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Increasing Numbers of Northwest Residents Chose Green Power
Customer participation in voluntary green power programs increased by 13.1% across more than 60 utilities in the Northwest between 2010 and 2012, according to a new report released today from Coalition member Renewable Northwest Project. RNP annually summarizes the progress of these programs in its report, “Powerful Choices”…
Read MoreThere’s good news and bad news for Northwest’s salmon
First the good news: On Sept. 9, a record 64,000 adult fall chinook salmon passed Bonneville Dam near the mouth of the Columbia River. For a change, fishing limits are being adjusted upward – a great sign for our fall chinook and for Northwest fishermen.
Here’s the bad news… (read the rest online at The News Tribune.)
Read MoreFederal agencies squander chance for progress on salmon
The Obama administration’s NOAA Fisheries have released a “new” draft plan for protecting endangered Columbia and Snake River salmon that fails to address the issues that triggered federal-court rejection of the three previous plans. If finalized as is, this plan risks continued legal battles just as momentum is building for a broadly supported solutions process…
Read MoreSeattle Times: Snake River barging drop: new factor in dams debate?
Federal rulings on salmon protection continue to raise questions about dams on the Lower Snake River and the future of Lewiston, Idaho, as an inland port city. Now some wheat farmers are turning away from river barges and back to trains as their lowest-cost, most-efficient shipping option…
Read MoreGuest column: Montana needs fair access to renewable energy markets
Earlier this month, NorthWestern Energy officially dedicated its new 40-megawatt wind farm, Spion Kop, near Great Falls. The wind farm is already exceeding expectations and NorthWestern Energy deemed it a “phenomenal” energy resource providing cheap, clean energy for thousands of Montana households.
Spion Kop’s success is a timely reminder of Montana’s ability to contribute to the nation’s clean energy needs. Montana could potentially supply thousands of megawatts of cost-effective, clean energy to the Pacific Northwest, California and the Southwest…
Read the full article at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Read MoreConfronting Idaho Power's coal plans
The outcome of Idaho Power’s latest case at the Idaho Public Utilities Commission could affect the state’s energy picture for decades to come. If Idaho Power gets its way, the company and its customers will be married to a fleet of dirty coal plants for a very long time. Read more at the Snake River Alliance blog…
Read MoreDOE Overestimating Impact of Energy Efficiency Standards on Appliance Prices
A new report released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) finds that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been overestimating the impact that energy efficiency standards for appliances and other products have on their price tags…
Read MoreACEEE honors BPA industrial efficiency program
Bonneville Power Administration’s Energy Smart Industrial Program has been honored with a 2013 Champion of Energy Efficiency Award by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
The award, one of four given this year, recognizes “leadership and accomplishment in the energy efficiency field,” according to ACEEE. “Winners are selected based on demonstrated excellence in program implementation, research and development, energy policy or private sector initiatives…”
Read More21 groups ask BPA to reverse course on planned rollbacks of salmon spill
Later this summer, the Obama Administration will release the draft of its second try at a lawful plan to restore endangered Columbia and Snake River salmon and steelhead. This is the federal government’s fourth attempt since 2000 – all three previous plans having been ruled illegal. A key legal and scientific issue in this new plan will be the level of spill provided for salmon…
Read MoreBonneville Power Administration makes compelling ‘Case for Conservation’
On June 28, the Bonneville Power Administration released a significant study showing that its energy efficiency investments have saved the agency at least $750 million and likely more than $1.3 billion dollars over the last 10 years. BPA savings translate into savings for Northwest public utilities – and thus for the families and business they serve…
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