The Pacific Northwest's Bright, Energetic Future

The energy needs of folks in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia will nearly double by 2050, but the NW Energy Coalition says, "Don't sweat." In the new Bright Future report, the coalition gushes over the exciting opportunities for conservation and renewable energy in the region.

The report urges the already energy-conscious region to view the current environmental and economic challenges as opportunities to create new sustainable jobs, decrease pollution, and return salmon to Snake River. By retiring coal plants and mobilizing clean-energy industries, the Northwest can cover growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions for a mere $0.066 per kilowatt-hour increase on the average monthly energy bill.

The report is full of plans and confident suggestions, but it'll be up to citizens and the new administration to run with it.

--Jordana Fyne