The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the state of Washington strengthened their commitment to fostering clean energy by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week.
This agreement, signed during an Oct. 30 gathering at the Cowlitz Tribal Transportation Building in Longview, highlights the two party’s mutual commitment to sustainable energy. The MOU establishes the Cowlitz Tribe’s sovereignty and facilitates future grants through the state.
The state has invested over $8.4 million in the Cowlitz Tribe’s renewable energy programs. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, present at the event, praised the Tribe’s efforts to transition to renewable energy through these grants, which have facilitated the installation of 32 electric vehicle chargers and 292 solar panels at the Cowlitz Health Clinic and the transportation building. Inslee witnessed Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman William Iyall and Washington Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong sign the agreement to continue green energy initiatives.
“I’m excited about this. It is the most innovative place in the state of Washington today. And now we’re going to sign an MOU, which will expedite our partnership between the Tribe and the Department of Commerce to make sure we continue this upward climb to be as expeditious as possible,” Inslee said.
Iyall spoke about the Tribe’s ongoing plans to advance its clean energy portfolio. The Tribe intends to install an additional 242 solar panels at the Tribal Administration Building, adding to the 324,800 kilowatt-hours generated annually by solar arrays across the health clinic and transportation and administration buildings. Additionally, the Tribe has purchased one electric van, with ambitions to electrify 74 for its public works and transportation vehicle fleet. The Tribe’s transportation program provides for rural residents in south Lewis and Cowlitz counties, extending as far as 20 miles from the Interstate 5 corridor.
Of the state’s investments, roughly $5.5 million came through funding provided by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) approved in 2021. The law works to reduce carbon emissions through “allowances,” which companies can purchase and trade at auctions, similar to stocks. Each year, the state reduces the amount of allowances, which raises the value and price. The funds are transferred to transportation improvement projects, including road improvements, across the state. Republican leaders have argued the law has caused gas companies to raise prices. If voters decided to repeal the CCA in Tuesday’s general election, such funds will not be available in the future. Results of the Initiative 2117 vote were unavailable before press time.
Despite the CCA’s potential repeal, Iyall expressed optimism about the future of the Tribe’s partnership with the state.
“My personal opinion is that, yes, there’s a chance it could get repealed, but I think no matter how we move forward, we’ll have to find a way to make things work to protect the environment, and we will. So it takes a commitment beyond the immediate situation,” he said. “Whether the investment is now or in the future, it will have to be there to protect the resources, to protect the land and the [life] that we have today.”
Iyall highlighted that substantial funding for future clean energy projects may come from private investment, though investors will need clear avenues to recoup their contributions. Looking ahead, Iyall envisions more pathways opening for sustainable energy partnerships.
“There’s going to be major investments in clean and green energy in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia and all through the region, and all this eventually will be linked together. It’s a long-term commitment I think on all parts, but it’s a part of the future for us,” Iyall said.
The MOU, Iyall emphasized, symbolizes the Tribe and state’s leadership in efforts to environmental stewardship.
“This [MOU] gives us those extra opportunities, extra leverage points, but also it means it’s a partnership. So partnerships always work better, and so the state, the federal government and the Tribe can be a significant contributor and a leader in that area,” Iyall said.
