there’s talk of another major public works project for the Northwest — one that would deliver green wind power to the Interstate 5 corridor and, by some estimates, help create 50,000 jobs.
With Congress set to consider a new stimulus plan early next year, the region’s lawmakers want to provide funding for the Depression-era Bonneville Power Administration to expand its transmission system.
The plan could be a perfect fit with the incoming administration’s support for green energy and green jobs. It also could emerge as a model for turning the nation’s antiquated 200,000-mile transmission system into a clean energy superhighway.
“It’s the sleeper issue,” said Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, who’s emerged as one of the leaders on green energy issues and climate change in the House. “We need a grid for this century, not the last.”
Northwest Renewable News 