Students are bringing greater awareness of Puget Sound Energy’s relationship with coal to the Bellevue College community. As one of the largest energy providers in the state of Washington, PSE has taken great steps towards the introduction of alternative and cleaner sources of energy for its customers and energy conservation measures that are directly benefiting Bellevue College. With continued investments in local wind farms, hydroelectric dams, residential solar arrays, and other programs, PSE has become a trusted partner in building Washington’s alternative energy industry.
However, over one-third of the energy powering the homes and businesses of PSE’s customers continues to originate from coal, largely from the Colstrip Generating Station in Eastern Montana. Bellevue College has taken a number of measures to promote environmental sustainability throughout our campus and community and is striving for carbon neutrality. To illustrate this, Bellevue College has turned to alternative energy sources, including a newly installed photo voltaic solar array and ground source heating and cooling. Right now the Bellevue College community has a unique voice in the matter with PSE’s headquarters in Bellevue and with many BC students and staff being PSE customers themselves. Students kicked off the campaign during BC’s Earth week when Seth Ballhorn from the Sierra Club spoke to students about the dangers of coal and PSE’s Colstrip Generating Station in Montana. Colstrip, which is partially owned by PSE, has been Rated the 8th dirtiest Colstrip in the Nation and provides 20% of PSE’s energy. Montana locals living in the area have called it a detriment to their public health and the environment. Why is Coal a problem?
- Coal produces the highest carbon footprint of all fossil fuels, amounting to 28.3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, CCES)
- With the highest carbon content of all the fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions from coal combustion represented 28.3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. (CCES)
- 20% of Bellevue College’s carbon footprint comes from coal produced by Puget Sound Energy;
- Clean, renewable energy alternatives (wind, solar) need skilled workers to construct them in Washington State, but PSE needs to see greater demand from individuals and institutions.
Students at Bellevue College voice concerns about coal. In only a matter of a few weeks, campaign volunteers gathered over 500 signatures from Bellevue College students and staff in favor of PSE abandoning the use of coal fired power plants. And now many students will be attending the Coal-Free PSE Press Conference scheduled next week on Mercer Island. Bellevue College has a momentous opportunity to help PSE move away from coal and invest in a new generation of clean air and clean power. If you are interested in attending the Coal-Free PSE Press conference, RSVP Magenta Loera at Magenta.Loera@bellevuecollege.edu WHEN: Thursday, May 30th at 3:00 p.m. (photo shoot at 3:30pm) followed by a picnic BBQ from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Mercer Island Park on the Lid (meet up at West I-90 Lid Park) [Map] followed by the BBQ picnic at the Mercer Island Park on the Lid Picnic Shelter (near 72nd Avenue SE & SE 22nd Street Park Overpass) [Map]
Last Updated March 10, 2014