Policy Archives
NWEC comments on the Gas Hedge Value workshop and the related proposal by NW Natural
Click here for the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the Gas Hedge Value workshop and the related proposal by NW Natural.
NWEC comments on the draft PGE Smart Grid Report
Click here for the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the draft PGE Smart Grid Report.
Spring conference to feature panel on the needs and costs for new transmission
Please join us for the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, May 29-30 in Boise. A panel of experts will address the needs and costs of the Boardman to Hemingway and Gateway West transmission lines. These high-voltage transmission lines currently slated for construction in Idaho aim to improve reliability, handle a higher load and incorporate additional renewable energy sources. Opponents question whether the lines are needed and if the costs are justifiable. This panel will address the needs and opportunity costs associated with the construction of these two transmission lines.
How clean energy is faring in Northwest state legislatures
This fall and spring, NW Energy Coalition staff have been working in state legislative sessions throughout the region to advance and especially to defend clean and affordable energy laws. Each legislature is different, but many of the issues being addressed are familiar ones: energy efficiency, including building codes; renewable energy incentives and targets; distributed generation options, particularly resident-sited solar power; and coal plants and climate. Low-income protection and electric vehicle infrastructure are also getting legislative looks.
Tell your senator: Fund energy efficiency and solar programs
The Washington Senate’s Ways & Means Committee today released a proposed capital budget that slashes several of the state’s key energy efficiency and solar programs. These sensible programs save money for Washington schools, homes and businesses on their utility bills and help us meet our clean energy and climate goals. Please urge your senator to fund critical energy efficiency and solar programs.
Take Action: Stop bill that would slow energy efficiency gains
Washington’s strong energy and building codes often prove to be the state’s most cost-effective energy conservation measures. They reduce electricity and gas use, and save consumers money for years to come. But some business interests, including builders and realtors, want to squelch new energy code improvements. Their strategy is to legislate a more complicated code amendment process. Please tell chair Jeff Morris and other House committee members to reject SB 5804.
Billings Gazette guest editorial: Wind energy is driving economic development in Montana
Renewable Northwest’s Jeff Fox explains how Montana’s wind energy development is on the rise despite the fact that the state’s renewable energy standard plateaus this year at 15 percent. Recent wind projects have lead to billions of dollars in economic investment and created hundreds of jobs. Montana has one of the best wind resources in the country and can continue to reap the economic benefits of wind development into the future.
Portland Monthly: Drink "green" this St. Patrick's Day with eco-friendly beers
This Portland Monthly article showcases how eight Oregon breweries have made strides to lower their carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, recycling steam, sourcing local ingredients, installing efficient lighting, capturing methane, saving water, cutting transportation emissions and reusing spent grain. Raise a glass to these innovative breweries this St. Paddy’s Day!
Take action: Tell the Senate to support energy efficiency standards
Washington could join California and Oregon in setting strict efficiency standards for several classes of appliances. House Bill 1100 passed the state House in February and now awaits consideration in the state Senate. The bill is expected to face tough going in the Republican-controlled Senate given prior opposition to state standards and the party-line vote in the House. Please urge your state senator to support HB 1100!
Unclouding the Council's crystal ball: What we look at changes everything
Scenario planning lies at the heart of the analysis used to develop the 7th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council wants your help in selecting and shaping the scenarios to be used. The 7th Plan will guide utilities’ energy choices, theoretically for the next 20 years and practically for at least five. Please look over the proposed scenarios and let the Council – and us – know which ones they must consider seriously while developing the 7th Plan.