Renewable Energy
I-937 Fact Sheet, January 2016.
Washington voters passed Initiative 937 in 2006 to build on the state’s hydropower heritage and create a diverse clean energy economy.
Read MoreClean energy developments in Oregon
The NW Energy Coalition, Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, Climate Solutions, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, Renewable Northwest and Sierra Club have agreed on a state legislative proposal to move Oregon utility ratepayers off of coal and to double the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 50%.
Read MorePublic Hearing 11/19 on Regional Power Plan
BOISE, Idaho – Should Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington build more power plants, or rely more on energy efficiency and renewables?
Issues like these will be addressed at a public hearing in Boise tomorrow night on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 7th Regional Power Plan.
Read More7th Plan hearing in Seattle
Thursday (Nov. 19) the Northwest Power and Conservation Council will hold a public hearing on the draft plan at the Hilton Airport Conference Center, 17620 International Blvd, 5-7 p.m., one of eight hearings the Council is conducting around the Northwest. Click here for the Coalition’s short talking points developed to prepare advocates for the regional 7th…
Read MoreWeigh in on the 7th Power Plan
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the region’s official power planning agency, has just released the draft of its seventh regional power plan. The public now has 60 days to provide written reactions and opportunities to attend and testify at public hearings in all four Northwest states.
Read MoreBozeman Daily Chronicle guest column: Building on 10 years of renewable energy
Last month, Montana celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Jeff Fox of Renewable Northwest lauds the legislation as a success because major utilities have met the 15 percent renewable energy requirement, compliance has not increased costs to consumers and new renewable energy development has created more than 1,500 jobs in the state. Fox says, “We must stay focused on our opportunities and challenges in order to ensure that the next 10 years of renewable energy in Montana are an even bigger success.”
Read MoreHow clean energy is faring in Northwest state legislatures
This fall and spring, NW Energy Coalition staff have been working in state legislative sessions throughout the region to advance and especially to defend clean and affordable energy laws. Each legislature is different, but many of the issues being addressed are familiar ones: energy efficiency, including building codes; renewable energy incentives and targets; distributed generation options, particularly resident-sited solar power; and coal plants and climate. Low-income protection and electric vehicle infrastructure are also getting legislative looks.
Read MoreTell your senator: Fund energy efficiency and solar programs
The Washington Senate’s Ways & Means Committee today released a proposed capital budget that slashes several of the state’s key energy efficiency and solar programs. These sensible programs save money for Washington schools, homes and businesses on their utility bills and help us meet our clean energy and climate goals. Please urge your senator to fund critical energy efficiency and solar programs.
Read MoreBillings Gazette guest editorial: Wind energy is driving economic development in Montana
Renewable Northwest’s Jeff Fox explains how Montana’s wind energy development is on the rise despite the fact that the state’s renewable energy standard plateaus this year at 15 percent. Recent wind projects have lead to billions of dollars in economic investment and created hundreds of jobs. Montana has one of the best wind resources in the country and can continue to reap the economic benefits of wind development into the future.
Read MorePortland Monthly: Drink "green" this St. Patrick's Day with eco-friendly beers
This Portland Monthly article showcases how eight Oregon breweries have made strides to lower their carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, recycling steam, sourcing local ingredients, installing efficient lighting, capturing methane, saving water, cutting transportation emissions and reusing spent grain. Raise a glass to these innovative breweries this St. Paddy’s Day!
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