Hello Divest Washington,
Washingtonians are usually surprised to hear that the state pension fund is still invested in coal, the dirtiest form of energy.
The Washington Coal Act, SB 5439, would require the Washington State Investment Board to move an estimated $2.6 billion in assets out of coal companies and stop any new investments. Washington utilities can no longer burn coal after 2025, so we should not be investing in coal in other places.
The WA Coal Act aligns our public investments with our existing commitments to a clean energy future. The legislature has ruled that State utilities must quit burning coal as an energy source by the end of this year.
Divest Washington, Third Act Washington, union locals, faith communities, and state pension holders are urging Washington lawmakers to pass SB 5439. Senator Noel Frame is sponsoring the bill with 6 co-sponsors. The bill is now in the Ways and Means Committee.
ACTION:
Email your senator and urge ask them to support SB 5439. Find your senator at: https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/
Then look up their email in the list on the website.
Script: My name is ___. I am a constituent in your district. I am asking you to support the bill…
Talking points:
- Why you care about this bill—personally (your climate concerns)
- Financial Risks–Declining markets—coal’s role in U.S. and global energy is decreasing and is losing to cheaper energy sources like solar and wind. Shareholders (Pensioners) could bear the consequences.
- Pollution and Health Risks–Coal is the dirtiest form of energy—Burning coal releases carcinogenic toxins and pollutants.
- WA Clean Energy Transformation Act–WA electrical utilities can no longer burn coal, so why are we investing in it in other places?? (2019 Clean Energy Transformation Act)
Thank you!!
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