Conference spotlight: Climate science and our changing hydrograph

Dr. Joe Casola of the UW’s Climate Impacts Group will provide the framing address for the NW Energy Coalition’s Clean & Affordable Energy Conference. He will prepare the audience for the policy panels that follow by providing the latest climate science, with a focus on the Northwest’s changing hydrograph and how these changes affect hydropower production and salmon survival.

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Earn MCLE credits at NWEC's Dec. 3 conference!

Attorneys practicing energy law in Washington state can earn MCLE credits by attending the NW Energy Coalition’s Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, Dec. 3 in Seattle! Lawyers will benefit from in-depth insights into the regulatory and legal frameworks of our regional power system, as well as existing legislation such as the Clean Air Act and upcoming policies such as the Clean Power Plan.

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OpEd: A clean energy plan to benefit all Montanans

Affordable and reliable electricity are the backbone of a strong economy. They ensure that Montana families don’t have to choose between buying food and paying the electric bill. Electricity prices are also critical to the success of our state’s businesses and communities.

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Press Release: Draft power plan relies on energy efficiency

The new proposed power plan for Northwest states calls for meeting growing electric needs by using the power we have more efficiently and sees no immediate regional need for any new gas-fired plants. On Wednesday, the region’s official power planning agency, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, approved the draft of its seventh regional plan.

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Coalition study finds negligible cost for effective salmon recovery action

Nearly 35 years after the Northwest Power Act mandated equal treatment for fish and power generation in the Columbia-Snake system, 13 of the basin’s wild salmon and steelhead stocks are still listed under the Endangered Species Act. Recovery will require, among other measures, changes in hydropower system operations that will reduce electricity generation, such as dam removal or greatly increased spill over the dams. What would replacing the power cost Northwest energy consumers and how does it compare to escalating costs of maintaining aging power system infrastructure?

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Coalition honors clean energy leaders with Headwaters awards

Two clean energy pioneers have been honored for their efforts with NW Energy Coalition Headwaters awards. Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh recently presented colorful plaques and vials of water drawn from the headwaters of the Columbia River – Columbia Lake in British Columbia, to Alan Zelenka and Mike Nelson.

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