Puget Sound Energy’s Transition to Cleaner Energy
Washington State’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA)—one of the most ambitious pieces of climate legislation in the country—passed in 2019 and set the trajectory to decarbonize the state’s electricity supply by 2045. As Washington’s oldest and largest utility, PSE is now working to implement this transformation through acquisition of renewable energy at an unprecedented scale and pace. Having achieved the first benchmark of eliminating coal from their electric portfolio at the end of 2025, PSE continues to work with customers, emerging technologies, and communities throughout the region to reach upcoming milestones. In this presentation, Liz Purdy will outline the policies, projects, and opportunities that are building toward this clean energy future.
About the Speaker
Liz Purdy has worked for PSE since 2021, focusing on community partnerships to drive solutions for the clean energy transition. She holds a Masters in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute and is a proud alum of Gonzaga University. Liz brings her creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening ear to navigate the complex intersection of our environment, economics, policy, and culture—and how it all shows up throughout our PNW communities. Past experiences working for nonprofits and local government have guided her understanding of what successful public-private collaboration entails. Her prior work in Alaska and Montana took her on fishing vessels in Bristol Bay, rivers in Southeast Alaska, and exploring public lands throughout Greater Yellowstone. Back at home in the Northwest, she strives to get outside each day to soak up the beauty around us.
Environmental Speaker Series
The Environmental Speaker Series is hosted by the College of the Environment at Western Washington University.
The Series is free and open to the public. Talks are held each Thursday at 4:30 pm in Academic Instructional Center West room 204 - AW-204. Parking is available in lot C.