Gov. Jay Inslee visits Grant County, talks future of clean energy in eastern WA

Moses Lake Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee is in Moses lake Tuesday afternoon, speaking with leaders on various clean energy topics ranging from hydrogen-powered aircraft to the booming tech industry and new businesses coming to eastern Washington.

We caught up with the Governor at Big Bend Community College where he met with leaders to discuss the evergrowing need for lithium-ion batteries, and how eastern Washington could soon be a hub for the industry, as companies and businesses in the field look to set up shop in Grant County, and surrounding areas.

Leaders say there is work to be done if this is to be accomplished. Governor Inslee heard from leaders in the field who say people in the workforce and power for the new operations are the most significant needed to pave the way for the coming years, as well as education programs needed to train the new workforce.

Gov. Jay Inslee (D) WA says. "We're making the most successful clean storage with battery technology. Leading the world, the largest manufacturer in the western hemisphere of silane gas we make all these electronics out of, two of the leading silicone anode companies in the world, both in Moses Lake. This is unprecedented to have this level of innovation, and it's happening right here."

Governor Inslee says at both the state and federal levels, efforts are being made to grow these types of businesses.

He tells us the Biden administration is offering $100,000,000 grants to these tech companies to help them become successful, coming right off the heels of the pandemic.