Northwest Power Planning
Missoulian: "Renewable energy advocates discuss future of traditional utility companies"
NorthWestern Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe spent an hour taking questions from the audience about how Montana’s biggest energy utility plans to deal with the fate of Colstrip power plants, renewable energy sources and how traditional power companies will co-exist with changing public desires.
Idaho's Snake River Alliance and partners roll out 'Solarize the Valley' campaign
A new program called “Solarize the Valley,” sponsored by the Snake River Alliance, is going to make rooftop solar energy more affordable and popular than ever before in the Treasure Valley, starting today. Out of the 1 million solar installations in America, less than .01% of them are in Idaho. But that’s about to change.
PRESS RELEASE: Court strikes down feds' salmon plan again
The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon today invalidated the federal government’s 2014 Columbia Basin salmon biological opinion (salmon plan or BiOp). Judge Michael Simon ruled that this latest plan – like each of its four predecessors — violates the federal Endangered Species Act and additionally the National Environmental Policy Act. The Court sided with plaintiff fishing businesses, conservation groups, clean energy advocates, the State of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
Thank you for helping us reach our #GiveBIG goal!
Thank you for supporting the NW Energy Coalition! Despite the technical difficulties, we were able to reach our goal. Thank you to all of our supporters for helping us continue to build a clean, affordable and equitable energy future!
PRESS RELEASE: Good news for utilities, consumers and the climate as Gov. Inslee signs electric vehicle incentive bill
The region took another step toward its clean energy future today as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bipartisan bill improving state tax incentives for buying electric vehicles. House Bill 2778 raises the maximum purchase price for tax break-eligible vehicles to $42,500 from $35,000. With the increase, buyers of electric cars with 200-mile ranges such as the Chevy Bolt, the next-generation Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3 will save up to $3,100 in state sales taxes. Add in federal incentives and consumers can save up to $10,000 on an EV purchase.
Project spotlight: Boise is #Readyfor100
Boise citizens are ready to take action on climate change, which is already bringing more frequent forest fires, alarming air quality problems and yet more challenges to struggling salmon populations in Idaho. Almost 40% of Boise’s electricity comes from coal, despite the fact that carbon emissions from burning coal are among the largest contributors to climate change.
Montana's top political and energy leaders headline NW Energy Coalition conference
Gov. Steve Bullock will deliver the conference’s opening keynote. Bullock will outline his energy vision for Montana and look at how energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development and smart transmission can position Montana to take advantage of the new clean energy economy in the West. After lunch, Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh will facilitate a lively Q & A between NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe and all conference attendees.
Member spotlight: Community Action Center of Whitman County
Low-income weatherization programs face challenges when homes are in disrepair and unsuitable for upgrades. Weatherization just doesn’t make sense when the roof has holes! In fact, community action agencies that deliver low-income weatherization services in rural areas find that half of eligible applicants live in substandard housing.
2016 Washington legislature: The good, bad & ugly
Washington state’s highly dysfunctional and often-maddening 2016 legislative session and special session finally ended March 29. Going was tough in the ideologically revenue- and spending-averse Senate, though public-interest forces managed to fend off serious attacks on environmental protections.
Oregon PUC rulings support renewables development
On Tuesday, the Oregon Public Utility Commission issued a pair of orders preserving a longstanding program to develop small solar and wind projects under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 (PURPA). “These PUC decisions will help continue clean energy resource development for Oregonians,” said NW Energy Coalition senior policy analyst Fred Heutte.
Centralia coal transition grant to fund weatherization efforts
The first grant from the Centralia, Wash, coal-plant transition effort was awarded Tuesday. The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties will receive $727,433 over the next two years to support its weatherization efforts in Lewis County and south Thurston county.
Fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference
Save the date! Fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference Portland, OR November 17-18, 2016 November 17: plenary sessions and solar track November 18: Coalition membership and caucus meetings (members only) DoubleTree by Hilton Portland 1000 NE Multnomah St. For more information, please contact Membership associate Kat Plimpton at kat@nwenery.org. For sponsorship levels and benefits, please…