Posts by Alicia Healey
PRESS RELEASE: NW Energy Coalition statement on Department of Ecology’s new draft Clean Air Rule
The NW Energy Coalition applauds Gov. Jay Inslee and the Department of Ecology for their commitment to reducing Washington state carbon emissions. The draft Clean Air Rule released today is positive step toward that goal. The rule is a small step, however, and not nearly as complete as a comprehensive legislative solution needs to be.
Read MoreCoalition conference featuring Montana governor and NorthWestern Energy CEO draws big crowd in Missoula
Overflow crowds greeted Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe, and a host of renewable energy and energy efficiency advocates and providers at the Spring 2016 NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Missoula on May 19. More than 120 people from around the region attended this edition of the NW Energy Coalition’s twice-yearly conference, which rotates through Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. Coalition members returned the next day to elect board members, select annual award winners and strategize.
Read MoreMissoulian: "Renewable energy advocates discuss future of traditional utility companies"
NorthWestern Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe spent an hour taking questions from the audience about how Montana’s biggest energy utility plans to deal with the fate of Colstrip power plants, renewable energy sources and how traditional power companies will co-exist with changing public desires.
Read MoreIdaho's Snake River Alliance and partners roll out 'Solarize the Valley' campaign
A new program called “Solarize the Valley,” sponsored by the Snake River Alliance, is going to make rooftop solar energy more affordable and popular than ever before in the Treasure Valley, starting today. Out of the 1 million solar installations in America, less than .01% of them are in Idaho. But that’s about to change.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: Court strikes down feds' salmon plan again
The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon today invalidated the federal government’s 2014 Columbia Basin salmon biological opinion (salmon plan or BiOp). Judge Michael Simon ruled that this latest plan – like each of its four predecessors — violates the federal Endangered Species Act and additionally the National Environmental Policy Act. The Court sided with plaintiff fishing businesses, conservation groups, clean energy advocates, the State of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
Read MoreThank you for helping us reach our #GiveBIG goal!
Thank you for supporting the NW Energy Coalition! Despite the technical difficulties, we were able to reach our goal. Thank you to all of our supporters for helping us continue to build a clean, affordable and equitable energy future!
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: Good news for utilities, consumers and the climate as Gov. Inslee signs electric vehicle incentive bill
The region took another step toward its clean energy future today as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bipartisan bill improving state tax incentives for buying electric vehicles. House Bill 2778 raises the maximum purchase price for tax break-eligible vehicles to $42,500 from $35,000. With the increase, buyers of electric cars with 200-mile ranges such as the Chevy Bolt, the next-generation Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3 will save up to $3,100 in state sales taxes. Add in federal incentives and consumers can save up to $10,000 on an EV purchase.
Read MoreMontana's top political and energy leaders headline NW Energy Coalition conference
Gov. Steve Bullock will deliver the conference’s opening keynote. Bullock will outline his energy vision for Montana and look at how energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development and smart transmission can position Montana to take advantage of the new clean energy economy in the West. After lunch, Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh will facilitate a lively Q & A between NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe and all conference attendees.
Read MoreMember spotlight: Community Action Center of Whitman County
Low-income weatherization programs face challenges when homes are in disrepair and unsuitable for upgrades. Weatherization just doesn’t make sense when the roof has holes! In fact, community action agencies that deliver low-income weatherization services in rural areas find that half of eligible applicants live in substandard housing.
Read More2016 Washington legislature: The good, bad & ugly
Washington state’s highly dysfunctional and often-maddening 2016 legislative session and special session finally ended March 29. Going was tough in the ideologically revenue- and spending-averse Senate, though public-interest forces managed to fend off serious attacks on environmental protections.
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