Announcements
A community adapts to life after coal
How a community, a company, and environmental groups are building the future Even before Centralia, Washington was founded, coal was being mined there. So, by the time the town was formally incorporated in 1886, the local mine was already its largest employer. Then, in 1971, Washington’s largest coal-fired power plant opened in Centralia and, between…
Read MoreOctober 5 is Energy Efficiency Day! Here’s why it matters.
Why is there an Energy Efficiency Day? Because all of us, especially policymakers, need to be reminded that, as we pursue economic growth and jobs, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, a transition to a clean electric system, and affordable energy now and in the future, energy efficiency is doing the heavy lifting. We hear about…
Read MoreNWEC seeks 2 board members
Board of Directors Application Information The NW Energy Coalition is seeking to fill two positions on its Board of Directors. The Coalition is a non-profit alliance of more than 100 environmental, consumer, civic, and human service groups; progressive utilities; energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses, and other Northwest organizations. The 15-member Coalition Board includes representatives…
Read MoreNo time to retreat on energy efficiency: Part 2
Last week, part 1 of this post focused on the Northwest’s impending shortfall in meeting 7th Power Plan goals for energy efficiency as well as plans by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to cut funding for energy efficiency efforts by 10% in 2020 and 2021. That news comes against the backdrop of efforts by the Trump…
Read MorePitch in to pass I-1631 in Washington
Initiative 1631 promotes clean energy, jobs, and healthy communities in Washington by charging polluters a fee whose proceeds will be invested in renewable resources, forest and water protection, and helping communities. A free and easy way to help make sure I-1631 passes is to share posts through your social media accounts. Facebook Go here to follow Yes…
Read MoreGiveBIG and help the clean energy transition happen
Please help. The GiveBIG campaign is now accepting donations for the NW Energy Coalition. It’s the best way you can help the Coalition because your contribution will be compounded by additional gifts from Coalition board members and possibly from the Seattle Foundation, which sponsors GiveBIG. Since last year’s GiveBIG campaign, we’ve been able to add two policy staff members and pursue new initiatives in the areas of:…
Read More“Protect Washington Act” headed for this fall’s ballot
Washington’s Alliance for Jobs & Clean Energy, of which the NW Energy Coalition is a member, has filed a ballot initiative to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while generating jobs and growing the state’s clean energy economy. The Protect Washington Act will reduce incentives for industries to pollute and will generate funds that will…
Read MoreEnergy Efficiency bills advance in Oregon and Washington
With so much focus on the plunging cost of solar power, wind power, and now storage as well, it’s sometimes hard to remember that energy efficiency is still our most const-effective and production alternative energy resource, accounting for nearly 40% of all the carbon emission reductions we’ve achieved in the last decade. That’s why it’s…
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 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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