A statewide measure aimed at making schools more energy efficient was trailing by a large margin in early returns Tuesday night.
Referendum 52 would have authorized the state to issue $505 million in bonds to fund projects for energy efficiency in schools and colleges.
Supporters said the referendum would cut pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and create jobs.
The measure was supported by green-industry companies, school associations and labor unions.
State Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, sponsored the measure in the House of Representatives. Opponents said job estimates were overblown, the measure would increase debt and divert money from other services. No opposition was organized against the measure, but several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, led arguments against it.
The bonds were projected to cost taxpayers $937 million over 29 years, for an average annual cost of $32.3 million, according to the state Office of Financial Management.
Even had the measure passed, lawmakers would have had to scramble to find a source of revenue to finance the bonds. Referendum 52 would have indefinitely extended the tax on bottled water, scheduled to expire in 2013, and used the tax’s projected $39.3 million per year to cover the bond payments. That tax, though, was on its way to being repealed as Initiative 1107 was leading by a wide margin Tuesday evening.
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; bsheets@heraldnet.com.
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