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David Benson of Stoel Rives Named to Washington State Energy Strategy Advisory Committee
5/28/2010
CONTACT: Victoria A. Twogood, Marketing Manager, (612) 373-8842
SEATTLE - Stoel Rives LLP, a U.S. business law firm, today announced that David L. Benson has been appointed by the Washington State Department of Commerce to the State Energy Strategy Advisory Committee. The Committee will provide policy and implementation recommendations to Commerce as part of a comprehensive revision of Washington's State Energy Strategy (SES) mandated by the Washington legislature. As directed, an SES strategy update will be submitted by Commerce to Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and the Legislature by December 1, 2010, with the final strategy revision due December 2011.
The SES review process, codified at RCW Chapter 43.21F, requires a balancing of the following three goals: (1) maintain competitive prices; (2) foster a clean energy economy and jobs; and (3) meet obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the legislature established nine principles for the SES to follow:
1. Pursue conservation as the preferred energy resource
2. Ensure energy system meets the needs of citizens
3. Maintain and enhance economic competitiveness
4. Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
5. Improve efficiency of transportation energy use
6. Meet green house gas limits and environmental requirements
7. Build on clean electrical grid
8. Make state government a model
9. Maintain & enhance existing infrastructure
David, who also serves on Governor Gregoire's Clean Energy Leadership Council, was selected as the Advisory Committee's sole professional services firm representative, on the basis of his experience and the firm's active involvement in clean energy issues. He has extensive experience representing clean energy clients in the development and financing of wind, solar, biomass, biofuels, geothermal, ocean energy and other energy projects and technologies, including energy storage, smart grid and energy efficiency.
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