News
Grist article: How one building is changing the world
The Bullitt Center in Seattle was designed to be the greenest commercial building in the world in 2012. Due to strict guidelines prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals in its construction, safer building materials were innovated to meet the Bullitt Center’s needs. The company Building Envelope Innovation replaced toxic phthalates in its sealants and coatings with non-toxic ingredients. The change will benefit the company’s employees who regularly handle the products.
Read MoreNWEC policy director Nancy Hirsh addresses B.C. – U.S. issues
NW Energy Coalition policy director and executive director-designee Nancy Hirsh was the invited speaker at the Pacific Energy Innovation Association breakfast meeting in Vancouver, B.C., on Oct. 1. The object was sharing perspectives on energy issues of cross-border importance. Thus, her address covered such topics as EPA’s proposed Clean Power Rule, the Columbia River Treaty, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s upcoming 7th regional plan, and the Pacific Coast Collaborative’s energy efficiency platform.
Read MoreChristian Science Monitor article: Blue-light special: three scientists share Nobel for physics for work on LEDs
Three researchers, one from the United States and two from Japan, have been awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for their roles in developing light-emitting diodes that shine blue – for decades, a Holy Grail in the field of photonics. The trio’s collective breakthroughs have spawned light bulbs that last for a decade and consume less than 20 percent of the power incandescent bulbs use to provide the same amount of light.
Read MoreNuclear in the age of climate change brown bag discussion
On October 6, 2014 the NW Energy Coalition hosted a brown bag lunch featuring nuclear power expert Ed Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Dr. Lyman is the co-author of the recent book, Fukushima: The Story of a Nuclear Disaster (New Press). His work has focused on critical nuclear issues such as civilian and…
Read MoreNew federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings
In the past five years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cranked out federal appliance and equipment standards that by 2029 will produce almost 800 average megawatts of Northwest energy savings that will greatly help the region achieve the savings goals of current regional power plan, according to preliminary analyses by the Bonneville Power Administration and Northwest Power and Conservation Council. These standards have tremendous success in creating significant energy savings at the lowest possible costs.
Read MoreNW Energy Coalition seeks policy director
The Policy Director is a senior level position responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a four-state policy agenda based on the goals of the Coalition. The work focuses on regional and state policy (regulatory and legislative) and utility proceedings and includes working with industry experts, building coalitions and educating stakeholders.
Read MoreNW Energy Coalition announces new executive director
The NW Energy Coalition executive board is proud to announce that nationally admired energy policy authority Nancy Hirsh will succeed Sara Patton as Coalition executive director, effective in January. Hirsh has been Coalition policy director for 18 years. She’s left her personal imprint on such critical accomplishments as increasingly energy efficiency-focused regional power plans, agreements to end coal-fired power generation in Washington and Oregon once and for all, and the region’s landmark renewable energy and energy efficiency standard: Washington’s I-937.
Read MoreJoin us for the NW Energy Coalition conference and gala!
Join us at the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference and the Founding the Future Gala Nov. 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland. The conference will address critical issues including the best ways to replace aging fossil-fuel generation, regulating off-grid energy services and the Columbia River Treaty’s effect on future hydro generation. At the gala, Clean energy supporters will enjoy a delicious plated dinner, drinks and great conversation while honoring the many Coalition founders and welcoming tomorrow’s leaders. Register today!
Read MorePublic input will be crucial in shaping next regional power and conservation plan
Work on the next regional power plan is shifting into high gear. The Seventh Northwest Power and Conservation Plan, like its six predecessors, will guide Bonneville Power Administration and public utility resource choices and set the regional benchmark for meeting predicted electricity needs over the next 20 years. Public comments on both are due Oct. 31.
Read MoreThe Columbian Op-Ed: Climate woes, income inequality can be tackled together
K.C. Golden, senior adviser for Climate Solutions, and Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, insist that our leaders must do more to address climate change and inequity issues. They point out that through advancing energy efficiency, we can create jobs, save bill-payers’ money, reduce climate pollution and build healthier communities.
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