By Region
NWEC submits comment on Clean Air Rule 2nd CR 102 in Washington state
The NW Energy Coalition has submitted technical comments and suggestions to the draft Clean Air Rule, which aims to lower Washington’s carbon emissions via a “baseline and credit” mechanism that requires polluters to either reduce carbon emissions directly each year or acquire emissions reduction units (ERUs) through one of several pathways.
Read MoreClean energy, consumer advocates outline good rate design principles
The NW Energy Coalition is among 32 consumer, clean energy and environmental organizations urging utility regulators to adopt uniform principles for making rate design changes. Northwest utilities, like others across the country, are reconsidering their business models as energy efficiency and consumer-owned distributed generation reduce electric demand. Many are considering higher fixed charges, minimum bills and other approaches that could impede progress toward a clean, affordable and equitable energy future.
Read MoreClean Air Rule: Schedule for Ecology Public Hearing Process
The Washington Ecology Department has released the revised draft of its Clean Air Rule, which aims to lower some of Washington’s carbon emissions 30% by 2035. There are multiple opportunities in the coming weeks to participate, learn more and comment on the rule. Ecology’s schedule is summarized within.
Read More"Seattle City Light Among Seven Recipients Presented with First Climate Adaption Leadership Award for Natural Resources"
Seattle City Light won the inaugural Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources in the state/local category, the US Department of the Interior announced today. City Light is being recognized for demonstrating exemplary leadership in reducing climate-related threats and adapting the management of hydropower resources to help ensure that the recovery and protection of fish and wildlife can be achieved in the face of climate change.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: NW Energy Coalition statement on Department of Ecology’s new draft Clean Air Rule
The NW Energy Coalition applauds Gov. Jay Inslee and the Department of Ecology for their commitment to reducing Washington state carbon emissions. The draft Clean Air Rule released today is positive step toward that goal. The rule is a small step, however, and not nearly as complete as a comprehensive legislative solution needs to be.
Read MoreCoalition 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.
Read MoreMissoulian: "Renewable energy advocates discuss future of traditional utility companies"
NorthWestern Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe spent an hour taking questions from the audience about how Montana’s biggest energy utility plans to deal with the fate of Colstrip power plants, renewable energy sources and how traditional power companies will co-exist with changing public desires.
Read MoreIdaho's Snake River Alliance and partners roll out 'Solarize the Valley' campaign
A new program called “Solarize the Valley,” sponsored by the Snake River Alliance, is going to make rooftop solar energy more affordable and popular than ever before in the Treasure Valley, starting today. Out of the 1 million solar installations in America, less than .01% of them are in Idaho. But that’s about to change.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: Court strikes down feds' salmon plan again
The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon today invalidated the federal government’s 2014 Columbia Basin salmon biological opinion (salmon plan or BiOp). Judge Michael Simon ruled that this latest plan – like each of its four predecessors — violates the federal Endangered Species Act and additionally the National Environmental Policy Act. The Court sided with plaintiff fishing businesses, conservation groups, clean energy advocates, the State of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: Good news for utilities, consumers and the climate as Gov. Inslee signs electric vehicle incentive bill
The region took another step toward its clean energy future today as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bipartisan bill improving state tax incentives for buying electric vehicles. House Bill 2778 raises the maximum purchase price for tax break-eligible vehicles to $42,500 from $35,000. With the increase, buyers of electric cars with 200-mile ranges such as the Chevy Bolt, the next-generation Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3 will save up to $3,100 in state sales taxes. Add in federal incentives and consumers can save up to $10,000 on an EV purchase.
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