Legislature's energy plan: A coal-free Washington by 2025

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The state House of Representatives, on a largely partisan 56-42 vote, passed a bill Thursday that moves Washington's electrical utilities off coal by 2025, and to a complete "clean energy" grid by 2045.

The bill goes back to the Senate to clear up small changes, and then on to Gov. Jay Inslee for signature. Already, supporters are celebrating what they predict will be a "fossil free future" for the state.

The legislation is a likely stake through the heart of Montana's big, coal-fired Colstrip power plant, about 100 miles southeast of Billings. Two of Colstrip's four units are scheduled for closure, the other two are on the ropes. Puget Sound Energy is a major owner of the project.

The bill includes resources for workers to assist in the transition to a clean energy economy.

Debate in the House was intense, with Eastern Washington Republicans opposing the bill.

State Rep. Mary, R-Pomery, charged that the clean energy bill "takes wealth out of our free market economy," and would cost "good jobs, good work, honest work . . . the jobs that make our lives meaningful and worthwhile."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/legislatures-energy-plan-a-coal-free-washington-by-2025/ar-BBVRmW5

Wow. Because working in a coal mine is such a desirable profession.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Funny how Repubs are all worried about working folks these days...

[RainCaster]

2. Can we get our of the shipping of coal too?

That was one of the stupidest ideas. This is being done at the behest of China, who wants cheap coal for a short time. They are smart enough to invest in renewable energy, where are we? We will still be paying for the debt drawn up to create the port and rail facilities long after the income has gone away.