Trump Administration Mandates Coal Use by Washington’s Largest Polluter
The Trump administration has granted a temporary reprieve to Washington state’s largest source of climate pollution, the TransAlta coal power plant in Centralia. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order that allows the plant to continue operating for an additional 90 days. This decision comes just two weeks before the plant was set to cease coal burning as mandated by state law.
Coal Use Mandate in Washington
The emergency order justifies its necessity by claiming that the Centralia plant’s coal power is crucial for maintaining grid stability in the Pacific Northwest during winter. However, local officials and environmental advocates have criticized this assertion, labeling it a fabricated crisis aimed at supporting a declining industry.
Concerns from State Officials
- Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown expressed concerns about the potential for increased costs and pollution.
- The Washington Department of Ecology reported that the Centralia plant has been the state’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.
In 2011, state legislation mandated the shutdown of the plant’s coal boilers by 2020 and 2025. Despite having only one boiler operational, Centralia continues to contribute significantly to the state’s pollution levels.
Electricity Demand and Reliability Assessment
As the demand for electricity rises, particularly with the growth of data centers and electric vehicles, utilities are facing challenges in meeting future needs. Industry experts, such as Lauren McCloy from the Northwest Energy Coalition, caution that while there are long-term concerns for resource availability, the current situation does not warrant an emergency declaration.
The Department of Energy cites a winter reliability assessment from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, suggesting that peak conditions this winter can be managed with existing resources. The assessment indicates that if extreme weather affects the entire region, additional power may not be accessible.
The Path Forward for Centralia’s Power Plant
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding energy and pollution, TransAlta is evaluating the emergency order. Meanwhile, Puget Sound Energy, Washington’s largest utility, holds a long-term agreement to purchase coal power from Centralia until the end of December.
Transition to Natural Gas
- TransAlta recently announced plans to convert the Centralia plant to natural gas, which would enable it to operate for another 16 years.
- This shift could position it as Washington’s largest gas-burning facility.
However, environmental groups are raising alarms about the implications of continued fossil fuel reliance, particularly given the methane emissions associated with natural gas. As legal challenges to federal orders supporting coal (like those in Michigan) mount, Washington’s governance around this issue will be closely monitored in the coming months.
