Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jun 2014
Source: Daily News, The (Longview, WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.tdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2621
Author: Brooks Johnson

COWLITZ PUD APPROVES POLICY TO ALLOW POWER TO MARIJUANA BUSINESSES

Cowlitz PUD will let the lights shine on recreational marijuana 
businesses in the county, but with a caveat that might protect the 
district from prosecution and lawsuits and shield ratepayers from 
higher prices.

The commissioners voted 2-1 at Tuesday's meeting to adopt a policy 
for marijuana growers, processors and retailers applying for PUD 
electricity. It provides an open door for those businesses, but puts 
them over a trap door in case the utility is threatened by federal 
prosecution or the loss of cheap energy.

Service to those state-licensed operations - still illegal under 
federal law - could be terminated under six new guidelines, including 
the threat of or actual criminal prosecution or lawsuits brought 
against the PUD.

"We're going to sell you electricity, just with conditions," 
Commissioner Merritt "Buz" Ketcham said after the vote.

The policy does not require the PUD to end service if, for example, a 
lawsuit is initiated by a resident who is against marijuana in the 
county - it just now has the justification to do so.

At issue is the availability of federal electricity through the 
Bonneville Power Administration, the PUD's obligations to provide 
power but also follow the law and having a safeguard from potential 
lawsuits should power be turned off on marijuana businesses.

Ketcham had worked with staff on the policy last week after tabling a 
resolution to not provide power to marijuana businesses at all during 
the commission's last meeting June 10.

Commissioner Kurt Anognostou voted for the resolution, which included 
a few amendments to add specificity.

"Because of BPA power, our rates are half that of the national 
average," he said before the vote. "I thought we'd investigate and 
make an informed decision. I did not want Cowlitz County residents to 
wake up one morning without BPA power."

Commissioner Ned Piper voted against the measure, saying it could 
give away the PUD's hard-won local authority.

"If Kelso disapproves of marijuana, they could shut it down," he 
said, citing the policy's stipulation that power could be shut off 
via "a request by any federal, state or local agency."

"We are seeking trouble where none currently exists, and I don't 
believe we need to make any changes," Piper said.

About three dozen people were at the meeting, though only a handful 
spoke before the vote.

"I don't think any of us would say the privilege to grow cannabis 
outweighs the rights of the citizens to obtain affordable power," 
said Justin Duport, a Woodland resident who works with marijuana 
businesses. He said power should be provided, but that it's probably 
right to "hope for the best and expect the worst," should the federal 
government crack down.

Christine Sweeney came to stand up for her own budding business on 
California Way.

"I want you to see the face of this new emerging market," she said. 
"We are educated, we're smart, we're entrepreneurs. ...I'm a mom of 
two beautiful children, I took on a big risk."

Anognostou answered the policy is needed so that "it's a risk that 
you're taking and not us (the PUD)."

Longview Mayor Don Jensen and City Manager Bob Gregory attended the 
meeting, as the city is finalizing the sale of five lots in the Mint 
Farm industrial park to potential marijuana businesses.

"Am I for marijuana? No," Don Jensen told The Daily News after the 
meeting. "But you have to look out for the city and keep it going."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom