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NWEC joins call for congress to fully fund LIHEAP
Today, the NW Energy Coalition joined dozens of organizations and companies nationwide in a letter sponsored by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coaltion that asks congress to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for fiscal year 2019. Over the last eight years, the LIHEAP appropriation has declined by 35% and…
Read MorePSE plan to cut emissions is a positive first step. More are needed
Today, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced a plan to reduce by 50% greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity generating and natural gas operations. Nancy Hirsh, executive director of the NW Energy Coalition, congratulated PSE on its effort to cut emissions and also expressed hope that PSE will make specific commitments to increasing energy efficiency and customer…
Read MoreWashington UTC issues historic order in PSE rate case
An important step toward a clean energy future in the Northwest OLYMPIA, Washington — Yesterday the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a settlement and issued a final decision on contested issues in the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) rate case. The Commission decision allows PSE to recover costs for the eventual closure and clean-up of four…
Read MoreBen Otto reviews this year’s Idaho climate change summit
“Safeguarding Idaho’s Economy in a Changing Climate” is a wide-ranging two-day summit, that took place on November 16th and 17th in four cities around the state. The conference is designed to explore market-based solutions for safeguarding Idaho’s economy, health, landscape and lifestyle. The themes discussed at this year’s conference included: Economic Cost of Climate Change…
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 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 MoreOregon Gov. Brown asserts leadership in transition to clean energy
NW Energy Coalition congratulates Governor Brown on Energy Efficiency and Transportation Electrification executive orders The NW Energy Coalition congratulates Governor Kate Brown for issuing two executive orders that will accelerate improvements in energy and water efficiency and in the adoption of electric vehicles in Oregon. As a precursor to her attendance at the International Climate…
Read MoreNew Coalition Formed to Advance Zero Energy Buildings in Oregon
NW Energy Coalition joins with other organizations to promote zero energy building A group of Oregon-based organizations is announcing the formation of a coalition to advance the rapid adoption of zero energy building standards in the state of Oregon. A zero energy home or commercial building generates as much energy as it consumes over the course…
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