Washington to Retire Its Only Coal Plant in Landmark Clean Energy Deal
In a groundbreaking move for clean energy, the Sierra Club announced an agreement to retire Washington State’s only coal-fired power plant. The deal marks a major step in the state’s push toward a cleaner, healthier energy future.
Transitioning Away from Coal
The Centralia Power Plant, owned by TransAlta, has long been the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington. Now, after years of advocacy and negotiation, that chapter is coming to a close.
Under the agreement, one of the plant’s two coal boilers will shut down by 2020. The second will follow by 2025. That timeline gives local workers and communities time to plan for the transition—while immediately starting to reduce harmful emissions.
Clean Air, Clean Future
The deal was brokered with strong support from Governor Chris Gregoire. It also included collaboration with labor leaders, environmental advocates, and TransAlta executives. The result: a phased, realistic shift away from coal that doesn’t leave communities behind.
In exchange for retiring the plant, TransAlta will invest $55 million into a community transition fund. This money will support job training, economic development, and energy efficiency projects across Lewis County and beyond. Another $25 million will fund clean energy technologies in the state.
That’s not all. The agreement also puts an end to the plant’s current pollution exemptions. By 2013, TransAlta must install equipment to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions—an immediate health benefit for local residents.
From Coal to Clean Energy Leadership
This plan positions Washington as a clean energy leader. In fact, it will become the first U.S. state to voluntarily negotiate a transition away from coal power through a stakeholder-driven agreement.
Moreover, the closure reduces the state’s carbon emissions by millions of tons. That aligns with Washington’s 2008 Climate Action Plan and sets the stage for further renewable investments.
A Model for the Nation
The Sierra Club, a longtime critic of coal’s environmental impact, praised the deal as a model for other states. By working across party lines and economic interests, the agreement proves that it’s possible to protect both jobs and the environment.
Bruce Nilles, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, called it “a victory for public health, our climate, and the state’s clean energy economy.”
The Road Ahead
As the Centralia plant phases out, new opportunities will phase in. From solar and wind to energy efficiency upgrades, Washington can now accelerate its transition to a clean power grid.
By investing in workers, communities, and innovation, this agreement shows what’s possible when energy reform puts people first.
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