Read about our latest work on our blog.
Expanding Energy Democracy For Idahoans
Idaho has a tremendous opportunity to transition from being a dirty energy importer to a clean energy exporter in the Pacific Northwest. In Idaho we have the opportunity to build a clean energy economy that will lead the state into the future. The Idaho Sierra Club is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all Idahoans to participate in and benefit from the clean energy economy. We are a leading advocate with our utility companies on resource planning, energy regulators to ensure fair valuation of clean resources, local leaders on innovative programs to increase access to renewable energy, and the general public through our energy democracy advocacy.
Beyond Coal In Idaho
The Beyond Coal campaign’s main objective is to replace dirty coal with clean energy by mobilizing grassroots activists in local communities to advocate for the retirement of old and outdated coal plants and to prevent new coal plants from being built. Today, Idaho Power generates a large percentage of our electricity in coal plants located in Nevada, Wyoming, and Oregon. On average, these coal plants consume 19.2 million pounds per day, or about 220 pounds per second and are responsibly for emitting 5.2 million metric tons of CO2 each year.
Thanks to the Sierra Club's work with Idaho utilities, our regulatory bodies, and mobilization of grassroots support, we are winning the fight against coal in Idaho by advancing the retirement of Idaho’s dirty coal plants and advocating for investments in clean, renewable energy resources.
Read more about the recent efforts to move Idaho Beyond dirty energy sources below.
North Valmy Coal Plant: Victory!
We worked as a member on Idaho Power’s Integrated Resource Plan Advisory Committee and pushed for an evaluation and accelerated shut down of the North Valmy Coal Plant in Nevada. Subsequent economic analysis done by the Sierra Club proved that it was costing Idahoans money to keep the dirty coal burning. The Idaho Chapter and our coalition allies achieved a huge Beyond Coal victory! As part of a settlement deal between Idaho Power and Sierra Club released in May 2017, Idaho Power announced its intention to close the two units of North Valmy in 2019 and 2025.