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No 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 MoreNo time to retreat on energy efficiency: Part 1
This week, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council staff updated Council members on regional energy efficiency savings and savings projections relative to the goals contained in the 7th Power Plan. The good news is that the region beat the 2-year milestone in the plan. The bad news is that the region is on a path…
Read MoreHeat Wave: Renewables pass a test, but greater challenges await
As the nation and parts of the Northwest swelter, at least one silver lining is emerging. The rise of renewable energy resources and the corresponding decline of fossil fuel resources have not compromised electric system reliability at a time when demand for electricity is hitting record highs. In the Northwest, temperatures have consistently topped 90…
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 MoreYES ON I-1631 in Washington
If you believe that Washington should take additional action to combat pollution and climate change – and according to recent polling, the vast majority of Washingtonians do – you probably accept that with action there is cost. The trick is to develop solutions that effectively address the problem while minimizing the cost and, as far…
Read MoreClean and advanced energy jobs are huge in the NW
States are often identified with particular industries that have big economic footprints — Washington with the aerospace industry; Oregon with the logging and wood products industries; and Idaho with the forestry, farming, and fishing industries. But, as big as those footprints are, those industries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho don’t provide as many jobs as…
Read MoreIs Natural Gas-fired electricity being overtaken?
Nationally, the leading energy story for much of the past few years has been the decline of coal-fired electricity in the face of low-priced natural gas. But, once the predator, natural gas is increasingly becoming the prey. The new predator? Renewable energy. The latest example of renewables elbowing out natural gas is found in the most…
Read MoreClean & Affordable Energy Conference focuses on challenges facing renewable resources and communities
The Spring 2018 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference was held on April 25 in Missoula, Montana, a state that’s critical to the Pacific Northwest’s clean energy future. Blessed with best-in-the-nation wind power potential, Montana was a focal point for discussion by industry experts, policymakers, and clean energy advocates who explored strategies for tapping that potential.…
Read MoreThe Lower Snake River Dams Power Replacement Study
Reliable and affordable clean energy options that help restore salmon and protect the environment. The study was undertaken to investigate the technical feasibility and cost of replacing the four Lower Snake River Dams with a portfolio of clean and renewable resources that support a reliable and adequate regional power system while minimizing increases to greenhouse gas emissions.
Read MoreNW Senators rise to save ENERGY STAR program
There aren’t many federal programs that are as unequivocally successful or as cost-effective as ENERGY STAR. The ENERGY STAR seal, which is awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency to energy efficient products and appliances, helps consumers and businesses save tens of billions of dollars annually on their electric bills. However, the Trump administration wants to…
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