If we all take steps together-- in our homes and neighborhoods and at the State capitol-- we can tackle global warming.  By making smarter energy and transportation choices, we can save money, create jobs, reduce air and water pollution and improve the health of our families.  Let's work together as voters, community leaders, businesses and families.  Let's make Washington State a COOL state! 

Beyond Coal Campaign

Coal provides about half of the United States’ electricity, and more than 30% of our global warming pollution. From the mine to the plant, coal is our dirtiest energy source. It causes asthma and other health problems, destroys our mountains, and releases toxic mercury into our communities.

Of all of our energy sources, dirty coal power is the biggest producer of greenhouse gasses. Washington State should be leading the nation towards a clean energy future, and yet we still get 17% of our energy from coal power. The Sierra Club is committed to a clean, secure energy future for Washington and has launched the Beyond Coal Campaign to make this a reality.

PSE coal plant on EPA's "high hazard" list

If you are a Puget Sound Energy customer, chances are up to 40% of your energy comes from coal. Much of that is produced in Colstrip, Montana and shipped over the lines to your home. PSE owns this coal plant. One of the dirty aspects of coal power is the waste it produces, called fly-ash, and is collected in holding ponds. The Colstrip plant's ash pond was included on the federal Environmental Protection Agency's list of 44 "high hazard" holding ponds.

View the coal plant and the dump here. (Click on Montana, highlight the satellite view and zoom in.)

Read our press release about the EPA's list.

Rally for the Climate, Green Jobs and Clean Air

On May 21, 2009, the EPA came to Seattle to ask us if we believed in the threat of global warming. The result was a phenomenal showing of support from 2,000 people gathered outside the EPA hearing urging the Obama Administration to take action on reducing global warming pollution. Hundreds of children and students joined members of the faith community, health officials, business leaders, environmental leaders, and elected officials called upon the administration and congress to address global warming pollution, create more green jobs and opportunity in the growing clean energy economy and end America’s dependence on dirty energy sources like coal. Click here to read more.

Roadmap to a Coal Free Northwest Released

The Northwest Energy Coalition, in partnership with the Sierra Club, has just released a report detailing how the NW can move away from coal.  The answer?  Energy efficiency first and then ramping up our renewable energy portfolio.  Read all about it.

Transportation Solutions

Transportation in Washington state is a big deal as our vehicles are the major cause of our green house gas emissions.  Click here to read more about what the Sierra Club looks for in a good transit plan and how you can get out of your car and into alternative transportation.

Read our new Solutions Fact Sheet on how tolling can help reduce congestion and global warming! Go to the Activist Tool Kit page and click on "Download Cool State materials."