Washington
MLB.com: Safeco first MLB park to illuminate field with LED lights
The baseball stadium’s new system will reduce glare and improve the overall atmosphere. The LED lamps last over 100,000 hours, or more than 30 years, compared to about 3,000 hours for metal halide lamps. And unlike the old lights, which needed a 20-minute warmup, LED lights respond instantly when switched on. The conversion will reduce energy consumption for field lighting by 60 to 70 percent.
Read MoreWebinar on utility-scale wind and natural gas peaking plants this Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. PST
As part of developing the region’s 7th Power Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s power committee is holding a webinar on specific generation resources tomorrow — Thursday, Jan. 29 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. The posted agenda items are (1) assessment of natural gas natural gas peaking plants (single-cycle combustion turbines or SCCTs and reciprocating engines) and (2) assessment of onshore utility-scale wind.
Read MoreWashington and Idaho members will lead the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in 2015
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council this month elected Washington and Idaho members to lead the four-state energy and fish and wildlife planning agency in 2015. Phil Rockefeller, appointed to the Council in 2011 by then-Governor Christine Gregoire, was elected chair of the Council. In 2014, Mr. Rockefeller served as chair of the Council’s Fish and Wildlife Committee. The Council also elected Idaho member Bill Booth as vice chair. Mr. Booth previously served in several Council leadership positions including two terms as chair, in 2008 and 2009.
Read More7th Power and Conservation Plan vehicle to clean energy future
Every five years, the region’s official power planning agency prepares an updated 20-year forecast of the Northwest’s electric power needs and a plan for how those needs should be met. The forthcoming 7th Plan will help us raise the bar higher, capitalize on our region’s clean energy success and set us on the course to a cleaner, more affordable and wildlife-friendly future. We need all hands on deck … starting now!
Read MoreNorthwest Power and Conservation Council seeks comments on direct natural gas use, aka 'fuel switching'
As it develops the 7th Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council is releasing a series of issue papers for public comment. This week the Council released its “Direct Use of Natural Gas Analysis,” with a comment period running through Feb. 20. Despite the potential thermal efficiencies of direct use, the Council has never considered switching from electric to gas heat to be conservation.
Read MoreHuffington Post blog: 6 reasons 2014 was a good year for climate action
There are many reasons to be joyous about clean energy advancements in 2014. The cost of solar and wind energy continues to fall, utilities are investing in energy storage and electric vehicle charging, Chinese coal demand is falling, sustainable investing is on the rise, and businesses are more vocal than ever on the need for climate action.
Read MoreClean energy advocates should rally behind governor's bold climate plan
On Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled a suite of proposals that would increasingly limit carbon pollution in the state and make major polluters pay for the carbon they do emit via a market-based allocation system. Revenues from the pollution permits – estimated at $1 billion in the first year – would go to transportation, particularly transit and electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure; relief for low-income communities; and education, to help meet court funding mandates.
Read MoreThe Columbian article: All-renewable energy eyed for Boeing plant
Boeing has announced it will assemble its 737 airplanes with renewable energy. The company will buy renewable energy credits from Puget Sound Energy for wind power produced at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar facility. NWEC communications director Marc Krasnowsky says, “They’re basically turning their fossil power green, and that’s laudable.”
Read MoreNWEC comments on EPA Clean Power Rule
Click here to view the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the EPA’s Clean Power Rule.
Read MoreNorthwest electricity consumers enjoying higher and higher energy savings
Northwest utilities and their customers continue to beat their regional energy efficiency targets and remain on-course to exceed the five-year savings goal established by the 6th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan. In 2013, the region achieved 268 average megawatts of energy efficiency. According to the region’s official power planning agency, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, that’s enough negawatts (energy savings) to satisfy the electricity needs of more than 180,000 Northwest homes.
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