Washington State Bars Long-Term Contracts with Coal
In an aggressive move to do its part to fight climate change, Washington State has barred utilities from signing long-term contract with coal-fired power plants that produce “excessive” global warming pollution.
Governor Chris Gregoire signed the measure into law late last week, along with establishing an emissions performance standard for power plants, state goals to cut emissions in the next 40 years, and a goal for creating new jobs in the clean energy sector. She explained:
“This bill is a testament to the unique, broad-based coalition that came together – utilities and environmentalists, faith communities and business leaders – in support of taking action. Today, we are saying that, here, in this Washington, no more delay, no more doubt, no more excuses. Today, together, we take action.”
While the bill did have broad support, some urged lawmakers to not rest on their laurels. Stopping the most devastating impacts of climate change will require even more aggressive action.
Washington, like many other areas of the globe, is seeing their climate change already. Decreasing snow pack, lower summer stream flows, more wildfires, and rising sea levels threaten the state’s economy and water supply.
