Initiative 937 sets utility mandates to use a certain amount of renewable (green) electric energy, primarily wind and solar. The Snohomish County PUD already allows its customers to buy green power at an additional cost. Why? Because wind and solar power cost more. Solar power has limitations because there is no sunshine at night, and the wind power limitations are that the turbine farms need to be located where there are steady wind velocities. The state already regulates electric utility rates. Further regulation would be needed to monitor utility compliance and would place an additional burden and cost on utilities to meet the targeted goals. I-937 completely ignores nuclear power, which can generate large amounts of electric power without emitting carbon dioxide, which is believed to cause global warming. Vote no on I-937.

Initiative 933 tries to correct perceived injustices where the government has taken land or limited potential development without compensating the owners for their loss. Correcting past injustices is a slippery slope and will be very costly to all the citizens of Washington. The Legislature should make sure that property and land taken for environmental control or growth management in the future justly compensates the owners. Vote no on 933.

DAVID FLAMING

Everett