Policy Archives
Senate bills attack Washington state's clean energy standards
Are you getting tired of continual efforts to undermine the state’s incredibly successful clean energy law, Initiative 937? Well, here they come again. The Washington State Senate is about to vote on a slew of bills to slash I-937’s goals and standards. Tell your state senator to protect our clean energy law and our clean energy future. Vote NO on Senate Bills 5089, 5090, 5094, 5430, 5735 and 5842!
Read MoreIdaho Statesman guest opinion: Idaho needs a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Ken Miller of Snake River Alliance eloquently makes the case for a greenhouse gas reduction plan in Idaho. Miller points out that so long as Idaho utilities burn coal, their customers will be on the hook for inevitable regulatory costs. If Idaho doesn’t create its own emissions reduction plan, the state will face legal costs and the federal government may write the plan instead. Ken Miller will be one of our featured panelists at the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference May 29-30 in Boise.
Read MoreClimate Solutions blog: Protecting Washington's clean energy commitment
The vision laid out in a new, comprehensive approach to reforming I-937, called the Clean Energy Choice Act (HB 2073), addresses the needs of utilities to serve load at low costs while ensuring that every time a fossil fuel contract comes due, it is replaced by clean energy. Megawatt by megawatt, the Clean Energy Choice Act will transition our fossil-powered grid to one served by renewable energy. This legislation deserves a hearing and vote, and should be the starting point for any post-2020 proposal going forward.
Read MoreLower load growth expectations for 7th Plan don't reduce importance of energy efficiency
Northwest Power and Conservation Council staff expect significantly slower growth in energy demand over the next 20 years than was predicted in the 6th regional power plan five years ago. This means we can meet an even higher percentage of new load with energy efficiency – saving more money for families and businesses, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and cleanly powering our growing fleet of electric vehicles. Realizing those savings, and their benefits, will be a primary 7th Plan goal for clean and affordable energy advocates throughout the Northwest.
Read MoreWebinar on utility-scale wind and natural gas peaking plants this Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. PST
As part of developing the region’s 7th Power Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s power committee is holding a webinar on specific generation resources tomorrow — Thursday, Jan. 29 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. The posted agenda items are (1) assessment of natural gas natural gas peaking plants (single-cycle combustion turbines or SCCTs and reciprocating engines) and (2) assessment of onshore utility-scale wind.
Read MoreWashington and Idaho members will lead the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in 2015
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council this month elected Washington and Idaho members to lead the four-state energy and fish and wildlife planning agency in 2015. Phil Rockefeller, appointed to the Council in 2011 by then-Governor Christine Gregoire, was elected chair of the Council. In 2014, Mr. Rockefeller served as chair of the Council’s Fish and Wildlife Committee. The Council also elected Idaho member Bill Booth as vice chair. Mr. Booth previously served in several Council leadership positions including two terms as chair, in 2008 and 2009.
Read More7th Power and Conservation Plan vehicle to clean energy future
Every five years, the region’s official power planning agency prepares an updated 20-year forecast of the Northwest’s electric power needs and a plan for how those needs should be met. The forthcoming 7th Plan will help us raise the bar higher, capitalize on our region’s clean energy success and set us on the course to a cleaner, more affordable and wildlife-friendly future. We need all hands on deck … starting now!
Read MoreNorthwest Power and Conservation Council seeks comments on direct natural gas use, aka 'fuel switching'
As it develops the 7th Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council is releasing a series of issue papers for public comment. This week the Council released its “Direct Use of Natural Gas Analysis,” with a comment period running through Feb. 20. Despite the potential thermal efficiencies of direct use, the Council has never considered switching from electric to gas heat to be conservation.
Read MoreHuffington Post blog: 6 reasons 2014 was a good year for climate action
There are many reasons to be joyous about clean energy advancements in 2014. The cost of solar and wind energy continues to fall, utilities are investing in energy storage and electric vehicle charging, Chinese coal demand is falling, sustainable investing is on the rise, and businesses are more vocal than ever on the need for climate action.
Read MoreClean energy advocates should rally behind governor's bold climate plan
On Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled a suite of proposals that would increasingly limit carbon pollution in the state and make major polluters pay for the carbon they do emit via a market-based allocation system. Revenues from the pollution permits – estimated at $1 billion in the first year – would go to transportation, particularly transit and electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure; relief for low-income communities; and education, to help meet court funding mandates.
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