Sightline Project

The Dirt on Coal

eutrophication&hypoxia, flickr

Here in the Northwest, coal feels like someone else’s problem. We know that much of the electricity that powers our homes comes from carbon-free hydropower, which can make flipping a light switch feel almost virtuous. But the numbers tell a different story: coal is big in the Northwest. In this series, Sightline researchers look at the region’s real reliance on coal and examine how we can get ourselves off the dirtiest of fuels.

 

Posts on The Dirt on Coal

Boardman Roundup

Oregon's coal plant hangs in the balance.

Climb Against Coal

Moms turned mountaineers sound off.

Clearing Oregon's Air

Oregon regulators want bigger concessions from dirty Boardman coal plant.

Cutting Through the Haze

Coal plant pollution: What's the deal?

Coal Ash Woe

The tale of a Montana town.

TransAlta is Sometimes Off

Do we really need coal power for a "stable" grid?

Centralia's Coal Emissions In Context

Like magically taking every car and truck out of King County.

Colstrip's Coal Power

It's here, there and everywhere.

Booting Coal: It's a Gas, Gas, Gas

Recently-added gas power could nearly replace Washington's coal-fired power output.

Cashed Coal Plants

How long will coal plants stay in business?