Electric atmosphere: Shavers talks clean energy during La Conner visit

First term state lawmaker Clyde Shavers (D, Oak Harbor) brought plenty of energy to a downtown La Conner appearance last Thursday.

And for the 10th District Democrat it was a case of substance matching style.

That's because Shavers also brought with him to the 75-minute afternoon stop at Ravens Cup Coffee & Art Gallery on First Street a detailed update on clean energy legislation and policy measures both in Olympia and around the country.

His audience, primarily founders of the La Conner-based Skagit Valley Clean Energy Co-Operative, was amped up over much of the dialogue.

"It was a fun session and a good opportunity to meet with him," Greg Whiting of Ravens Cup and a Weekly News columnist, said afterward, "and for the co-op to share what we're trying to do here in La Conner and the Skagit Valley to move these initiatives forward."

Speaking without notes, Shavers addressed specific green energy bills that have gained support in the state legislature and with lawmakers at various levels elsewhere in the nation.

His message was appropriate here which, Whiting has noted in his column, boasts more electric vehicle charging stations than fuel pumps.

Shavers opened by noting that he will soon visit Denmark to learn about decarbonization methods employed there.

"They are very good in terms of environmental protection," Shavers said. "My fundamental philosophy is that we need to take a holistic approach when it comes to environmental protection."

Shavers wants that approach used with land use issues, including bridging gaps between farmland preservation and salmon restoration. One priority is the need for a more robust effort to restore wild salmon runs.

In response to a question from SVCEC co-founder and town councilmember Mary Wohleb, Shavers expressed optimism that farm and fish interests – through well-crafted legislation and compromise – can coincide and not be mutually exclusive.

He said it is important that the farm community be an active partner in environmental protection. Shavers spoke in favor of prohibiting foreign entities from purchasing western Washington farmland, something he pursued legislatively earlier this year.

"Our local farmers protect the land," said Shavers, who lamented instances in which foreign firms grow alfalfa that is shipped overseas.

"It sucks up our water," he complained, adding that "foreign ownership threatens our state's food security and environment" in addition to its water supplies.

Shavers also pointed to his support for a tax credit for farmers using less toxic, environmentally friendly pesticides.

He addressed at length "green hydrogen," a clean energy source he said creates good-paying jobs.

"It's a clean, alternative energy," said Shavers, "but there are some challenges, mostly having to do with storage."

Shavers shifted from energy and land use topics to summarize his advocacy on behalf of veterans, education, affordable housing, voting rights expansion, and services for the homeless before opening the floor to questions and comments.

Resident Bob Raymond suggested opportunities remain for the legislature to enhance recycling efforts, reinforcing areas where the private sector has lagged. Resident Joan Cross raised the prospect of adopting ranked voting which is used in Alaska and allows voters to rate candidates by preference.

"There would be challenges to implementing ranked voting," Shavers acknowledged, "but it would encourage moderate voices."

Cross also asked about legislative solutions to provide relief for community newspapers, whose traditional business model based on advertising revenue has struggled with the rise of social media and other digital outlets.

Shavers said Washington lawmakers have supported tax breaks for local journalism, the loss of which has created news deserts – particularly in rural areas – across America.

Whiting said Shavers' local visit should prove valuable as time goes on.

"He invited the co-op to stay in touch," said Whiting, "and follow up with concepts and opportunities that give the co-op an ability to work with the state and build community relationships."