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