Climate & Energy
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It’s Been 138 Years since Seattle Last Updated Its Fracked Gas Utility Contract
There’s precious little in the city’s franchise agreement to protect the public’s health and environment. -
Two pen strokes could help wean Washington off of natural gas
Giving local governments more power to leverage franchise fees could help combat the climate crisis. -
Seattle’s Latest Housing Reform Shows How Environmentalists Are Rethinking Cities
A unanimous city council vote and broad environmentalist support reflect a consensus that compact communities are a crucial climate solution. -
Climate Activist Faces Jail Time After Failed Necessity Defense
Donald Jose David Zepeda was convicted by a jury on charges related to his 2017 attempt to shut off tar sands pipeline. -
Listen In: New Audio Documentary ‘Holding the Thin Green Line’
The project explains the stakes if some of the largest fossil fuel projects in the Northwest come to pass. -
How Franchise Agreements Can Free Cities from Fracked Gas
These contracts could help untangle cities' reliance on the gas industry. -
Purchase of PRB Coal Mines Puts the Navajo Nation at Risk
The Navajo Nation could face nearly $1 billion in liabilities to clean up after a coal company. -
Should Northwest Cities Ban Fracked Gas in New Buildings?
Evidence says natural gas is a climate killer, but our infrastructure is deeply entrenched in it. -
Silicon Smelter Project Represents Big Questions for PNW Leaders
What we can learn from Pend Oreille’s struggle with clean energy, Tribal rights, and fair process.
Climate change and ocean acidification are already costing the Northwest big: they are killing our shellfish, igniting massive wildfires, causing floods and landslides, and upping asthma rates and other public health impacts across the region. We face a critical juncture in deciding our future. As the greenest region of the wealthiest country in history, we stand as a thin green line between inland US coal, oil, and gas and fickle Asian energy markets eager to burn our fuel and send us the pollution.
We also have the opportunity to rise as a climate policy leader and make polluters pay for their carbon pollution. Oregon and Washington State could enact world-class carbon pricing measures, joining British Columbia and California to form a powerful West Coast bloc committed to a cleaner future, to polluter accountability, and to a healthier climate. Sightline Institute’s climate and energy research answers the big questions on how best to achieve this vision.
Recent Reports & Graphics
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How Kinder Morgan’s Bankers Are Funding a Tar Sands Pipeline
Some banks are saying exactly the right things, but their money is doing the opposite. -
British Columbia’s LNG Industry Faces Gloomy Economic Prospects in Today’s Global Market
A Sightline Institute energy market update. -
Northwest Targets: Communities Threatened by Coal, Oil, and Gas
Risk assessment shows Columbia River, Tacoma, and Cherry Point are in the crosshairs of the fossil fuel industry.
Press Clips
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Navajo Nation rips support of coal company
Indian Country Today November 15, 2019
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Reopening of Blackjewel mines possibly delayed over permit snag
Casper Star Tribune October 9, 2019
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Bankrupt Wyoming coal firm under investigation for fraud
Associated Press October 7, 2019
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Cloud Peak Energy’s unprecedented property write off
Casper Star Tribune October 7, 2019
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Views: When coal companies go under, workers foot the bill
Morning Call August 7, 2019