New WSU institute would help lead clean energy tech innovation

OLYMPIA - Gov. Jay Inslee announced his proposal for a new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus on Monday, Dec. 12. Inslee was joined by WSU Tri-Cities chancellor Sandra Haynes, WSU president Kirk Schulz, TRIDEC CEO Karl Dye, 8th legislative district senator-elect Matt Boehnke, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory associate laboratory director Malin Young.

His proposal will fund a new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures on the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus.

The institute will conduct joint research with partners in science and industry in search of new discoveries. It will introduce students to a spectrum of careers in clean energy, and engage governments to innovate public policy.

“As we advance clean energy, we know we’re going to create jobs, and we know we’re going to face challenges,” said Inslee. “Cougars will work those jobs, and Cougars will invent solutions to those challenges. WSU INEF graduates will help us push the envelope.”

“We are honored and excited that Governor Inslee has included the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures in Washington state’s clean energy initiative,” said WSU Tri-Cities chancellor Sandra Haynes. “This funding would allow INEF to support the Tri-Cities, our region, state, and nation as a leader in transforming energy systems and solving climate issues by bridging science and policy.”