House votes to pass the TransAlta Energy Transition Bill

Dear community member,

Today, the TransAlta Energy Transition Bill passed through the Washington State House of Representatives with an 87-9 vote.  Because the bill was amended in the House Environment and Capital Budget Committees, it will go back to the Senate for a vote no later than April 24 and lastly to the Governor for signature before becoming law.

TransAlta continues to support the bill because it addresses environmental concerns while minimizing economic impact to our employees, local community, ratepayers and our company.  The amendments did not significantly change the joint agreement that was reached between TransAlta, legislators, labor and environmental groups.  We are hopeful that the bill will continue through the Senate and be signed into law.

The TransAlta Energy Transition Bill still gives us the certainty we need in our operating environment.  We also intend to maintain operations in Washington State where we have developed a competitive position.  We are uniquely suited to fill the need for replacement generation with new capacity.  We are currently developing plans to construct a large-scale natural gas plant at the existing site.   As part of the bill, replacement generation in Lewis County will receive expedited permitting.  TransAlta has experience and expertise in operating natural gas facilities in the U.S. and across Canada.  We currently own over 1,800 MW of natural gas generation including a 248 MW natural gas facility at the Centralia site.  Technology for new natural gas plants will allow TransAlta to continue to provide reliable affordable power to Washington State and reduce emissions.
 

The TransAlta Energy Bill will be voted on by the Senate no later than April 24.  We will continue to update our Community Page as the bill progresses and invite you to check back regularly.

If you have concerns, questions or feedback, we want to hear from you.  Please email us at centralia@transalta.com

Sincerely,
Lou Florence
Director, Centralia Operations