Policy Archives

Gov. Inslee proclaims October 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State

Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program will help many households make it through the cold weather season – and the years ahead – by adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other improvements that reduce heat loss and save money on energy bills. The program is funded through a partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State, and private and public utilities.

Continue reading Gov. Inslee proclaims October 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State >> about Gov. Inslee proclaims October 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State

NWEC policy director Nancy Hirsh addresses B.C. – U.S. issues

NW Energy Coalition policy director and executive director-designee Nancy Hirsh was the invited speaker at the Pacific Energy Innovation Association breakfast meeting in Vancouver, B.C., on Oct. 1. The object was sharing perspectives on energy issues of cross-border importance. Thus, her address covered such topics as EPA’s proposed Clean Power Rule, the Columbia River Treaty, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s upcoming 7th regional plan, and the Pacific Coast Collaborative’s energy efficiency platform.

Continue reading NWEC policy director Nancy Hirsh addresses B.C. – U.S. issues >> about NWEC policy director Nancy Hirsh addresses B.C. – U.S. issues

New federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings

In the past five years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cranked out federal appliance and equipment standards that by 2029 will produce almost 800 average megawatts of Northwest energy savings that will greatly help the region achieve the savings goals of current regional power plan, according to preliminary analyses by the Bonneville Power Administration and Northwest Power and Conservation Council. These standards have tremendous success in creating significant energy savings at the lowest possible costs.

Continue reading New federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings >> about New federal equipment standards create big Northwest energy savings

NW Energy Coalition seeks policy director

The Policy Director is a senior level position responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a four-state policy agenda based on the goals of the Coalition. The work focuses on regional and state policy (regulatory and legislative) and utility proceedings and includes working with industry experts, building coalitions and educating stakeholders.

Continue reading NW Energy Coalition seeks policy director >> about NW Energy Coalition seeks policy director

NW Energy Coalition announces new executive director

The NW Energy Coalition executive board is proud to announce that nationally admired energy policy authority Nancy Hirsh will succeed Sara Patton as Coalition executive director, effective in January. Hirsh has been Coalition policy director for 18 years. She’s left her personal imprint on such critical accomplishments as increasingly energy efficiency-focused regional power plans, agreements to end coal-fired power generation in Washington and Oregon once and for all, and the region’s landmark renewable energy and energy efficiency standard: Washington’s I-937.

Continue reading NW Energy Coalition announces new executive director >> about NW Energy Coalition announces new executive director

Public input will be crucial in shaping next regional power and conservation plan

Work on the next regional power plan is shifting into high gear. The Seventh Northwest Power and Conservation Plan, like its six predecessors, will guide Bonneville Power Administration and public utility resource choices and set the regional benchmark for meeting predicted electricity needs over the next 20 years. Public comments on both are due Oct. 31.

Continue reading Public input will be crucial in shaping next regional power and conservation plan >> about Public input will be crucial in shaping next regional power and conservation plan

The Columbian Op-Ed: Climate woes, income inequality can be tackled together

K.C. Golden, senior adviser for Climate Solutions, and Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, insist that our leaders must do more to address climate change and inequity issues. They point out that through advancing energy efficiency, we can create jobs, save bill-payers’ money, reduce climate pollution and build healthier communities.

Continue reading The Columbian Op-Ed: Climate woes, income inequality can be tackled together >> about The Columbian Op-Ed: Climate woes, income inequality can be tackled together