy, such as wind power, but we can always do more to improve the environment, promote the creation of new jobs and make our country energy independent. I hope to bring back some new ideas that we can apply here.”

During the 2009 legislative session Hobbs sponsored Senate Bill 6170, which promotes clean energy production and green jobs by extending tax exemptions and credits to a variety of renewable energy products such as solar energy, biomass energy, tidal and wave energy, geothermal resources, and hog fuel (wood waste). Companies that create energy from fuel cells, sun, wind, biomass energy, tidal and wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion and technology that converts energy from exhaust or landfill gas would receive a 100 percent sales tax exemption on machinery and equipment.

Hobbs has also sponsored legislation to help more homeowners use solar power. Senate Bill 5136 bans homeowner’s associations from prohibiting residents from installing solar panels on their roofs as long as health and safety requirements are met.

Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, is a member of the Washington Army National Guard and proudly served in Iraq and Kosovo.