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![Image of a worker looking at the glass of a solar panel. In the background you can see Wind Turbines. Two different technologies to produce energy in a responsible and sustainable way (ISO 100) . All my images have been processed in 16 Bits and transfer down to 8 before uploading. [url=http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=7053550] [img]http://www.ll28.com/istock/solarpanel.jpg [/img][/url]](https://nwenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Solar_Wind.jpg "Examining the glass")
Bozeman Daily Chronicle guest column: Building on 10 years of renewable energy
Last month, Montana celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Jeff Fox of Renewable Northwest lauds the legislation as a success because major utilities have met the 15 percent renewable energy requirement, compliance has not increased costs to consumers and new renewable energy development has created more than 1,500 jobs in the state. Fox says, “We must stay focused on our opportunities and challenges in order to ensure that the next 10 years of renewable energy in Montana are an even bigger success.”
NW Council blog post – Northwest energy future: Efficient, low-cost, low carbon
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s recent blog post outlines the preliminary results of its 20-year scenario analysis modeling. The results indicate that investments in 3,800-4,500 aMW of energy efficiency are cost-effective over the next 20 years and will help the region meet new load growth; demand response will help meet winter peaking capacity requirements; and some new power generation may be needed to replace retiring coal plants.
![_Q8A9145ATNIAWARD[1]](https://nwenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Q8A9145ATNIAWARD1.jpg "_Q8A9145ATNIAWARD[1]")
Coalition presents its two highest awards
In May, former NWEC executive director Sara Patton presented the Headwaters Award to Seattle’s Mary Smith. The award recognizes a member of NWEC’s extended family for outstanding achievements. The following day, current Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh presented NWEC’s highest award, the Conservation Eagle, to the Coalition of Columbia Basin Tribes. The group, comprising 15 Northwest tribes, effectively advocated adding ecosystem function as a designated purpose of the Columbia River Treaty.
Idaho Power honors Nancy Hirsh
NW Energy Coalition executive director Nancy Hirsh was honored for her clean energy advocacy during the Coalition’s recent Clean and Affordable Energy Conference in Boise. Idaho Power customer relations and energy efficiency manager Theresa Drake thanked Hirsh for her 13 years of service on the utility’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Group and presented her with an etched glass award.
Energy experts flock to Boise for Coalition's spring conference
The NW Energy Coalition’s spring 2015 Clean and Affordable Energy Conference drew an impressive array of Northwest business, utility, regulatory, science and conservation experts and leaders to Boise, Idaho, on May 29-30. On Friday, more than 100 came to hear and participate in lively discussions of critical Northwest energy challenges. Aimée Christensen, who guided Google’s first climate and energy initiatives, started things off with a keynote address linking local and global climate action. Subsequent speakers referred to her remarks throughout the day.
NWEC comments on the Northern Tier Transmission Group 2014-2015 draft PPC study report
Click here for NWEC’s comments on the NTTG 2014-2015 draft PPC study report.
NWEC comments on the Gas Hedge Value workshop and the related proposal by NW Natural
Click here for the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the Gas Hedge Value workshop and the related proposal by NW Natural.
NWEC comments on the draft PGE Smart Grid Report
Click here for the NW Energy Coalition’s comments on the draft PGE Smart Grid Report.
Spring conference to feature panel on the needs and costs for new transmission
Please join us for the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, May 29-30 in Boise. A panel of experts will address the needs and costs of the Boardman to Hemingway and Gateway West transmission lines. These high-voltage transmission lines currently slated for construction in Idaho aim to improve reliability, handle a higher load and incorporate additional renewable energy sources. Opponents question whether the lines are needed and if the costs are justifiable. This panel will address the needs and opportunity costs associated with the construction of these two transmission lines.
How clean energy is faring in Northwest state legislatures
This fall and spring, NW Energy Coalition staff have been working in state legislative sessions throughout the region to advance and especially to defend clean and affordable energy laws. Each legislature is different, but many of the issues being addressed are familiar ones: energy efficiency, including building codes; renewable energy incentives and targets; distributed generation options, particularly resident-sited solar power; and coal plants and climate. Low-income protection and electric vehicle infrastructure are also getting legislative looks.