Oregon Governor Signs Landmark Anti-Coal Bill Into Law

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed one of the nation's most aggressive pieces of pro-climate legislation into law.

The measure signed on Friday makes Oregon the first state to eliminate coal from its energy supply by legislation, which will happen in phases through 2030.

It also requires utilities to provide half of their customers' power from renewable sources by 2040, which doubles the previous standard. That helps Oregon climb the ranks for renewable energy as well, joining five other states with the most stringent requirements in the U.S.

Brown and her fellow Democrats said it's an important step in Oregon's shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. Republican lawmakers strongly opposed it, citing concerns about rising consumer costs and overstated environmental benefits.


Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/oregon-governor-signs-landmark-anti-coal-bill-law-37586192

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By KRISTENA HANSEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
PORTLAND, Ore. — Mar 11, 2016, 3:14 PM ET

Short article. No more at link.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. awesome!

We got rid of nuclear years ago, this is another step forward. 😀

[snort]

2. I knew I picked the right State.

Thanks Kate!

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

3. Me too.

Now if we could just get Sen. Jeff Kruse to stop lying about how much coal plays in our power generation.

This is his own words in an email to me.

"Keep in mind that coal produced energy in Oregon accounts for 1.8% of the energy consumed in this state"

Not true, the actual amount of power the state receives from coal is about one third of all our power.

[Dont call me Shirley]

4. We need legislatures and governors like Oregon's all over the US

[passiveporcupine]

5. I'm really liking our new governor!