Climate & Energy
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The Case for Retiring Northwest Oil Refineries
It is impossible to meet our climate targets without refinery decommissioning. -
Cascadia’s Carbon Budget
Current legislative emissions goals are not consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. -
Northwest Climate Goals Are at Odds with a Few State Energy Efficiency Rules
Sightline recommends targeted fixes to Oregon and Washington utility incentives -
States Must Reform Zoning Because No City Can End a Shortage Alone
The core issue: When a city couldn’t fix a problem even if it tried, it has no reason to try. -
Supercharging Cascadian Decarbonization
Four antidotes for the poison pill in Northwest energy building finance laws. -
Washington State Leads the Nation on Climate Action
Decades of organizing and political leadership finally paid off -
Climate Action in the Courts
Two lawsuits seek to hold corporations responsible for the extraction and promotion of fossil fuels. -
Planning For Coal Mine Closures In the Powder River Basin
New analytical model reveals which remaining mines and communities are most at risk from unplanned shutdowns. -
Push-Me-Pull-You: Local And Provincial Tensions In BC Housing Policy
Will BC take a cue from US states and act on local zoning reform?
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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Planning for coal mine closure in the Powder River Basin
New analytical model reveals which remaining mines and communities are most at risk from unplanned shutdown -
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.
Press Clips
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LeResche: It’s past time to prepare for coal country’s future
Casper Star Tribune June 3, 2021
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Wyoming energy gleanings
Mountain Town News May 25, 2021
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Powder River Basin mines hit hard as coal declined — report
E&E News May 20, 2021
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Coal’s decline hits Powder River Basin mines differently
WyoFile May 18, 2021
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As debate rages over cross-border pipelines, U.S. analysts brace for more oil by rail
Toronto Star April 16, 2021