Alex Brown

Insurance experts say it’s a national warning sign, as the effects of climate change cause private insurance companies to pull back on coverage in disaster-prone areas, leaving states and their residents to assume more of the risk.

Leaders in conservative and liberal states alike have long touted the benefits of a region-wide market. But some skeptics worry about merging the power systems of states with varying climate goals.

Oregon lawmakers have passed a pair of bills to enable “microgrids” within the larger power system.