By Region
Tell your senator: Fund energy efficiency and solar programs
The Washington Senate’s Ways & Means Committee today released a proposed capital budget that slashes several of the state’s key energy efficiency and solar programs. These sensible programs save money for Washington schools, homes and businesses on their utility bills and help us meet our clean energy and climate goals. Please urge your senator to fund critical energy efficiency and solar programs.
Take Action: Stop bill that would slow energy efficiency gains
Washington’s strong energy and building codes often prove to be the state’s most cost-effective energy conservation measures. They reduce electricity and gas use, and save consumers money for years to come. But some business interests, including builders and realtors, want to squelch new energy code improvements. Their strategy is to legislate a more complicated code amendment process. Please tell chair Jeff Morris and other House committee members to reject SB 5804.
Billings Gazette guest editorial: Wind energy is driving economic development in Montana
Renewable Northwest’s Jeff Fox explains how Montana’s wind energy development is on the rise despite the fact that the state’s renewable energy standard plateaus this year at 15 percent. Recent wind projects have lead to billions of dollars in economic investment and created hundreds of jobs. Montana has one of the best wind resources in the country and can continue to reap the economic benefits of wind development into the future.
Portland Monthly: Drink "green" this St. Patrick's Day with eco-friendly beers
This Portland Monthly article showcases how eight Oregon breweries have made strides to lower their carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, recycling steam, sourcing local ingredients, installing efficient lighting, capturing methane, saving water, cutting transportation emissions and reusing spent grain. Raise a glass to these innovative breweries this St. Paddy’s Day!
Take action: Tell the Senate to support energy efficiency standards
Washington could join California and Oregon in setting strict efficiency standards for several classes of appliances. House Bill 1100 passed the state House in February and now awaits consideration in the state Senate. The bill is expected to face tough going in the Republican-controlled Senate given prior opposition to state standards and the party-line vote in the House. Please urge your state senator to support HB 1100!
Unclouding the Council's crystal ball: What we look at changes everything
Scenario planning lies at the heart of the analysis used to develop the 7th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council wants your help in selecting and shaping the scenarios to be used. The 7th Plan will guide utilities’ energy choices, theoretically for the next 20 years and practically for at least five. Please look over the proposed scenarios and let the Council – and us – know which ones they must consider seriously while developing the 7th Plan.
Senate bills attack Washington state's clean energy standards
Are you getting tired of continual efforts to undermine the state’s incredibly successful clean energy law, Initiative 937? Well, here they come again. The Washington State Senate is about to vote on a slew of bills to slash I-937’s goals and standards. Tell your state senator to protect our clean energy law and our clean energy future. Vote NO on Senate Bills 5089, 5090, 5094, 5430, 5735 and 5842!
Tell BPA to fulfill its energy efficiency commitments
Your help is needed to bolster Bonneville Power Administration’s commitment to energy efficiency. BPA is examining energy efficiency financing issues as part of a supplemental budget process and has floated two troublesome proposals: one to cut $10 million from the efficiency budget over the next rate period; the other to shift from capitalizing energy efficiency to expensing it. BPA needs to hear from stakeholders throughout the region that both of these ideas run counter to the region’s best interests.
Idaho Statesman guest opinion: Idaho needs a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Ken Miller of Snake River Alliance eloquently makes the case for a greenhouse gas reduction plan in Idaho. Miller points out that so long as Idaho utilities burn coal, their customers will be on the hook for inevitable regulatory costs. If Idaho doesn’t create its own emissions reduction plan, the state will face legal costs and the federal government may write the plan instead. Ken Miller will be one of our featured panelists at the NW Clean & Affordable Energy Conference May 29-30 in Boise.
Clean Energy Choice Act builds on I-937 success
State Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) has introduced HB 2073 to enhance the consumer and health benefits of Washington’s new renewables and energy efficiency law, Initiative 937. Fey’s Clean Energy Choice Act provides a framework for discussion of new resource development after 2020, when I-937’s new renewables standard plateaus at 15 percent.