Energy

KUOW Newsroom

Explosive demolition of coal plant underscores end of coal-fired electric generation in Oregon

A demolition contractor on Thursday imploded the towering smokestack and 19-story boiler building at Portland General Electric’s shuttered coal-fired power plant near Boardman, bringing a symbolic close to the era of coal-fired power generation in Oregon. Imported electricity generated from coal still flows through transmission wires across the Pacific Northwest, but that looks to be winding down soon, too.

KUOW Newsroom

California bans new gas cars by 2035. Northwest states to follow.

The California Air Resources Board voted Thursday to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars by the year 2035. The move is expected to trigger big changes in the Northwest and beyond.

Gas prices drop below $4 a gallon. These factors will determine what happens next

The national average price of gasoline has fallen below $4 a gallon. These are four key factors that could determine what happens next with prices at the pump.

KUOW Newsroom

Washington carbon exchange lets many big polluters off the hook

State officials are putting the final touches and taking public comment on the centerpiece of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s push to fight climate change. Critics say the state’s new system for capping greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters lets many of the worst climate offenders off the hook, forcing others to shoulder more of the burden of keeping the planet livable.

KUOW Newsroom

Surge in homes powered by the sun, but do your homework so you don't get burned

Solar power installations on home rooftops are surging in Oregon and Washington state. Alongside, you may have noticed an uptick in ads pitching rooftop solar, or even gotten an in-person solicitation. Some of the sales pitches contain dubious or potentially misleading claims. And now, consumer watchdogs are urging homeowners to do their homework before signing any contract.

KUOW Newsroom

Time is running out for salmon as the Snake River dam removal debate enters a new phase

‘If these dams were to be taken down for salmon recovery, it would be the largest dam removal ever in the world, and the first-ever takedown of federally owned dams.’ –Lynda Mapes

KUOW Newsroom

Renton neighbors object to storing climate-friendly batteries in their community

Just south of Seattle, a proposal for an industrial-scale energy storage facility has neighbors crying foul.