Events in Olympia make it clear state lawmakers have yet to get their arms around the magnitude of the Northwest's energy crisis. The Legislature has produced bits and pieces of legislation in the name of shoring up the region's electricity supply but hasn't offered a comprehensive strategy to ensure the future of low-cost public power.
Some legislators appear ill-prepared to do so.
Lawmakers pronounced themselves finished with energy issues for the year shortly before they adjourned the regular session last week. Sure, streamlining the state's energy facility siting process could help more power plants get on line faster. But analysts agree such tactics will be of little long-term consequence. Like a lot of things this year, the legislation is more about what could get done rather than what should be done. Lawmakers missed this chance to help set a course for the future of Northwest power.