Washington State Unveils Green Jobs Legislation — Creates 2,900 Jobs

Washington governor Chris Gregoire has unveiled legislation focused on creating green jobs and reducing the state’s carbon footprint.

The legislation contains House Bill 1819 and its equivalent Senate Bill 5735. Both bills would put a cap on the greenhouse gas emissions that major companies produce. The bills would work in partnership with six states and four Canadian provinces, which are part of a coalition called the Western Climate Initiative.

If passed, the program would not take place until 2012.

In addition to the cap and trade bill, a proposed $455 million will be invested for projects that emphasize energy efficiency and clean-energy technology. These investments would help support 2,900 jobs for the next two years.

Gregoire also proposed a tax exemption for plug-in electric vehicles.