Developing clean, abundant solar power resources in California can benefit all those who live and work in the state—reducing air pollution, protecting consumers from volatile electricity prices, and reducing the need for expensive upgrades to electric transmission and distribution systems. The Economics of Solar Homes in California shows that residents of nine of California’s fastest-growing municipalities (in 2003-2004) could save money on their electricity bills by installing solar panels on new homes—provided that the state steps up to the plate with a substantial and long-term commitment to promote solar power.

The Hanford Nuclear Reservation in southeastern Washington is one of the most contaminated nuclear waste sites in the world. Containing the threat to public health and the environment from the Hanford Site will be a daunting and time consuming task, but a vitally necessary one. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing a new cleanup plan that will undermine progress and leave Washington at risk. To ensure that DOE lives up to its commitment to clean up the Hanford Site, citizens have banded together to put forward Initiative 297 for voter approval. This report summarizes the major issues behind Initiative 297 and the role it will play in holding the DOE to a higher standard.