WHEREAS, The state of Washington and the nation continue to face challenges in the fields of energy production, retention, delivery, and consumption; and
     WHEREAS, Overcoming these challenges with an emphasis on ingenuity, creativity, and steadfast resolve will be key in leading our nation towards the ultimate goal of energy independence; and
     WHEREAS, Many of Washington's leading research and development companies, which are using new technologies to expand the range and availability of alternative energy sources, are found in the Tri-Cities region; and
     WHEREAS, These technologies include pilot projects in capturing and delivering solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower by Energy Northwest; and
     WHEREAS, These technologies also include work on portable and distributed power generation through new and advanced fuel cell breakthroughs; and
     WHEREAS, These technologies also include work to create highly reliable and efficient energy delivery systems through free-piston Stirling engines and generators; and
     WHEREAS, These technologies also include new innovations in the areas of Biofuels, Bioproducts, Bioenergy, and Biosciences through joint use of the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Washington State University; and
     WHEREAS, The Benton and Franklin County Public Utility Districts continue to be industry leaders in offering customers the choice of green power through renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and small run-of-river hydro sources; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State University Pullman Campus is working to educate and train the next generation of Nuclear Engineers and Technicians with an emphasis on safety and medical training; and
     WHEREAS, The home building construction industry in the Tri-Cities is a local and state leader in creating safer, healthier, and more energy efficient homes through green construction, building, and permitting methodologies; and
     WHEREAS, The Tri-Cities Research District continues to partner with research and technology companies to provide environmental solutions in all sectors of renewable and alternative energy production, delivery, and consumption;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and appreciate the many Tri-City entities for participating in Washington's inaugural "Energy Independence Day" at the state capitol, and for their work in making Washington state a national leader in alternative energy production and leading us further along the road to national energy independence; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to representatives of Energy Northwest, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratories, Washington State University, Benton and Franklin County Public Utility Districts, Washington State University Tri-Cities Campus, and the Tri-Cities Research District.