By Region
Hundreds testify for clean energy and salmon provisions in 7th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan
A series of eight public hearings on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft 7th Plan drew hundreds of clean energy, climate and endangered salmon advocates expressing support for the Council’s embrace of energy efficiency to meet virtually all new power demands through the plan’s 20-year horizon.
Read MoreThe Northwest Power & Conservation Council reports: 'Northwest energy savings now second largest resource'
In 2014, Pacific Northwest utilities developed 262 average megawatts of new energy savings, enough to power 180,000 homes for a year, adding to the region’s impressive track record in achieving energy efficiency. Between 2010 through 2014, the cumulative savings of 1,500 average megawatts exceeded the target of 1,200 average megawatts set in the Council’s Sixth Power Plan.
Read MorePublic Hearing 11/19 on Regional Power Plan
BOISE, Idaho – Should Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington build more power plants, or rely more on energy efficiency and renewables?
Issues like these will be addressed at a public hearing in Boise tomorrow night on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 7th Regional Power Plan.
Read More7th Plan hearing in Seattle
Thursday (Nov. 19) the Northwest Power and Conservation Council will hold a public hearing on the draft plan at the Hilton Airport Conference Center, 17620 International Blvd, 5-7 p.m., one of eight hearings the Council is conducting around the Northwest. Click here for the Coalition’s short talking points developed to prepare advocates for the regional 7th…
Read MoreOpEd: A clean energy plan to benefit all Montanans
Affordable and reliable electricity are the backbone of a strong economy. They ensure that Montana families don’t have to choose between buying food and paying the electric bill. Electricity prices are also critical to the success of our state’s businesses and communities.
Read MoreWeigh in on the 7th Power Plan
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the region’s official power planning agency, has just released the draft of its seventh regional power plan. The public now has 60 days to provide written reactions and opportunities to attend and testify at public hearings in all four Northwest states.
Read MoreCoalition study finds negligible cost for effective salmon recovery action
Nearly 35 years after the Northwest Power Act mandated equal treatment for fish and power generation in the Columbia-Snake system, 13 of the basin’s wild salmon and steelhead stocks are still listed under the Endangered Species Act. Recovery will require, among other measures, changes in hydropower system operations that will reduce electricity generation, such as dam removal or greatly increased spill over the dams. What would replacing the power cost Northwest energy consumers and how does it compare to escalating costs of maintaining aging power system infrastructure?
Read MoreCoalition honors clean energy leaders with Headwaters awards
Two clean energy pioneers have been honored for their efforts with NW Energy Coalition Headwaters awards. Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh recently presented colorful plaques and vials of water drawn from the headwaters of the Columbia River – Columbia Lake in British Columbia, to Alan Zelenka and Mike Nelson.
Read MoreTestify on WA energy building codes on Oct. 16th in Olympia!
Washington state’s Building Code Council is considering a package of energy code improvements crucial to achieving the state goal of a 70% reduction in annual energy use by 2031. Despite their negligible costs and broad climate, comfort and energy-saving benefits, the proposals will likely draw opposition from some in the building industry and elsewhere. That’s why clean and affordable energy advocates must proclaim their support for these reasonable and cost-effective measures.
Read MoreCoalition's comments voice strong support for 2015 Washington State Energy Code Proposals
The NW Energy Coalition expressed strong support for the 2015 Washington State Energy Code Proposals in the comments submitted to the Washington State Building Code Council. “Because increased energy efficiency remains the cleanest and cheapest way to meet our state’s building energy needs, the NW Energy Coalition urges you and your colleagues to adopt the…
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