Hargrove’s green technology legislation approved in state House

For the Reporter

An innovative green technology bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Hargrove (R-Covington) passed the state House of Representatives Tuesday 92-5.

House Bill 2569 pertains to vehicle idle emissions reduction and would create a self-funding mechanism for local government agencies to reduce vehicle idle emissions without a cost to the state.

The technology was piloted in one county and proved to be a cost-saving move, allowing for budget savings that were used to hire additional emergency responders.

To implement this technology in other counties, House Bill 2569 would create a self-funded loan account where local government agencies could apply for loans to implement this or other idle emissions reduction technology, and pay the loan back. The loan program would be run by the state Department of Ecology.

One specific example is a small generator installed on a fire engine which allows the larger engine to be shut down, reducing emissions and noise and saving fuel and money.

When Hargrove was approached for funding continuation of this project, he had the idea that the already-proven savings in certain programs meant some money could be returned to fund future projects through legislation.

“Working with the Department of Ecology, the state would create an account and get the initial funding to get this program started,” Hargrove said. “This type of innovation will achieve less emissions, less noise, and result in fuel and money savings. A portion of the savings from the new technology use would be returned to the account to fund future projects. We can achieve all of these positive results without any further cost to the state, which is a great way to both preserve our environment while harnessing innovation.”