WA lags behind other states in green energy growth

Soundside

Over the last 10 years Washington has passed a bevy of climate laws aimed at reducing the state’s carbon emissions.

That includes a carbon auction, a ban on coal in the state’s energy mix, and a requirement that the state reach net zero emissions by 2045.

But during that same period, energy production from renewable sources has actually declined slightly.

Oregon has set its sights on net zero emissions by 2050. It, too, has seen sluggish growth in renewable energy.

Both states rely on the Bonneville Power Administration to move energy across the state.

A new investigation from Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, found that the Bonneville Power Administration's aging grid may be stymieing decarbonization efforts in the Northwest.

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Guests:

Monica Samayoa, climate reporter at OPB

Tony Shick, investigative editor and reporter at OPB

Links:

How the Pacific Northwest’s dream of green energy fell apart

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