News
Washington state media lends support to energy efficiency
Two major Washington media outlets have come out in support of energy efficiency and Senate/House Bill 1017. The measure sets efficiency standards for those ubiquitous battery chargers used by the growing number of electronic devices in our homes, as well as industrial and recreational chargers for forklifts and golf carts. The worst of these chargers waste up to 60 percent of the electricity they consume.
Read MoreRon Simms on I-937: People power means clean power for the people of Washington state
Washington voters in 2006 approved the state’s clean-energy law, Initiative 937, setting new standards for energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. It was a vote for clean energy, new economic investment and a brighter future.
If you’re following the state legislative session, you might think voters were mistaken. Our legislators introduced more than 20 bills to amend or gut the law this year alone. But while some legislators seem to think I-937 is bad for Washington, I’m with the governor in recognizing that it’s good for the economy, good for consumers and good for the environment…
Read MorePower plan assessment shows energy efficiency on track to meet regional goal
An assessment by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council shows that the efficiency of electricity use continues to improve and that the region is on track to meet the Council’s goal to improve efficiency. Meanwhile, development of renewable resources, mainly wind power, has continued but the pace may slow in the future.
Read MoreExecutive Director Sara Patton on BPA's next 75 years
For 75 years, the Bonneville Power Administration has been intrinsic to the growth and prosperity of the Northwest. BPA has been a boon to the Northwest’s economy and a clean energy leader. To meet the challenges – many unforeseeable — of the next 75 years, BPA must deepen its commitment to the long-term health of the region while becoming more open to all of its stakeholders. And it must be agile enough to respond to big changes…
Read MoreClean energy advocates provide action plan for climate change solutions
Clean energy advocates and leaders from across the West are urging policymakers to enact policies and support investments in renewable energy and efficiency that would modernize our electric system while slashing greenhouse gas emissions. With President Obama calling for action to address climate disruption in his State of the Union address, and thousands marching on Washington last weekend, a series of white papers and a video are being released to help illustrate how adopting a Clean Energy Vision rather than business as usual will move the West forward…
Read MoreWashington's SHB 1017 – Equipment Efficiency Standards
Good for the Consumer, Good for the Environment, Good for the Economy
Already, refrigerators, furnaces, exit signs, commercial hot-food holding cabinets and many more products are meeting federal or state efficiency standards. HB 1017 would add the next generation of low-cost, high benefit measures to Washington’s existing efficiency standards, saving energy, reducing water waste and saving millions of dollars on consumer utility bills..
Read MoreNews Tribune: State Senate moving backward on 3 fronts, says Inslee
Wash. Gov. Jay Inslee waded into the legislative fray Wednesday with his most pointed comments so far in state lawmakers’ 25-day-old session, taking aim squarely at ideas put forward by the Republican-dominated Senate majority.
“I’m very concerned that the Senate already has gone backwards on two areas,” the Democratic governor said, citing workers’ compensation and clean energy…
Read more online at The News Tribune
Read MoreStatement by executive director Sara Patton on the appointment of new BPA Administrator
The NW Energy Coalition congratulates Bill Drummond for being named as Bonneville Power Administration’s next administrator. BPA is critical to our region’s prosperity, and its leadership affects families, businesses and communities throughout the Northwest.
We have high hopes that the new administrator will draw on his extensive public power experience while working to serve the broad public interest…
Read MoreWashington policy analyst Murray honored for energy efficiency efforts
Chuck Murray, senior energy policy analyst for the Washington State Department of Commerce, has been honored by the NW Energy Coalition for his years of dedicated public service in support of energy efficiency. The award cites his leadership in implementing state energy policies including the Clean Energy Act (I-937), the Efficiency First legislation, appliance efficiency standards, the state energy strategy and the Governor’s Climate Action Team recommendations.
Read MoreCelebrating Washington's Clean Energy Success
Voters passed Initiative 937 in 2006 to build on Washington’s clean energy heritage. At the time, new renewable energy made up less than 1% of the region’s electricity mix, even though new renewables would reduce risks and boost our economy. Six years after its passage, I-937 is doing exactly what Washington voters wanted. Official utility…
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