Olympia — The House has passed a key Senate bill that will create living-wage jobs and reduce energy consumption by retrofitting an estimated 20,000 homes and other buildings across the state.

Senate Bill 5649 expands existing weatherization efforts and creates job opportunities for skilled workers, as well as training and job opportunities for the unemployed.

“Community action agencies and advocacy groups including the Sound and Spokane Alliances worked hard to make this come together,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, the sponsor of SB 5649. “This is a significant step forward, establishing the infrastructure necessary to expand energy efficiency efforts now and into the future.”

This bill directs Washington State University (WSU) to provide grants and technical assistance to weatherization pilot projects throughout the state. It also directs WSU to assess opportunities to increase energy efficiency in the agricultural sector.

Washington state anticipates $60 million in federal weatherization funding that will be used specifically for low income weatherization projects. WSU anticipates receiving $15 million in federal funding through the state energy program that will be used for community based energy efficiency projects. $5 million in federal funding will be used to stimulate private investment in weatherization through local banks and credit unions.

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