If you’re concerned about coal and carbon, you have an opportunity to make a difference in Washington State on October 10th in Olympia. A hearing organized by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) will allow residents to state their concerns with Puget Sound Energy’s electricity supply practices, which burns coal to power businesses and homes. Bellevue College is especially concerned with power produced from coal which significantly increases its carbon footprint.
Approximately 20% of campus power comes from coal, so in August 2013 Bellevue College’s president, Dr. David Rule signed a letter asking the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to stop the use of coal-fired power in Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE’s) Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). He wasn’t alone, as he engaged Cascadia Community College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology to sign the letter as well.
Bellevue College efforts against coal began when students voiced their concerns over the fuel-source in spring of 2013. Over 500 Bellevue College students, faculty, and staff signed a petition stating that they do not want coal-fired power on campus. This action on behalf of students was brought before the Associated Student Government (ASG) at Bellevue College, who also wrote to President Rule. They encouraged the College to voice concerns over PSE’s Draft Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) – a 20 year plan to continue burning coal. In doing so they may green not only our fuel supply but the larger community as well.
On August 16th, Bellevue College had the opportunity to state concerns over coal through making formal comments on the Draft IRP. The IRP is a planning document that Puget Sound Energy uses to explain how the utility estimates demand, pricing, and generation of its power. PSE must submit its Draft IRP to the Washington UTC – the regulating body for utilities. As a public organization, the Commission must hold utilities accountable to public interests. The public has an opportunity to comment on such documents and plans. Accordingly, Bellevue College’s comments on the Draft IRP were submitted to the UTC.
It has been a month since the comments were submitted and now the public has the opportunity to comment on the IRP in person. On October 10th, Bellevue College will be joining the Sierra Club and other organizations to attend the public hearing allowing for the decision makers to see and hear their concerns. Unlike the written comments, the public hearing allows UCT representatives to put a face and voice to the matter. The issue of coal affects us all and we encourage you to stand with us in Olympia as we testify in support of ending the use of coal and move forward with clean and renewable energy sources.
The public hearing will be held in Olympia on October 10th. Bellevue College will take a van and would love for you to join us. Please contact Sophia Trinh, Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator, if you wish to join. Please clink on the link for more information about the public hearing published by the UTC: UTC Notice
Last Updated January 14, 2014