Policy
Heat Wave: Renewables pass a test, but greater challenges await
As the nation and parts of the Northwest swelter, at least one silver lining is emerging. The rise of renewable energy resources and the corresponding decline of fossil fuel resources have not compromised electric system reliability at a time when demand for electricity is hitting record highs. In the Northwest, temperatures have consistently topped 90…
Read MorePitch in to pass I-1631 in Washington
Initiative 1631 promotes clean energy, jobs, and healthy communities in Washington by charging polluters a fee whose proceeds will be invested in renewable resources, forest and water protection, and helping communities. A free and easy way to help make sure I-1631 passes is to share posts through your social media accounts. Facebook Go here to follow Yes…
Read MoreYES ON I-1631 in Washington
If you believe that Washington should take additional action to combat pollution and climate change – and according to recent polling, the vast majority of Washingtonians do – you probably accept that with action there is cost. The trick is to develop solutions that effectively address the problem while minimizing the cost and, as far…
Read MoreClean and advanced energy jobs are huge in the NW
States are often identified with particular industries that have big economic footprints — Washington with the aerospace industry; Oregon with the logging and wood products industries; and Idaho with the forestry, farming, and fishing industries. But, as big as those footprints are, those industries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho don’t provide as many jobs as…
Read MoreClean & Affordable Energy Conference focuses on challenges facing renewable resources and communities
The Spring 2018 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference was held on April 25 in Missoula, Montana, a state that’s critical to the Pacific Northwest’s clean energy future. Blessed with best-in-the-nation wind power potential, Montana was a focal point for discussion by industry experts, policymakers, and clean energy advocates who explored strategies for tapping that potential.…
Read MoreThe Lower Snake River Dams Power Replacement Study
Reliable and affordable clean energy options that help restore salmon and protect the environment. The study was undertaken to investigate the technical feasibility and cost of replacing the four Lower Snake River Dams with a portfolio of clean and renewable resources that support a reliable and adequate regional power system while minimizing increases to greenhouse gas emissions.
Read MoreDam Replacement Study Reveals New Opportunities
(The following opinion piece by NW Energy Coalition executive director, Nancy Hirsh, was published in the April 21, 2018 edition of the Tri-City Herald.) The NW Energy Coalition has released a new study demonstrating that the ongoing decline in the cost of new wind and solar energy can not only contribute to a cleaner environment,…
Read MoreGiveBIG and help the clean energy transition happen
Please help. The GiveBIG campaign is now accepting donations for the NW Energy Coalition. It’s the best way you can help the Coalition because your contribution will be compounded by additional gifts from Coalition board members and possibly from the Seattle Foundation, which sponsors GiveBIG. Since last year’s GiveBIG campaign, we’ve been able to add two policy staff members and pursue new initiatives in the areas of:…
Read MoreProposed Avista Acquisition Settlement Protects Consumers and Environment
The NW Energy Coalition, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Renewable Northwest joined a proposed settlement today that, if approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, would provide Ontario-based Hydro One with the green light from Washington State to acquire Avista Utilities. The settlement contains important commitments in the areas of low-income weatherization, energy…
Read MoreLIHEAP, Weatherization, other programs fully funded.
In addition to the good news that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental programs avoided cuts and, in many cases, received budget increases in the spending bill signed by President Trump today, there is more good news. Congress increased by $250 million funding for LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and increased the…
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