Policy Archives
Panel explores paths to NW resource adequacy
As the Northwest electric system transitions away from fossil fuel resources, many are asking how utilities plan to meet future power needs. On May 7, 2020, the NW Energy Coalition hosted a webinar exploring that question and others. The webinar was moderated by Coalition Senior Policy Associate, Fred Heutte. Joining him on the panel were…
Utilities, environmental groups ask NW governors to address Snake River salmon issue
The NW Energy Coalition joins group in calling for regional dialogue SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — In a letter to the Governors of Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon, energy company and conservation community leaders called on elected officials across the Pacific Northwest to prioritize collaborative solutions to address the issues surrounding the Lower Snake River, including the…
The Harmonious Grid: A new direction for the NW electric system
The first in a series about coming changes to the Northwest electric system In ten years, the NW electric system will be a very different creature . . . we hope. In addition to reducing and ultimately removing fossil fuel resources, the grid will see another fundamental change — the integration of emerging customer-side resources…
Intro to new Washington Buildings Performance Standards
Implementing the Clean Buildings for Washington Act The Washington State Department of Commerce has finalized the rules for the Clean Buildings Act. Information on how to comply and other technical assistance is available on the Commerce webpage. The 2019 session of the Washington State Legislature enacted House Bill 1257, the Clean Buildings for Washington Act.…
NW solar industry lags in workforce diversity
New report suggests how employers, governments, and labor can collaborate to match employer needs with qualified candidates of color A new Solar Foundation report that was supported by the NW Energy Coalition finds that only about one in ten solar industry jobs in Washington and Oregon is held by a person of color. For management…
Colstrip Units 1 & 2 to retire at year end
This morning, Talen Montana, the operator and co-owner with Puget Sound Energy of Colstrip units 1 and 2, announced that the units will be retired at year-end. The retirement will remove a major emitter of greenhouse gases and air pollution from the Northwest energy system and, by freeing up transmission capacity from eastern Montana to…
Clean energy on a roll in Washington legislature
Buildings and Appliance bills pass WA Senate Climate bills on a winning streak in Olympia The Washington legislature is well on its way to passing an unprecedented body of climate legislation that will, when fully enacted, address nearly every major source of climate pollution, including the electric system, the transportation sector, buildings, and appliances. At…
Double Squeeze: Arctic Express, system constraints skyrocket NW wholesale energy prices
More clean energy solutions, less reliance on gas needed to meet peak energy needs When discussing electric system affordability and reliability, natural gas is often portrayed as a guarantor of both. But, since the beginning of February, when Northwest temperatures dropped to near record lows, wholesale natural gas prices skyrocketed, causing serious disruption for gas-fired…
Workers, business leaders talk about the benefits of WA clean energy standards
As Washington and other states in the Northwest consider how best to go about making our electric system as clean and affordable as possible, it’s good to remember that in doing so, we will also be contributing to economic growth and jobs. In Washington alone, more than 80,000 people have jobs in energy efficiency and…
YES 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…