Oregon lawmakers approve pioneering pro-climate coal bill
(AP) — Oregon lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to pioneering legislation that will eliminate coal from the state's energy supply by 2030 and provide half of customers' power with renewable sources by 2040.
"In terms of the coal phase-out, this really is precedent-setting," said Jeff Deyette, senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists who is an expert in state and federal policies on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Legislature's minority Republicans tried to fight the legislation, using delaying tactics to try to keep it from coming to a Senate floor vote before the legislative session adjourns this week.