Title
Approval of a Resolution Affirming Olympia’s Commitment to a Clean Energy Future and Support for Retirement of the Colstrip Coal Plant in Montana by 2025
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to adopt the Resolution affirming Olympia’s commitment to a clean energy future, support for retirement of the Colstrip coal plant in Montana by 2025 and that Colstrip power be replaced with renewable generation, energy efficiency, storage, and demand responsive grid management.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council will adopt the Resolution affirming Olympia’s commitment to a clean energy future.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) continues to own and operate the Colstrip power plant, a coal-fired power plant in Montana and the third largest carbon polluter in the United States that in 2015 released greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 3.5 million passenger cars. Coal power production results in large quantities of air pollutants which are linked to asthma, lung disease and premature death, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury and fine particulates that lodge deep in the lungs. The proposed resolution, drafted by Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Jones, is consistent with the Council’s prior communications with PSE asking them to move away from coal-fired power.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Protection of public health is always of community interest.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution as presented.
2. Amend, then take action to approve the Resolution as amended.
3. Take no action.
Financial Impact:
None
Attachment:
Resolution