Inslee 2020
For Immediate Release: Saturday, June 8, 2019 
Contact: Inslee Press

Inslee Releases Billboards Taking on MidAmerican

Inslee is the only 2020 candidate to call for an end to burning coal to power America's electrical grid

Des Moines, IA – Washington Governor Jay Inslee unveiled three billboards surrounding MidAmerican Energy’s headquarters in Des Moines, IA today, while in Iowa to attend the Iowa Democrats Hall of Fame dinner on Sunday. The ads demand that MidAmerican put an end to its destructive practice of burning coal.
 
Despite promises that the company would make progress toward 100% renewable energy, MidAmerican continues to operate five coal-powered plants, generating 30% of its power from coal. MidAmerican alone is responsible for 60% of Iowa’s carbon emissions from energy production.
 
“As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, there is no excuse for companies like MidAmerican to continue harming Iowan families by burning coal,” said Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday. “From flooded homes, to devastating drought, Iowans are seeing the impact of our changing climate firsthand. It has never been more important to elect a president who will take bold steps to transition the U.S. to 100% clean energy. You’re not serious about defeating the climate crisis unless you are willing to confront the fossil fuel industry. I am up to the task.”
 
MidAmerican’s continued use of coal puts it at odds with the industry’s move toward more affordable clean energy options that could lower energy costs for consumers, according to recent data. MidAmerican competitors Consumers Energy and NV Energy and Pacificorp are both making progress toward retiring their coal plants.
 
Gov. Inslee’s #NoMoreCoal billboards can be found outside the MidAmerican HQ building at 666 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, and images of the billboards are available here.