Start up the wind turbines in the Northwest. The voters of Washington state have approved (barely) a renewable portfolio standard that requires utilities to generate energy from renewable sources.

Although the initial requirement of 3 percent renewables by 2012 may not seem like much, according to law firm Stoel Rives, the state currently uses very little wind or solar power. Utilities will also be required to conserve energy or face fines of $50 per megawatt hour.

Washington becomes the 22nd state with a RPS, creating job opportunities for solar and wind manufacturers and installers. Let's see how long it takes for the other 28 to follow suit.