News
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Coalition presents its two highest awards
In May, former NWEC executive director Sara Patton presented the Headwaters Award to Seattle’s Mary Smith. The award recognizes a member of NWEC’s extended family for outstanding achievements. The following day, current Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh presented NWEC’s highest award, the Conservation Eagle, to the Coalition of Columbia Basin Tribes. The group, comprising 15 Northwest tribes, effectively advocated adding ecosystem function as a designated purpose of the Columbia River Treaty.
Idaho Power honors Nancy Hirsh
NW Energy Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh was honored for her clean energy advocacy during the Coalition’s recent Clean and Affordable Energy Conference in Boise. Idaho Power customer relations and energy efficiency manager Theresa Drake thanked Hirsh for her 13 years of service on the utility’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Group and presented her with an etched glass award.
Energy experts flock to Boise for Coalition's spring conference
The NW Energy Coalition’s spring 2015 Clean and Affordable Energy Conference drew an impressive array of Northwest business, utility, regulatory, science and conservation experts and leaders to Boise, Idaho, on May 29-30. On Friday, more than 100 came to hear and participate in lively discussions of critical Northwest energy challenges. Aimée Christensen, who guided Google’s first climate and energy initiatives, started things off with a keynote address linking local and global climate action. Subsequent speakers referred to her remarks throughout the day.
E&E article: Is it cool to be 'green' at sports stadiums? Yes, but it goes beyond that
Stadiums across the country are going green. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it saves millions of dollars on energy and garbage bills. The biggest savings have been from energy efficiency improvements such as switching to LED lighting. Additional measures include water conservation and enhanced recycling and composting programs. Check out E&E’s series on the impact warming temperatures are having on sports.
Big thanks!
We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support for the NW Energy Coalition during yesterday’s Give Big event! We came very close to our $10,000 goal with 63 donors contributing $9,040. That does not include The Seattle Foundation’s partial match which has yet to be announced. If you didn’t have the chance to donate yesterday, you can still support our efforts at http://nwenergy.org/donate
We need your help on May 5
Patrick Judge of the Montana Renewable Energy Association says he invests in the NW Energy Coalition because no other group has the depth of policy expertise or breadth of member support. He invites you to join him in giving to the NW Energy Coalition on May 5 for GiveBIG – a fundraising event in which donations to nonprofits are partially matched by The Seattle Foundation sponsors. Your donation will go farther and help meet the Coalition’s $10,000 spring fund drive goal. It’s like getting an immediate return on investing in a clean energy future for ourselves and our children
Spring conference to feature panel on the needs and costs for new transmission
Please join us for the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, May 29-30 in Boise. A panel of experts will address the needs and costs of the Boardman to Hemingway and Gateway West transmission lines. These high-voltage transmission lines currently slated for construction in Idaho aim to improve reliability, handle a higher load and incorporate additional renewable energy sources. Opponents question whether the lines are needed and if the costs are justifiable. This panel will address the needs and opportunity costs associated with the construction of these two transmission lines.
GiveBIG on May 5
Please donate to the NW Energy Coalition on May 5 for GiveBIG. The Seattle Foundation is offering a stretch pool that will make your donation go farther. Help us reach our spring fundraising goal of $10,000! With your investment, we can build solutions so families pay lower energy bills, children breath cleaner air, we stabilize our climate and our wild salmon thrive again.
How 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.
Tell 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.