Policy
New York Times editorial: Proof That a Price on Carbon Works
Lawmakers who oppose taking action to lower greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon often argue that doing so would hurt businesses and consumers. But the energy policies adopted by some American states and Canadian provinces demonstrate that those arguments are simply unfounded.
Clean energy developments in Oregon
The NW Energy Coalition, Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, Climate Solutions, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, Renewable Northwest and Sierra Club have agreed on a state legislative proposal to move Oregon utility ratepayers off of coal and to double the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 50%.
Montana Governor Announces Interim Clean Power Plan Advisory Council Members
The NW Energy Coalition’s senior policy associate for Montana, Diego Rivas, Coalition board member and former board chair Chuck Magraw, representatives of Coalition member organizations including member utilities Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy have been named to Montana’s Interim Clean Power Plan Advisory Panel.
Idaho Statesman: "Idaho’s energy future: Less coal, uncertain hydro"
When you flip a light switch in Idaho, chances are the electricity came from some combination of the following: a hydroelectric plant, a natural gas plant, a wind turbine and a coal plant outside the state. Hydropower satisfies roughly half of Idaho’s electricity demand. Coal-fired plants in Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Montana pitch in another 35 percent. A handful of natural gas plants and hundreds of wind turbines make up most of the remainder.
Advocacy nets significant victory for energy efficiency, EV readiness at Washington’s Building Code Council
Washington state will have some of the nation’s strongest energy code provisions following key votes last November by the state Building Code Council. The NW Energy Coalition congratulates the many Northwest energy efficiency leaders who developed and supported strong changes to the energy code, especially Duane Jonlin for his tireless leadership in getting them approved.
Coalition comments highlight strengths, weaknesses of draft 7th Power Plan
On Dec. 18, the NW Energy Coalition submitted its written comments on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th regional plan which, when finalized, will inform resource decisions by Northwest electric utilities for the next 20 years – especially in the initial five- to six-year action plan period.
Hundreds testify for clean energy and salmon provisions in 7th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan
A series of eight public hearings on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th Plan drew hundreds of clean energy, climate and endangered salmon advocates expressing support for the Council’s embrace of energy efficiency to meet virtually all new power demands through the plan’s 20-year horizon.
The Northwest Power & Conservation Council reports: 'Northwest energy savings now second largest resource'
In 2014, Pacific Northwest utilities developed 262 average megawatts of new energy savings, enough to power 180,000 homes for a year, adding to the region’s impressive track record in achieving energy efficiency. Between 2010 through 2014, the cumulative savings of 1,500 average megawatts exceeded the target of 1,200 average megawatts set in the Council’s Sixth Power Plan.
Public Hearing 11/19 on Regional Power Plan
BOISE, Idaho – Should Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington build more power plants, or rely more on energy efficiency and renewables?
Issues like these will be addressed at a public hearing in Boise tomorrow night on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 7th Regional Power Plan.
7th Plan hearing in Seattle
Thursday (Nov. 19) the Northwest Power and Conservation Council will hold a public hearing on the draft plan at the Hilton Airport Conference Center, 17620 International Blvd, 5-7 p.m., one of eight hearings the Council is conducting around the Northwest. Click here for the Coalition’s short talking points developed to prepare advocates for the regional 7th…