By John Stark
State Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-42nd, has announced “New Energy Fridays” to focus his legislative committe’s attention on energy issues one day each week.
Here’s the press release from Ericksen’s office:
OLYMPIA…Sen. Doug Ericksen, Majority Coalition Caucus chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, today announced the committee will spend each of its Friday meetings on fresh ideas in the field of energy.
“Energy policy is directly linked to job creation, our environment and the economy. I get it, and that’s why I’m devoting each Friday this session to examining exciting new energy policies and technologies,” said Ericksen, R-Ferndale.
“While we examine what works and what doesn’t in the world of energy, our emphasis will remain squarely on three goals: reducing energy costs, encouraging new technologies and creating energy-sector jobs.”
Ericksen said he’s taking a collaborative approach and encourages anyone with an interest in energy technology to follow the committee on television through TVW or online at www.tvw.org. He also asked people share their ideas for topics the committee should consider.
“It’s important to me that we keep an open mind and consider ideas from all areas of the spectrum, with a focus on an idea’s merit rather than its political pedigree,” Ericksen continued. “Too often government tries to get into the business of picking winners and losers. I want to see a level playing field in energy policy where all technologies are put in a position to succeed.
“We’ll be looking at fresh approaches but by no means will we be turning our back on proven energy sources. Above all, Washington has to maintain its low power costs and reliable energy grid. These are competitive advantages that help drive our state’s high quality of life and attract businesses to our region.”
End press release
I’m beginning to notice statements from conservatives that actually embrace the idea of a revenue-neutral tax on carbon, for the very reason that Sen. Erickson states:
“Too often government tries to get into the business of picking winners and losers. I want to see a level playing field in energy policy where all technologies are put in a position to succeed.”
In fact, the Wall Street Journal ran an article two days ago regarding the role of government in promoting a level playing field for green industry. A photo caption states: “At the CIO Network in San Diego, CA, The Wall Street Journal’s David Wessel asks Economists Lee Ohanian and Robert Reich agree that a carbon tax is a more effective way to spur green innovation than subsidies.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323468604578245672063302456.html
In addition, the WSJ ran two editorials this month where staff editor Holman Jenkins was surprisingly in support of a revenue-neutral carbon tax as the most efficient and least corruptible way to provide needed support for renewable energy.
I notice that many Republicans seriously chafe at the government picking favorites among green businesses. They prefer a carbon tax over that. Any room, Sen. Erickson, at the Friday table for this kind of “crazy” approach?
By the way, for info on taxing carbon in Washington State, see: http://www.sightline.org