Washington’s groundbreaking climate package examined

8 bills that transform Washington’s energy system Click here to download the NWEC 2019 Washington State Legislative Digest for energy-related bills Click here to download the NWEC digest for E2SSB 5116, the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Bill, better known as the 100% Clean Electricity bill. Click here to download the NWEC digest for HB 1257,…

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What will it take to restore salmon and save orca whales?

Simpson says region must ask “what if?” lower Snake River dams are removed Will Washington legislature follow suit? BOISE, IDAHO — Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho energized a conference audience in Boise on Tuesday by declaring the need for the Northwest to explore the implications of removing four lower Snake River dams in order…

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Please join us in celebrating!

(Nancy is traveling, but she asked me to send the following message on her behalf. S.O’L.) Hi, After a long time and a great deal of effort, just now, the Washington legislature passed the third bill in the trio of NW Energy Coalition priorities for this session – the 100% Clean Electricity (SB 5116) bill, which assures that over…

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The need for lower Snake River dam stakeholder forum

The Seattle Times has published an op-ed titled, “Restore the Snake River? Stakeholder talks are the right next step”  by Sam Mace of Coalition member Save Our wild Salmon.  Sam makes the case for state funding for a proposed lower Snake River dam stakeholder forum.  The forum would give Washington communities a voice in examining the…

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Clean energy on a roll in Washington legislature

Buildings and Appliance bills pass WA Senate Climate bills on a winning streak in Olympia The Washington legislature is well on its way to passing an unprecedented body of climate legislation that will, when fully enacted, address nearly every major source of climate pollution, including the electric system, the transportation sector, buildings, and appliances. At…

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WA House passes 100% Clean Electricity

Today, SB 5116, the 100% Clean Electricity bill, passed the Washington House of Representatives by a vote of 56-42.The bill will now go back to the Senate, which has already passed a slightly different version, for concurrence. When finally enacted, SB 5116 will put Washington’s electric system on a path to become free of carbon…

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House passes WA Clean Buildings bill

House passes Washington Clean Buildings bill Key piece of Governor Jay Inslee’s climate package advances OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON — Last night’s passage of the Clean Buildings for Washington Act (HB 1257) by the state House of Representatives moves Washington one step closer to becoming a national leader in tackling one of the least recognized but biggest…

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Double Squeeze: Arctic Express, system constraints skyrocket NW wholesale energy prices

More clean energy solutions, less reliance on gas needed to meet peak energy needs When discussing electric system affordability and reliability, natural gas is often portrayed as a guarantor of both. But, since the beginning of February, when Northwest temperatures dropped to near record lows, wholesale natural gas prices skyrocketed, causing serious disruption for gas-fired…

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