News
NWEC Comments on BPA's oversupply management procedure
The Draft Protocol proposes to address, all in one package, three separate but linked phases: (1) resolving the dispute over the cost shift onto renewable generators that occurred in 2011 as a result of the soon-expiring Interim Environmental Redispatch and Negative Pricing Policies adopted a year ago; (2) the need to address potential oversupply conditions in the oncoming spring and summer 2012 runoff period; and (3) a more permanent method for handling oversupply conditions in future years…
![Image of a worker looking at the glass of a solar panel. In the background you can see Wind Turbines. Two different technologies to produce energy in a responsible and sustainable way (ISO 100) . All my images have been processed in 16 Bits and transfer down to 8 before uploading. [url=http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=7053550] [img]http://www.ll28.com/istock/solarpanel.jpg [/img][/url]](https://nwenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/iStock_small.jpg "Examining the glass")
RNP releases new report: Renewable investments near $8 billion in Washington state
Washington’s renewable energy sector today announced a milestone in economic development for the state. Capital investment to date in Washington wind, solar, geothermal and biomass has exceeded $7.9 billion, according to data released today by Renewable Northwest Project, a regional nonprofit advocacy group and member of the Coalition…
30th Anniversary Gala & Fall Conference Photos
More than 280 clean energy supporters filled the banquet room at Seattle University’s Campion Hall to help celebrate three decades of advocating for energy efficiency, renewable energy, consumer protection and fish and wildlife restoration at NW Energy Coalition’s 30th Anniversary Gala. Here’s a gallery of photos from the evening…
The Impact reports on the Clean Energy Initiative debate
Coalition Policy Director Nancy Hirsh is featured in this video segment looking at the current roster of proposed changes to Washington’s Clean Energy Initiative. %CODE1%
Washington's clean energy future at risk
Since its passage, I-937 has created about $7.5 billion in new investments in this state, creating 7,200 jobs across the region. More than $40 million in property tax revenue has been generated for local communities to pay for schools, firefighters and other public services. And through I-937 our state has realized record energy conservation, saving nearly $70 million on consumers’ electric bills.
Despite these clear benefits, the fate of I-937 hangs in the balance. Two identical bills to amend I-937 – HB 2654 and SB 6396 – have hearings scheduled this week in the legislature…
From the Sacramento Bee: State has stake in Columbia salmon solution
The story of Pacific salmon has not recently been a happy one. Population declines in the West Coast’s big three rivers – the Sacramento-San Joaquin, Klamath and Columbia-Snake – have meant less fishing, lost jobs, scarce fish and higher prices for consumers. Without major changes to how we manage these waterways, the beating heart of our region’s salmon economy may cease.
Fortunately, there are some bright spots on the horizon. On a growing number of rivers, adversaries are opting to collaborate rather than litigate. People are starting to work together to restore rivers, recover salmon and rebuild jobs.
Read more here: www.sacbee.com
Light Bulb rider bad for businesses and consumers
The Omnibus spending bill Congress is set to pass today contains a huge lump of coal for our stockings: a rider prohibiting the U.S. Department of Energy from enforcing the lighting efficiency standards. Those who couldn’t muster support for repealing the standards have used the threat of a government shutdown to undercut a law that will save money for consumers and utilities and significantly lower national greenhouse gas emissions…
Congress Calls on Obama to Convene Salmon Solutions Table
In a letter sent last week, 52 Members of Congress called on President Obama to convene a “solutions table” to help protect and restore endangered wild salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake River basins of the Pacific Northwest.
With bipartisan support from lawmakers representing 23 states and territories, Congressmen Jim McDermott (D-WA), Tom Petri (R-WI), and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) spearheaded the letter to bring together all parties with a stake in salmon restoration to create a broad-based, collaborative process that explores and identifies real salmon recovery solutions…
The Energy Activist – Fall 2011
The NW Energy Coalition was born of the battle against the absurdly misguided attempt to litter the Northwest with dozens of dangerous, polluting, unneeded and expensive, consumer-assaulting nuclear power plants.
This year the Coalition celebrates its 30th anniversary as the region’s leading advocate for policies promoting energy efficiency, new renewable energy development, consumer/low-income protection and energy assistance, and wild salmon restoration in the Columbia Basin.
The Fall 2011 edition of The Energy Activist looks back at our successes and forward toward the future…
State Dept. Announces Reevaluation of Keystone XL Tar Sand Pipeline
The State Department announced today that it is reevaluating the environmental review of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline project. The reevaluation will include consideration of rerouting the pipeline to avoid sensitive ecological areas in Nebraska. An alternative route would require a new environmental impact statement and would delay a final decision on the tar sands pipeline for as long as 18 months.