Haler bill to allow hydroelectric projects in irrigation canals passes House
CONTACT: Brendon Wold, Senior Information Officer – (360) 786-7698
Rep. Larry Haler – (360) 786-7986
Haler bill to allow hydroelectric projects in irrigation canals passes House
Legislation to allow hydroelectric projects in irrigation canals passed the state House of Representatives today. House Bill 1950, sponsored by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, also allows the power generated by these projects to count as “renewable energy” under the state's Energy Independence Act. “This is a great bill for our farmers, ranchers, orchardists and others who have irrigation water moving throughout their property,” said Haler. “Not only can the landowner recover some of the cost of pumping the irrigation water, they can also receive Renewable Energy Credits which can be sold in the marketplace. We can capture some of the energy flowing through canals that is currently being wasted and we can benefit the landowner. It's a win-win.” In order to qualify under the provisions of Haler's bill, the hydroelectric projects must have been completed after March 31, 1999 and the generation facility must be located in irrigation pipes, irrigation canals, and wastewater pipes where the generation does not result in new water diversions or impoundments. Haler said he's spent the last few years working on the issue to see if it had merit and to see if he had the support to get the legislation passed. He's hoping for approval by the state Senate and a quick signature from the governor. “Sometimes we perfect bills as they go through the process and sometimes you have to get it almost exactly perfect right out of the gate or there will be misunderstandings or preconceived notions that doom your bill,” said Haler. “It took some time to work on this idea and garner support from my colleagues. But in the end, I'm glad we were able to get this bill through the House. If we can get it signed into law I think we're going to see further development of our irrigation canals throughout the state.” House Bill 1950 passed the House of Representative unanimously and now goes to the state Senate for consideration. The Legislature is currently on day 53 of the scheduled 105-day session.
