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

The Legislature's clean energy bill could be a final nail in the coffin of the big Colstrip plant, pictured here, in southeast Montana. It is partially owned by Puget Sound Energy. Two units are scheduled for shutdown, the other two are barely hanging on. less The Legislature's clean energy bill could be a final nail in the coffin of the big Colstrip plant, pictured here, in southeast Montana. It is partially owned by Puget Sound Energy. Two units are scheduled ... more Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Legislature's energy plan: A coal-free Washington by 2025 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

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.

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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."

But solar installers are in demand these days, and the state's wind power industry can be witnessed between Ellensburg and Vantage, and along U.S. Route 26 between Pasco and Walla Walla.

"I know in my heart and soul this will be one of the most important moves I will ever take," said State Rep. Gael Tarleton, D-Seattle, a backer of the bill. It will be, she added, "the chance to build a 21st century economy beyond coal."

"We must have the courage to take on this challenge," said Tarelton.

Citing impacts climate change is already having in Washington, from fires to floods to ocean acidification, Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, added: "This bill is for the kids, our children's children and their children."

Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Selah, countered that the clean energy mandate "forces the people of Washington to pay for the environmental sins of the entire world. It will "send us down a path so we could have brownouts by 2030," Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley said.

Dire predictions of lights flickering out and slowing economic growth have followed environmental legislation for nearly 50 years since the first Earth Day in 1970.

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Rep. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, a Western Washington University economist, noted the doom forecast by opponents of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Air Act, two seminal environmental laws passed during the Nixon Administration. None of the predictions came true.

Washington, Oregon and California, states called the "Left Coast" by Wall Street Journal editorial writers, have defied the Trump administration, and pressed ahead on fronts ranging from fuel efficiency to vehicle emissions to clean energy.

A succession of coal port and oil port proposals have met with public resistance. President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that seeks to eviscerate a Clean Air Act provision used by the Department of Ecology to deny permits to the Millennial Bulk Terminal coal port proposed for Longview.

The Democrats' capture of the Washington State Senate in 2017, and expanded majorities in both houses of the Legislature, has cleared the way of "green" Legislation proposed by Inslee. He is now running for President on the issue of climate change.

Curiously, what is the worst of times for environmentalists across America -- with a federal government loaded down with carbon industry lobbyists -- has become the best of times for the movement in this Washington.

"Washington is one step closer to building a clean economy for everyone and setting the tone for states across the country," Rebecca Ponzio of Washington Conservation Voters said.