Released today at 11:25 a.m.

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STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
1011 Plum Street SE * PO Box 42525 * Olympia, Washington 98504-2525 *
(360) 725-4000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2011

Contacts:
Penny Thomas, Commerce Communications, 360.725.2805
Rebecca Stillings, State Energy Office, 360.725.3123

Transportation efficiency key to Washington's energy future

The 2012 Washington State Energy Strategy released today addresses
solutions for economic growth, jobs and climate

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Commerce
<http://www.commerce.wa.gov/>  today released the 2012 Washington State
Energy Strategy <http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1327/default.aspx> ,
the first comprehensive analysis and recommendations for meeting the
state's future energy needs since 1993.

"Today, some $16 billion leaves our state economy annually to service
our energy needs, and that's just one of the economic issues we must
grapple with as we think about our energy future," said Commerce
Director Rogers Weed.  "Our transportation system is both our largest
and least efficient energy user - source of 45% of greenhouse gases and
more than half of our energy expenditures. It represents real
opportunities to improve efficiency and keep more dollars and jobs in
Washington."  

In addition to addressing the transportation sector, the Energy Strategy
recommends ways the state can expand on its history of leadership on
efficiency and energy innovation in buildings, and diversify
Washington's energy mix with distributed energy. The strategy reflects
Washington's commitment to remaining a leader in energy efficiency,
sustainability and innovation and to building a clean energy economy.

The Commerce Bill
<http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2658&year=2009> ,
passed by the 2010 Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Chris
Gregoire, called for the state to implement a comprehensive energy
planning process.  Commerce was charged with leading the effort.  Over
the last year and a half Commerce examined a wide range of energy policy
actions with the assistance of a formal Advisory Committee
<http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1328/default.aspx>  and a Technical
Experts Panel <http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1329/default.aspx> . The
Washington State departments of Transportation and Ecology, the
Utilities and Transportation Commission and a number of other state
agencies, stakeholder groups and general public
<http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1340/default.aspx>  were active
participants in developing the Strategy. 

The Strategy released today represents the combined input from all of
these participants. The 2012 Washington State Energy Strategy documents
are available at www.commerce.wa.gov/energystrategy.
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About Commerce <http://www.commerce.wa.gov> 
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting
sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more
information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov <http://www.commerce.wa.gov/> .
To learn more about locating or expanding a business in Washington
State, visit www.choosewashington.com .

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