Washington utilities plan natural gas plants despite 2045 clean energy mandate

Washington's utilities are proposing new natural gas generation capacity despite a state law requiring carbon-free electricity by 2045, raising questions about how the sector plans to meet its decarbonization deadline.

First covered Aug 9, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 1 article

Washington utilities plan natural gas plants despite 2045 clean energy mandate — Image via seattletimes.com

Coverage

11h via Bluesky WA wanted clean energy. But utilities plan fleet of gas plants — WA's utilities must go carbon-free by 2045. So why are they turning now to natural gas?

More coverage from around the web

bdlaw.com Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act Establishes Aggressive Mandates for Grid Decarbonization and Renewable Energy Production

capitalpress.com Northwest power plan to embrace more natural gas | Capital Press

chronline.com Washington state wanted clean energy. But utilities plan fleet of gas plants | The Daily Chronicle

utc.wa.gov Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA)

choosewashingtonstate.com Washington State's clean technology industry

Discussion

Bluesky: @volts.wtf David Roberts · 6h ago · 245 ♥ I admit, when WA passed a law mandating a carbon-free electricity system by 2045, it did not occur to me that utilities would simply ignore the law & double down on gas plants. Laws mean nothing without credible, visible enforcement.

Appeared in: 2026-08-09 (#1) · 2026-08-10 (#1)

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