Seattle Climate Action on Building Standards and Transportation Electrification

Today, Seattle’s Mayor, Jenny Durkan, released an Executive Order, calling for significant climate action to reduce emissions from transportation and buildings. While we continue as a society to grapple with multiple and interlocking crises, tackling the climate crisis must remain paramount to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities. The NW Energy Coalition supports significant progress on energy efficiency in buildings and…

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Northwest Power and Conservation Council Releases Draft 2021 Power Plan

To learn more about the 2021 Northwest Power Plan and how to get involved, please join us for one of two upcoming webinars. We’ll review what’s in the plan, its strengths and drawbacks – and provide information and talking points that you can use to send in comments or participate in a public comment hearing on the Draft.  2021 Northwest Power Plan: Your Voice Matters!  Webinar #1 – Hosted by…

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Second 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,…

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Washington’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…

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Complementary Bills Pave the Way for a Zero-Emissions Transportation Future

Washington has over 68,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road today, and with commitments from automakers, Washington signing on to a recent multi-state zero-emissions vehicle letter, and President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan, that number will keep growing. To plan for this growth, two bills, SB 5192 and HB 1287, recently passed the Washington legislature and…

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Accessible Public Charging – what you need to know

Washington residents are increasingly purchasing electric vehicles (EV), with over 63,000 EVs registered. But not everyone has access to affordable electric vehicle charging. Foundational standards that facilitate an accessible, reliable and standardized experience will protect consumers and ensure the widespread transition to electric vehicles.  Today, when filling up your car with gasoline, you know how much you will pay, and with…

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What an Act! – the 40th Anniversary of the NW Power Act

On December 5, 1980, the groundbreaking Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (Power Act) was signed by President Jimmy Carter. This December, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the passage of this historic bill. The Power Act established a number of “firsts” for the region. It reprioritized power resources to put energy efficiency…

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COVID-19 Consumer Protection Updates

The last six months in the utility world and how it affects customers The public and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been undeniable. Most prominently, job and business loss have affected families and communities who are now struggling to pay bills, including utilities, and stay safe at home.   In the Northwest and nationally,…

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WA 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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