Montana
NW Energy Coalition and other Clean Energy Scenarios Stakeholders submit comments on PacificCorp's Integrated Resource Plan
The “Clean Energy Scenarios Stakeholders” (NW Energy Coalition, HEAL Utah, Idaho Conservation League, Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance, Powder River Basin Resource Council, Renewable Northwest and Sierra Club) have submitted comments for the PacificCorp’s 2015 IRP modeling process concerning proposed carbon price and solar PV scenarios. Click here to read the comments.
Read MoreGroup comments on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Draft Fish and Wildlife Program
On July 24, 14 groups submitted comments to the NPCC regarding its draft fish and wildlife program. Click here to read the group comments.
Read MoreCrosscut article: Are the feds simply shielding Columbia River dams from wrecking balls?
Conservation groups, tribes, fishing groups and the state of Oregon are taking the federal government to court again because its Biological Opinion (BiOp), regarding Columbia River hydro operations, inadequately address the needs of the river’s 13 endangered salmon species. Despite previous rulings in the plaintiff’s favor, the federal government has delayed making court-ordered improvements to the BiOp.
Read More32 groups sign letter to BPA on low-income energy efficiency
Thirty-one community action agencies, clean energy businesses, environmental advocates and other public-interest groups have joined the NW Energy Coalition in urging the Bonneville Power Administration to improve energy efficiency services to low-income families. BPA can help its customer utilities better serve their low-income populations by providing energy efficiency programs that will lower their bills and reduce shut-offs.
Read MoreNWEC IPR Comments, July 15, 2014
NWEC IPR Comments 7.15.2014[1]
Read MoreNEEA board adopts new 5-year strategic plan with lean budget, leaving long-term energy savings at risk
Despite hundreds of individual comments and letters, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance board has decided to stick with a budget almost 30% percent below the previous 5-year budget. The NW Energy Coalition and other clean energy advocates will work to ensure that NEEA maintains its effectiveness and helps the region achieve all the cost-effective energy efficiency we can get to reduce climate pollution and consumers’ bills. This is not the time to retreat on energy efficiency, our cheapest, cleanest and quickest new energy resource.
Read MoreOp-Ed: Colstrip is neither cheap nor reliable for Montanans
In her Hungry Horse News op-ed, Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center asserts that energy efficiency and renewable energy are more reliable than the aging Colstrip coal-fired power plant. Hedges claims that it’s time for Montana’s Public Service Commissioners to push NorthWestern Energy to replace Colstrip with clean energy sources because it will save customers money and create jobs in the long-run.
Read MoreClean and affordable energy advocates petition NEEA board to maintain energy efficiency budget
Clean and affordable energy advocates sent a group letter to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance board expressing concerns with the depth of proposed budget cuts. Earlier versions of NEEA’s budget and business plan were more consistent with the mission and goals of the organization and did not undercut the organization’s integrity.
Read MoreMontana Standard op-ed: Dam purchase "watershed" moment
Diego Rivas of the NW Energy Coalition and Kyla Maki of the Montana Environmental Information Center explain how NorthWestern Energy’s purchase of 11 hydropower dams from PPL Montana will diversify Montana’s resource mix, protect customers from price risks associated with fossil fuels, and lead to a cleaner and more affordable energy future.
Read MoreNW Energy Coalition conference to feature EPA emission standards panel
The NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Helena, Mont. May 2- 3 will feature a panel on the EPA’s proposed emission standards for existing power plants. This panel will outline EPA’s authority and the guidance the agency is soliciting from states and stakeholders. Panelists will also assess the opportunities for regional coordination on clean energy strategies for meeting the emissions standards.
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