Without the dams would salmon populations recover?

“Remove 4 dams, leave these fish alone, and they may be able to replenish themselves” Idaho Statesman reporter, Rocky Barker, continues his series on the question of how salmon and steelhead populations can be restored and the energy generation, economic, cultural, and agricultural implications of various proposed solutions, including the removal of the four lower…

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Montana organizations unite to oppose Trump administration budget cuts and policies

On Tuesday, NW Energy Coalition policy analyst, Diego Rivas, joined representatives from the Montana Wildlife Federation and the Montana Farmers Union as well as Helena City Commissioner Andres Halladay to publicize federal government policies and proposed budget cuts that threaten Montana’s economy and communities. The event was part of a three-city tour to draw attention…

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BPA reduces Montana Intertie rate, but more action is needed

NW Energy Coalition welcomes BPA recognition of barriers to development of renewable energy in Montana SEATTLE, Washington — Yesterday the Bonneville Power Administration announced that its 2018-19 rates will include a fifteen percent reduction in the Montana Intertie rate – a $2 per MWh charge that applies to a 90-mile section of power lines between…

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Montana: New financing option available for solar and energy efficiency

Financing of solar and energy efficiency in Montana: Credit Union Partnership — The NW Energy Coalition is partnering with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) to expand solar financing in the Northwest. Since 1934, PSCCU has been empowering members to do more than they thought they could with their banking relationship. The credit union maintains a…

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NW Energy Coalition hopes BPA will reverse intertie rate recommendation

Montana intertie rate is a barrier to renewable energy, growth, and jobs Seattle, Washington — Yesterday, as part of its 2018 rate recommendation, the Bonneville Power Administration announced its desire to retain the Montana Intertie transmission rate. The $2 per MWh charge, which applies to a 90-mile section of power lines between Townsend and Garrison, Montana,…

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New loan options for home solar in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana

The NW Energy Coalition is partnering with Generations Credit Union and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union to expand solar financing in the Northwest. Oregon, Idaho, and Montana  homeowners who are seeking loans to  install solar or to make their homes  more energy efficient can do so  through Generations Credit Union   and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit  Union by…

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Coalition conference featuring Montana governor and NorthWestern Energy CEO draws big crowd in Missoula

Overflow crowds greeted Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe, and a host of renewable energy and energy efficiency advocates and providers at the Spring 2016 NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Missoula on May 19. More than 120 people from around the region attended this edition of the NW Energy Coalition’s twice-yearly conference, which rotates through Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. Coalition members returned the next day to elect board members, select annual award winners and strategize.

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Montana's top political and energy leaders headline NW Energy Coalition conference

Gov. Steve Bullock will deliver the conference’s opening keynote. Bullock will outline his energy vision for Montana and look at how energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development and smart transmission can position Montana to take advantage of the new clean energy economy in the West. After lunch, Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh will facilitate a lively Q & A between NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe and all conference attendees.

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