Legislative Advocacy
The path for gas utility decarbonization in Washington state
The transition from gas to electricity is well underway in Washington state in response to both climate change and bold state policies designed to address it. State climate policies set progressive targets, like the Clean Energy Transformation Act requiring 80% of electric utilities’ resources to be clean (renewable or non-emitting) by 2030 and 100% clean…
Read More2024 Washington Legislative Session Wrap Up
This year’s “short” legislative session ended on March 7th. Despite the abbreviated timeline, a flurry of bills created a busy year for advocates and legislators in Olympia. This year, the Coalition focused its advocacy on decarbonizing the energy sector, implementing the new Transportation Electrification Strategy, and solar consumer protections. Here’s a snapshot of some wins in…
Read More2023 Oregon Legislative Session Wrap Up
The Oregon Legislative session adjourned on Sunday, June 25th. Despite a 43-day walkout by Senate Republicans, 2023 ended up being a fairly successful legislative session. Energy issues were not expected to play a big role (we’re still working on implementing all the big policies we passed in 2021) but some important steps were taken in…
Read More2023 Montana Legislative Session Wrap Up
The 2023 Montana State Legislature adjourned on May 2nd, 2023, the 87th legislative day. Republicans held a super majority and the ability to override a Governor veto. While much of the attention was placed on social issues, several anti-clean energy bills passed. A large focus was placed on eliminating the ability for localities to make…
Read More2023 Washington Legislative Session Wrap Up
The 2023 Washington State Legislative session concluded on April 24 and there were several significant victories for clean, affordable, and equitable energy. This year’s legislative session was a “long session,” during which the capital and operating budgets are passed. It was also the first year that revenue was available from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA)…
Read MoreLegislative Priorities for 2023
Each year, the NW Energy Coalition advocates at the state level for priority bills and funding to advance a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future. This year’s state legislative sessions are kicking off this month. See our priorities for Washington, Oregon, and Montana below. Washington Investments in Clean Energy and Building Retrofits This year’s legislative…
Read MoreWashington’s 2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
Every year, the Washington State Legislature gathers in Olympia, WA to craft, debate, and pass legislation that will be sent to the Governor and, if signed into law, will impact their constituents for years to come. The 2022 session recently ended on March 10. In this year’s session, the NW Energy Coalition worked hard to…
Read MoreSecond Quarter News at the Coalition
This newsletter is a snapshot of the work the Coalition and broader community have engaged in over the past quarter. It highlights but does not include all of the work staff are doing behind the scenes with members and other stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to share these updates with you! Justice, Equity, Diversity,…
Read MoreWashington’s Legislative Session Wrap-Up
During the 2021 Washington Legislative Session, we worked hard to support passage of policies and develop programs in Washington that advance transportation electrification, energy affordability, and investment in clean energy and efficient buildings. Last Sunday, April 25, the 2021 Washington legislative session wrapped up. The 2021 session was a historic session for climate and clean energy in Washington. Here are the highlights: NWEC’s Priorities The following bills are ones…
Read MoreWA Climate Legislation Implementation
Following the passage of important climate legislation in the 2019 session of the Washington legislature, many rulemakings are now underway to implement the intent of that legislation. Rulemaking for most of these bills concluded in 2020, while others will extend into 2021 or further. The NW Energy Coalition was involved in many of these proceedings;…
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