Last night was Seattle's Northwest Power & Conservation Council's hearing on its Draft 7th Power Plan. Upwards of 60 residents from the Puget Sound area turned out; and so many people signed up to testify that the Council lengthened the hearing.
The Northwest Energy Coalition and Renewable Northwest aided in grassroots and grasstops outreach and coordination, going so far as to offer their own insightful analysis of the plan. The public hearings schedule and a link to comment on the plan can be found at the end of this post.
Speakers lauded the Council for identifying the power of energy efficiency and demand response programs to meet our energy demands in the Northwest over the next 20 years. Those speaking also attested to the fact that in undervaluing renewable energy, the Council's model is deeply flawed. Many denounced as "short-sighted" the Council analysis which would not retire any additional coal plants beyond those already slated to close. Three plants have closed across the region since the 6th Power Plan was drafted five years ago. With more closures in the works, a plan to transition into clean and renewable energy is indeed called for.
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council has held two hearings in Montana earlier this year and two more in Washington earlier this month. Later this month the Council will be in Boise, Idaho; and come December in Portland and Eugene, Oregon.
Seattle activists proved that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Washington is ready to transition #BeyondCoal.