Developing geothermal energy: This geothermal bill amends the state’s “obligation to serve” for gas utilities to allow them to sell thermal energy instead of gas to customers. Thermal energy networks use a network of ground-source heat pumps to heat water, which runs through pipes underground. Buildings in the network can be heated with more efficiency across a wider variety of weather. The Washington budget supports the bill with a $25 million grant to fund gas utilities’ pilot programs. Washington State follows Colorado and New York in allowing utilities to provide networked geothermal heat to customers.
Linking Washington’s carbon market: A new law makes essential changes to align the Climate Commitment Act with California and Quebec’s linked carbon allowance market. The state’s Department of Ecology has recommended linking the state market with larger carbon…