legislative matters. State agencies, educational institutions and interest groups have made years of research on this topic available over the web.

The following are some of the top web destinations relating to Washington State’s energy issues:

Editor’s Choice: EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse - http://www.energyideas.org/

EnergyIdeas is a source of free and timely information on energy efficient technology, products and services to Washington state businesses, government and utilities. Engineers, librarians and other technical staff are available to answer questions, research information or provide customized technical assistance including engineering analysis. The robust website is extremely user-friendly by offering “Today’s Q&A” and “Ask the Expert” functionalities. Employers will appreciate the separate area covering “Business Types,” which is subdivided into industry sector. Energyideas also makes the user select geographical and industry preferences before doing searches, resulting in more accurate queries. This site can serve as a great model for educating average consumers on complicated issues.

CTED Energy Policy Division - http://www.energy.cted.wa.gov/

This division of the Office of Trade & Economic Development provides analysis and support for energy decisions in the state. Some very useful article can be found here, such as “A Brief Analysis of the Economic Benefits of Wind Power in Washington State” (http://www.energy.cted.wa.gov/Papers/Wind%20Power%20Opportunities%20in%20WA.pdf) and “Convergence:Natural Gas and Electricity in Washington” (http://www.energy.cted.wa.gov/Papers/Convergence.htm). The site also offers “Energy Indicators,” which presents some key trends taking place throughout Washington State

Washington State University’s Energy Program - http://www.energy.wsu.edu/

This program is responsible for conducting research and developing tools regarding the state’s energy-related policies. To support this, the program offers an array of services, such as Clearinghouse and Industrial Services (http://www.energy.wsu.edu/cx/and http://www.energy.wsu.edu/industry/). Other resources within the site includes a section on “Distributed Generation & Renewable Resources” (http://www.energy.wsu.edu/renewables/) and a thorough “Energy Program Library” (http://www.energy.wsu.edu/library/), which catalog’s the program’s extensive research.

Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) - http://www.ecy.wa.gov/

As the state’s principal environmental management agency, DOE’s activities are deeply intertwined with energy issues. Much of the information that the agency has to offer is available through its website, such as publications (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs.shtm) and services (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services.html).

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 10 - http://www.epa.gov/region10/

Maintained by the Pacific Northwest Regional Office (Region 10) for the EPA, the site work and mission in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Pacific Northwest Indian Country. The site is divided into major categories (Air Quality, Ecosystems, Water Quality, etc.), but it also makes access to ancillary resources such as “Enforcement and Compliance” farely easy. Companies will want to enter through a dedicated section for employers titled “Business & Industry” (http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/HOMEPAGE.NSF/webpage/Business+&+Industry).

Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council(EFSEC)- http://www.efsec.wa.gov/

This agency provides "one stop" licensing for large energy projects, where the evaluation and oversight of large energy facilities is centralized. Before a major energy facility can be sited, constructed, or operated, it must first go through EFSEC. The site describes the certification process (http://www.efsec.wa.gov/cert.html) and lists all projects under consideration (http://www.efsec.wa.gov/proj.html).

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance - http://www.nwalliance.org/

In an effort to look for fresh, innovative ways to save electric energy in the region, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance has set up its website to accept proposals online. Individuals and companies with ideas for products and services that use electricity more efficiently are able to request assistance (financials, research, feedback and evaluation). The rest of Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s site also provides access to presently supported projects and other helpful information.

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) - http://www.bpa.gov

As a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy, BPA markets wholesale electrical power and operates and markets transmission services in the Pacific Northwest. As can be imagined, the scope and implications of BPA’s coverage is vast, but their website seems to be up to the challenge. BPA.GOV is very simple in design and navigation out of necessity to accomidate the amount of information it has available.

The sites should be great starting points to employers wishing to learn more about energy in Washington State. If you have any ideas and websites you would like to have considered for “Business Links,” email me at alexisn@awb.org.