LaGrande Hydroelectric Power Plant | Washington, USA

LaGrande is a hydroelectric power plant located in Washington, United States, with a generating capacity of 64 megawatts. Owned by the City of Tacoma, the facility is currently operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant utilizes hydropower technology, a low-carbon energy source that relies on water flow to generate electricity. In the United States, hydroelectric facilities like LaGrande are subject to federal regulations under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and environmental compliance, as well as state-level water rights and environmental laws. As a hydroelectric plant, LaGrande produces electricity without direct CO2 emissions, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location in the Pacific Northwest leverages the region's abundant water resources, and the plant plays a role in meeting local renewable energy targets.

Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flow and fish passage. The LaGrande plant operates in a region with significant hydropower infrastructure, and its environmental impact is managed through FERC licensing conditions that include fish ladders and minimum flow requirements. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with the plant situated in a rural part of Washington.