Posts by Sean O'Leary
Oregon Department of Energy incentive programs sunsetting and moving
The end of the year will see bring a close to three Oregon energy incentive programs include the popular Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC). Meanwhile, three other programs will move to other state agencies. These include two new programs — the Zero Emissions Vehicle Rebate Program, which will be administered by the Department of Environmental…
Read MoreCoalition members offer weatherization and bill assistance services
Community service and advocacy organizations make up a vital segment of the Coalition’s membership. At a time when many state and local policies to support renewable energy are criticized as being “welfare for the rich”, these organizations help make sure that the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency reach those who need it most.…
Read MoreStudy shows EV’s save $800/year in fuel costs
The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a new report, Going from Pump to Plug: Adding up the Savings from Electric Vehicles. The report compares fuel and maintenance costs of driving on electricity versus gasoline. For more, read the press release and How Much Does It Cost to Charge in Your City? blog. While the environmental benefits of driving electric…
Read MoreSolar Plus Northwest aims to triple region’s solar energy resources
The NW Energy Coalition has joined a broad coalition of stakeholders in supporting Solar Plus, an in initiative that’s working to triple the amount of solar energy installed in Washington and Oregon by 2019. The Solar Plus project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and brings together utilities, environmental…
Read MoreWe paid $14 million for a fish hatchery . . . and all its fish are dying
Idaho Statesman reporter, Rocky Barker’s latest installment examining the struggle to restore salmon and steelhead populations on the Snake and Columbia rivers. You might also enjoy Rocky’s earlier installments, which follow. The public paid $14 million for an Idaho hatchery — and all its fish have been dying Only 157 endangered Snake River sockeye salmon…
Read MoreDoes natural gas has a role in the clean energy future? Martha Baskin reports
From the Public Radio Exchange: Journalist Martha Baskin interviews three panelists from the recent Clean & Affordable Energy Conference panel on the role of natural gas as the Northwest transitions to a clean energy economy. Hear Martha Baskin’s report
Read MoreUpdated “50 States of Grid Modernization” report available
New report summarizes grid modernizations actions and proposals in all 50 states. The Department of Energy recently concluded that electric system reliability and resiliency are at risk due to the loss of what it calls “baseload” power resources — primarily coal-fired and nuclear. That claim has been largely debunked, but it raises the question of…
Read MoreWomen in Energy & Renewables Networking Happy Hour — Nov. 30, Portland
POWER PNW monthly meet-ups provide a welcoming and casual opportunity to meet peers, share ideas and opportunities, and educate colleagues about projects and initiatives of interest to the group. All women and men working in a field related to energy, solar or other renewables and interested in building a more diverse energy sector are invited, as are…
Read MorePacific NW Low Carbon Scenario Analysis presentation available
Arne Olson and E3 (Energy + Environmental Economics) have prepared a new study evaluating the effectiveness and cost of various policy approaches for achieving deep decarbonization of the electricity generating system in the Northwest. The approaches evaluated include carbon taxation and “cap and trade”, a prohibition on new natural gas development, increases in renewable portfolio…
Read MoreNatural Gas, Utility Biz Model Reform, & Just Transition at the Fall 2017 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference
The Fall 2017 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference was held on Thursday, November 2nd at the Seattle Hilton. More than 200 attendees gathered to explore issues related to energy, climate, and just transition and to network with colleagues from industry, advocacy organizations, and government. The following is a digest of the conference’s three major sessions…
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