With a vote of 56-42, the Washington state House of Representatives passed a clean energy bill that would require the Evergreen State to use 100 percent clean energy for its electricity needs by 2045. The Associated Press reports that the amended bill goes back to the state Senate, but is expected to pass and get signed by Gov. Jay Inslee as one of his campaign promises.
The bill would require coal to be phased out by 2025, relying on a large amount of hydroelectric power until the state finds more carbon-free sources. This bit of legislation would potentially provide an even more stark juxtaposition of the conservative and progressive movements, with the Trump administration reportedly mulling over the idea of turning military bases on the coast of Washington state into coal export facilities.
When this bill is signed into law it will make Washington the fourth state, following Hawaii, California, and New Mexico, to commit to a 100 percent clean energy solution.