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Northwest States’ Green Energy Goals Stall for Lack of Power Lines

Washington, D.C., USA
May 13, 2025 1 Negative General
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Northwest States’ Green Energy Goals Stall for Lack of Power Lines
Oregon and Washington have passed ambitious laws to achieve carbon-free electricity but are struggling to build the actual infrastructure needed—particularly power lines that transport wind and solar energy from rural areas to cities. A federal agency overseeing much of the Pacific Northwest grid has been slow to invest in new transmission upgrades. Consequently, hundreds of proposed wind and solar projects remain in limbo, jeopardizing each state’s decarbonization timelines.
What this means for you:
• If you live in the Northwest, stay informed about local utility planning meetings—public pressure can accelerate grid improvements.
• Consider supporting community solar or smaller-scale renewable co-ops to bypass bottlenecks.
• In the meantime, reduce your own carbon footprint through energy efficiency at home.

Key Entities

  • • Bonneville Power Administration (BPA): A federal agency formed in 1937 to manage hydroelectric power and high-voltage transmission in the Pacific Northwest. It faces criticism for slow renewables integration.
  • • ProPublica/OPB Joint Investigation: Collaborative reporting by two newsrooms with a history of deep investigative journalism, focusing on systemic problems affecting local communities.

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