The Spokane City Council voted last night (Monday) to waive building and construction permit fees for certain green energy projects. The ordinance applies to solar energy and electric vehicle charging station projects.
The sponsor, Council President Ben Stuckart, says this is one way to remove the hurdles that keep Spokane from having a carbon-free economy.
Several people, including Mary Lou Johnson, applauded it as one small, but positive, step forward.
“Protecting our living environment requires cities like Spokane to engage in ‘a thousand small sanities.’ Passing this ordinance is one of those actions. I really to see the city continue to pass more ‘small sanities’ to combat our environmental challenges,” Johnson said.
Shawn Nordhagen, who says he works in the renewable energy industry, said he supports the idea, but predicts it will be ineffective.
“Your average solar system will cost anywhere from eight thousand to $50,000. A $50-75-dollar fee is a drop in the bucket. It’s not going to make any difference. It’s not going to dissuade anyone from putting in a solar system or putting in an EV charger.”
At the same time, he says, the city is taking money away from its inspectors and keeping them from staying current on developments in a rapidly-changing industry.
The measure passed unanimously. Councilman Mike Fagan said he voted for the ordinance for economic reasons, even though he strongly disagrees with the notion that climate change is caused by human beings. He said he was encouraged that the ordinance recognizes hydroelectric power as a renewable resource.
