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Washington state passes 100 percent clean electricity legislation

PHOTO CREDIT: Legal Gavel

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5116 on Monday – a bill that will eliminate coal power by 2025 and transition the state to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity by 2045.

The bill passed the state House last week and now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.

"On this Earth Day, I couldn't be more proud of the Legislature's action to pass the country's most forward looking clean energy bill," Gov. Jay Inslee said in a news release.

“There are a number of other meaningful climate bills moving forward this legislative session, but more than any other, this bill will fundamentally transform Washington’s energy future and transition us to 100 percent clean energy.”

Washington is the first state in the Northwest, and fourth state in the country, to pass 100 percent clean legislation.

The bill will increase funding for energy assistance programs for low income households.

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