Kathleen Vaughn, incumbent Has
been a commissioner since 1995. Favors a proposal for a new ‘innovative energy
facility’ (a dam) on the Skykomish, one mile out of Index, which would generate
30 megawatts of energy but would not count toward the requirement for 15%
renewables. The solution? Change the law. She’s endorsed by the Herald as the
“tested public servant.” Her
background is as the owner of a mortgage company. Six years ago she was
criticized for failing to endorse Initiative 937 (it passed) which requires
that utilities generate 15% renewable energy.
√ Eric Teegarden is a systems engineer and solar
advocate with degrees in environmental science and physics who objects to new hydro instead of
solar and geothermal. The Herald says very nice things about him, calls him
‘the idea guy,’ asks that he continue with his advocacy, and that the
commission consider his ideas.
Mr Teegarden points out that the same amount of money could
be spent on putting solar panels on thousands of homes and big box stores
without dynamiting through granite and destroying a gorgeous canyon.
At this point there is a question whether the facility would
qualify as a dam. FERC has issued a very preliminary permit to “study and
assess” the project’s feasibility.
Both candidates agree on energy conservation.
You know me. I’m a sucker for environmental protection,
sustainable energy, and keeping gorgeous canyons. I don’t get to vote on this,
but I’d go for Mr Teegarden.
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