Newsletter
Clean utilities and carbon pricing bills advance in Washington legislature
Yesterday HB 2402 the Washington Clean Utilities Act and SB 6203, Governor Jay Inslee’s carbon pricing bill, were passed out of their respective House and Senate committees. The passage of these bills out of committee is a necessary step toward achieving two important policy goals: Continuing to clean up our electric system by advancing renewable…
NW Energy Coalition welcomes BPA 2018-23 Strategic Plan
Yesterday, the Bonneville Power Administration released its 2018-2023 Strategic Plan that lays out the agency’s goals as it works to adapt to an increasingly complex and competitive electricity market. The NW Energy Coalition congratulates BPA for establishing four important overarching goals in the new 5-year plan. They are: Strengthening financial health Modernizing system assets and…
Coalition supports Washington Clean Utilities Act.
HB 2402, the Washington Clean Utility Act, will ensure that progress on greenhouse gas reduction and growth in Washington’s clean energy economy don’t come to an end when existing renewable portfolio and energy efficiency standards top out in the year 2020. Sponsored by Delegates Gael Tarleton, Vandana Slatter, Nicole Macri, Gerry Pollet, and Beth Doglio, HB…
NW Energy Coalition encouraged by SB 6203, Gov. Inslee’s carbon bill
SEATTLE, WA – Washington Governor Jay Inslee has proposed SB 6203, a carbon pricing bill that, if enacted, will over time reduce the state’s dependence on polluting fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to clean and affordable renewable resources, stimulate the state’s already growing clean energy economy, and help ensure that the benefits of the transition…
New study optimistic about a low-carbon energy system for the Northwest
Questions remain about how best to achieve it A new study conducted by the consulting firm, Energy + Environmental Economics (E3) and sponsored by the Public Generating Pool (PGP), Benton Public Utility District, and Energy Northwest, shows that the Northwest can transition to an energy efficient, low-carbon electric system at relatively little cost. This study,…
NWEC joins call for congress to fully fund LIHEAP
Today, the NW Energy Coalition joined dozens of organizations and companies nationwide in a letter sponsored by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coaltion that asks congress to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for fiscal year 2019. Over the last eight years, the LIHEAP appropriation has declined by 35% and…
PSE plan to cut emissions is a positive first step. More are needed
Today, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced a plan to reduce by 50% greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity generating and natural gas operations. Nancy Hirsh, executive director of the NW Energy Coalition, congratulated PSE on its effort to cut emissions and also expressed hope that PSE will make specific commitments to increasing energy efficiency and customer…
Washington UTC issues historic order in PSE rate case
An important step toward a clean energy future in the Northwest OLYMPIA, Washington — Yesterday the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a settlement and issued a final decision on contested issues in the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) rate case. The Commission decision allows PSE to recover costs for the eventual closure and clean-up of four…
Ben Otto reviews this year’s Idaho climate change summit
“Safeguarding Idaho’s Economy in a Changing Climate” is a wide-ranging two-day summit, that took place on November 16th and 17th in four cities around the state. The conference is designed to explore market-based solutions for safeguarding Idaho’s economy, health, landscape and lifestyle. The themes discussed at this year’s conference included: Economic Cost of Climate Change…
Oregon Department of Energy incentive programs sunsetting and moving
The end of the year will see bring a close to three Oregon energy incentive programs include the popular Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC). Meanwhile, three other programs will move to other state agencies. These include two new programs — the Zero Emissions Vehicle Rebate Program, which will be administered by the Department of Environmental…
Coalition members offer weatherization and bill assistance services
Community service and advocacy organizations make up a vital segment of the Coalition’s membership. At a time when many state and local policies to support renewable energy are criticized as being “welfare for the rich”, these organizations help make sure that the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency reach those who need it most.…
Study shows EV’s save $800/year in fuel costs
The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a new report, Going from Pump to Plug: Adding up the Savings from Electric Vehicles. The report compares fuel and maintenance costs of driving on electricity versus gasoline. For more, read the press release and How Much Does It Cost to Charge in Your City? blog. While the environmental benefits of driving electric…