Is 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 More

Clean & 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 More

LIHEAP, Weatherization, other programs fully funded.

In addition to the good news that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental programs avoided cuts and, in many cases, received budget increases in the spending bill signed by  President Trump today, there is more good news. Congress increased by $250 million funding for LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and increased the…

Read More

Budget bill a pleasant surprise for clean energy and the environment

To the relief of energy and environmental advocates, the U.S. House and Senate have come to an agreement on an omnibus spending bill that will preserve and, in some cases, increase funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs many of which were targeted for cuts in the Trump administration’s proposed budget. Examples include: ·…

Read More

Washington Legislature Wrap-up

Passion and Paralysis on Climate Action In Washington, standards for energy efficiency and the share of power utilities must acquire from renewable resources have been in place for eleven years – a period during which great progress has been made in reducing carbon emissions and the state’s clean energy economy has blossomed. But, the renewable…

Read More

“Protect Washington Act” headed for this fall’s ballot

Washington’s Alliance for Jobs & Clean Energy, of which the NW Energy Coalition is a member, has filed a ballot initiative to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while generating jobs and growing the state’s clean energy economy. The Protect Washington Act will reduce incentives for industries to pollute and will generate funds that will…

Read More

NW Energy Coalition welcomes BPA 2018-23 Strategic Plan

Yesterday, the Bonneville Power Administration released its 2018-2023 Strategic Plan that lays out the agency’s goals as it works to adapt to an increasingly complex and competitive electricity market. The NW Energy Coalition congratulates BPA for establishing four important overarching goals in the new 5-year plan. They are: Strengthening financial health Modernizing system assets and…

Read More

Coalition supports Washington Clean Utilities Act.

HB 2402, the Washington Clean Utility Act, will ensure that progress on greenhouse gas reduction and growth in Washington’s clean energy economy don’t come to an end when existing renewable portfolio and energy efficiency standards top out in the year 2020. Sponsored by Delegates Gael Tarleton, Vandana Slatter, Nicole Macri, Gerry Pollet, and Beth Doglio, HB…

Read More

NW Energy Coalition encouraged by SB 6203, Gov. Inslee’s carbon bill

SEATTLE, WA – Washington Governor Jay Inslee has proposed SB 6203, a carbon pricing bill that, if enacted, will over time reduce the state’s dependence on polluting fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to clean and affordable renewable resources, stimulate the state’s already growing clean energy economy, and help ensure that the benefits of the transition…

Read More