PGE Proposes Huge New Gas-Fired Power Plant, Community Pushes Back
Dec. 16, 2016 (Portland, Ore.) — Community leaders and Oregonians from across the state are pushing back today on a proposal from Portland General Electric (PGE) to replace the coal-fired power plant in Boardman with a gas-fired power plant.
Advocates point to this year’s landmark legislation designed to transition Oregon away from fossil fuels like coal and toward clean energy sources, arguing that PGE’s move to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure goes against Oregonians’ overwhelming support for clean energy and will make it difficult for Oregon to meet its climate goals.
“Earlier this year PGE came to the table and committed to sunset their coal use in Oregon and double their clean energy commitments. They were given clear incentives to commit to renewables to meet their energy needs,” said Amy Hojnowski, Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. “Less than seven months later they’ve already violated the spirit of our partnership by proposing huge new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. Building a new gas-fired power plant at Boardman will lock Oregon into decades of climate-disrupting fossil fuel energy at a moment when clean energy sources like wind and solar are more affordable than ever. This is the wrong path for our state, and a disappointing step backward from PGE."
PGE filed a draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in September that includes significant wind energy, but also declares its intent to add up to 420 megawatts of generating capacity from a new natural gas facility at the existing Carty Generating Station site. The draft IRP is currently being examined by the Citizens Utility Board as well as stakeholders."
“We simply cannot afford to keep building fossil fuel infrastructure that locks-in climate pollution for decades,” said David Van’t Hof, Acting Oregon Director for Climate Solutions. “The new gas plant proposed by Portland General Electric is unnecessary and would be harmful to Oregonians. Oregonians support clean energy over dirty fossil fuels by wide margins, and our power needs can be met reliably and affordably by investing in clean energy.”
"PGE’s own plan shows that they could put together a clean, reliable, and cost-effective portfolio of resources to meet their customers’ needs without building another combined cycle gas plant,” said Rachel Shimshak, Executive Director of Renewable Northwest. “PGE’s analysis also highlights the potential costs and risks associated with a portfolio that relies heavily on investments in new natural gas. We challenge them to avoid the risks and costs of a new fossil fueled plant and instead focus on a clean portfolio that will serve customers well for the long term."
"PGE made a commitment to increase investment in clean energy and deliver what its customers want: more renewables," said Andrea Durbin, Executive Director of Oregon Environmental Council. "PGE should not backtrack on its obligation to renewable energy. Oregon should continue to lead on clean energy nationally."
"With each passing day, federal progress for climate protection and clean energy acceleration looks increasingly grim. Oregon should be a leader," said Doug Moore, Executive Director of Oregon League of Conservation Voters. "PGE must be part of the renewable future and leave fossil fuels in the past where they belong."
"Oregon is working diligently to reduce its reliance on highly polluting fuels like fracked natural gas. This proposal takes Oregon in the wrong direction, undercutting the region's effort to establish the cleanest energy system we can,” said Dan Serres, Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper. “While the federal government seems unlikely to take action on carbon pollution, Oregon needs to do better than committing to decades of fossil fuel power that harms our climate and stresses our natural systems."
"Oregon doesn't need new fossil fuel power plants. We can meet our energy needs by investing in renewable energy rather than dirty fossil fuels. With the federal government poised to move backward on climate and clean air protection, Oregon's leadership is more vital than ever," said Mia Reback, lead organizer with 350PDX. "At the same time when the City of Portland is taking concrete steps to prohibit new fossil fuel infrastructure, building new gas plants to power the City of Portland flies in the face of what the community wants and deserves."
###
