News
Idaho Statesman Reader's View, Idaho Power: Company needs to explain coal decision
Rocky Barker got it right in his April 30 column: Idaho Power faces profound changes in how it does business.
Burning coal to make electricity, for instance. As Idacorp shareholders convene Thursday for the company’s annual meeting, they face an urgent question not on their agenda. As utilities nationwide shed coal plants due to what Idaho Power says is coal’s uncertain future, why is it doubling down on coal?
Read more at the Idaho Statesman
Read MoreCelebration, film showings honor Headwaters Award winners
A pair of leaders who played pivotal roles in restoring two great Northwest rivers have received prestigious Headwaters Awards from the NW Energy Coalition.
Former American Rivers northwest regional director Katherine Ransel and Seattle Audubon Society executive director Shawn Cantrell were honored at an April 24 celebration at Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum. Some 50 clean energy supporters attended the festive event, which was co-sponsored by the Save Our wild Salmon coalition.
Read MoreBusinesses urge Wash. Governor Inslee to extend renewable sales and use tax exemption
Thirteen renewable energy companies and advocacy groups issued a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee today urging support of Senate Bill 5896. If passed, the bill would extend the renewable sales and use tax exemption, which has provided a tangible incentive for clean energy businesses to locate their projects in the state. The policy will otherwise expire in June.
Read MoreFuture Energy Conference: PacifiCorp, NW Energy Coalition experts address efficiency | Sustainable Business Oregon
Utility experts told attendees of the Future Energy Conference that their industry faces several questions as customers, in looking to reduce their various energy footprints, demand more efficient options.
Wendy Gerlitz, a senior policy analyst with the Coalition, offered five key questions for utilities, and their business customers, to use when analyzing energy efficiency offerings…
Read MoreHigh-benefit, low-cost efficiency bill dies in Washington state Senate
A commonsense, non-controversial bill that would have cut $60 million a year from Washingtonians’ utility bills died today in the Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications committee.
Committee chair Senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) opted against calling for a vote on Substitute House Bill 1017, Equipment Efficiency Standards, prior to the 10 a.m. cutoff. Failure to advance the bill is a great disservice to families and businesses throughout the state…
Read MoreWashington state media lends support to energy efficiency
Two major Washington media outlets have come out in support of energy efficiency and Senate/House Bill 1017. The measure sets efficiency standards for those ubiquitous battery chargers used by the growing number of electronic devices in our homes, as well as industrial and recreational chargers for forklifts and golf carts. The worst of these chargers waste up to 60 percent of the electricity they consume.
Read MoreRon Simms on I-937: People power means clean power for the people of Washington state
Washington voters in 2006 approved the state’s clean-energy law, Initiative 937, setting new standards for energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. It was a vote for clean energy, new economic investment and a brighter future.
If you’re following the state legislative session, you might think voters were mistaken. Our legislators introduced more than 20 bills to amend or gut the law this year alone. But while some legislators seem to think I-937 is bad for Washington, I’m with the governor in recognizing that it’s good for the economy, good for consumers and good for the environment…
Read MorePower plan assessment shows energy efficiency on track to meet regional goal
An assessment by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council shows that the efficiency of electricity use continues to improve and that the region is on track to meet the Council’s goal to improve efficiency. Meanwhile, development of renewable resources, mainly wind power, has continued but the pace may slow in the future.
Read MoreExecutive Director Sara Patton on BPA's next 75 years
For 75 years, the Bonneville Power Administration has been intrinsic to the growth and prosperity of the Northwest. BPA has been a boon to the Northwest’s economy and a clean energy leader. To meet the challenges – many unforeseeable — of the next 75 years, BPA must deepen its commitment to the long-term health of the region while becoming more open to all of its stakeholders. And it must be agile enough to respond to big changes…
Read MoreClean energy advocates provide action plan for climate change solutions
Clean energy advocates and leaders from across the West are urging policymakers to enact policies and support investments in renewable energy and efficiency that would modernize our electric system while slashing greenhouse gas emissions. With President Obama calling for action to address climate disruption in his State of the Union address, and thousands marching on Washington last weekend, a series of white papers and a video are being released to help illustrate how adopting a Clean Energy Vision rather than business as usual will move the West forward…
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