During the campaign, Gov. Jay Inslee promised new jobs in the renewable energy sector. He can start fulfilling this promise by pushing for the passage of HB 1106, a bill that would allow for solar leasing in Washington.

Solar leasing has been proved to allow more people to afford solar, growing markets in the states that allow it. Because of solar leasing, Oregon now has 12 times as much solar as they did in 2007. This increase can boost Washington's economy. California's solar leasing added mroe than $938 million to its economy last year alone.

Washington's solar industry already employs more than 1,000 people. If we can make solar more accessible to more families and businesses, the industry and our economy will grow. Solar leasing allows solar installing companies to own, maintain and clean solar panels that they install on customers' roofs. In return, the customer pays the solar company for the energy at a fixed rate for 10-15 years. The governor can take his first step to fulfilling his clean energy jobs promise by signing HB 1006.

Olivia Luke

Bellingham