The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released draft pollution discharge permits for eight federal hydroelectric dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers that, if granted, would authorize operational discharges of lubricants and water used for cooling and equipment. Read MoreEPA Seeks Pollution Discharge Permits at Eight Columbia Basin Dams
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Three conservation groups filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Oregonagainst the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its water allocation plans for 13 dams in the Willamette River basin, and are asking the judge to grant a preliminary injunction to rescind the plan, which has been sent to… Read MoreThree Conservation Groups Sue Corps Over Willamette Dams Plan
The COVID-19 pandemic casts a large shadow over the entire world, including our region. This column explores initial pandemic responses from the regional electric and natural gas industries, and outlines a preliminary and partial list of energy-related questions and challenges from this fast… Read MoreCOVID-19 and the Electric, Natural Gas Industries
Western energy prices fell as sharp changes in energy demand and usage patterns pushed electricity and natural gas prices lower. Read MoreWestern Energy Demand Down, Prices Follow
For your convenience, NewsData has compiled a list of the acronyms we utilize throughout the Clearing Up publication. Read moreWestern Energy Acronyms
In the latest Energy West podcast, Clearing Up's Dan Catchpole and California Energy Markets' Jason Fordney talk about the coal-fired Colstrip power plant's new lease on life and more. Read moreEnergy West: Jan. 26, 2023
Clearing Up's Dan Catchpole goes over the top 10 stories for the Northwest energy industry in 2022. Read moreTop 10 Energy Stories From the NW Energy Industry in 2022
Puget Sound Energy announced March 24 that it signed a power purchase agreement with Energy Keepers, the tribally owned corporation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for 40 MW of hydroelectricity from the Selis Ksanka Qlispe hydroelectric project in Montana. Read MorePSE Inks PPA With Energy Keepers for More Hydro
The region's supply of natural gas should remain plentiful and prices low through 2020, despite the economy slowing down, according to the Northwest Natural Gas Association's 2020 Gas Outlook. Read MoreNWGA 2020 Outlook: Gas Supply Plentiful and Prices Low
The Washington UTC approved a partial multiparty settlement in Avista's general rate case on March 25 that would have increased the utility's electric rates, but at the same time agreed to fast-track a series of customer refunds that will negate the rate increases during the COVID-19-induced… Read MoreWUTC Approves Avista Rate Case Settlement, Fast-Tracks Refunds
Opinions about whether the four lower Snake River dams should be removed have dominated oral comments on a draft environmental impact statement for the Columbia River System Operations during at least two of five teleconferences held since the document was released on Feb. 28. Read MorePublic Comments for CRSO Draft EIS Focus on Lower Snake Dams
The State of Washington has closed recreational fishing for at least two weeks, and Oregon closed salmon and steelhead fishing on the Columbia River. Read MoreWhat's 'Mission Critical' in Salmon Recovery? Not Recreational Fishing
Renewable energy tax-credit extensions did not make the cut for the $2.2 trillion coronavirus pandemic relief package that President Donald Trump signed into law March 27 but the bill boosts low-income energy assistance by $900 million. The bill was passed by the House on a voice vote earlie… Read MorePOTOMAC: Trump Signs Relief Bill