Boulder, Colo.-based Scout Clean Energy on Feb. 8 filed an application with Washington's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council for its proposed $1.7 billion, 1,150 MW Horse Heaven wind, solar and battery storage project. Read MoreDeveloper Applies to Washington EFSEC for 1,150 MW Horse Heaven Project
Top Stories
- Intel Joins PGE's Green Future Impact Program; Avangrid to Develop Solar Project
- Council Staff: Weather Masked COVID-19 Effects on NW 2020 Load
- Lower Snake: What Would Happen Without the Dams?
- BPA Q1 FY 2021 Results 'Positive' as Agency Readies for Cooperation Debt
- Region Reacts to Simpson's $33.5 Billion Lower Snake River Dams Plan
A NOAA Fisheries analysis of North Pacific killer whales found dead since 2001 identifies vessel strikes as a significant threat to endangered southern resident orcas. Read MoreNOAA Fisheries ID's Vessel Strikes as Threat to Endangered Orcas
CFO Brian Bird has been named president and COO of Northwestern Energy, while Bob Rowe will remain as CEO, under a succession plan the utility's board of directors approved Feb. 5. Read MoreNorthWestern Energy's Brian Bird Tapped as CEO Bob Rowe's Successor
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed legislation Feb. 8 banning natural gas and electric resistance space and water heating in new commercial buildings and apartment buildings with more than three stories. The ban was part of updates to building and energy codes the Seattle City Council unanimo… Read MoreBrief Mentions: News Roundup
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) shares with Clearing Up about his ambitious $33.5 billion vision that includes removing the four lower Snake River dams to help salmon and compensation for those dependent on the dams. Read MoreLower Snake River Dams: Q&A With Rep. Mike Simpson
Intense cold weather lit a fire under Western natural gas prices this week, propelling most above $8 by Feb. 12. Read MoreArctic Freeze Ignites Natural Gas Prices
In the latest Energy West podcast, Clearing Up's Dan Catchpole and California Energy Markets' Jason Fordney talk about obstacles to building offshore wind in California waters, interconnection delays across the country, Washington delaying new building codes in the wake of the 9th Circuit's Berkeley decision, PacifiCorp booking a $120 million first-quarter loss due to the 2020 Labor Day weekend wildfires, and more.
Intel has joined Portland General Electric's voluntary renewable energy buying program, enabling the development of a 138 MW solar facility, the utility announced Feb. 11. Read MoreIntel Joins PGE's Green Future Impact Program; Avangrid to Develop Solar Project
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) created a big splash when he released in early February a concept with a $33.5 billion outline for breaching the four lower Snake River dams and offering economic incentives to industries and communities dependent on them. Read MoreLower Snake: What Would Happen Without the Dams?
On Feb. 6, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) rolled out his massive $33.5 billion proposal to breach the four lower Snake River dams and compensate those who depend on them in an attempt to save Idaho's threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead runs. Read MoreRegion Reacts to Simpson's $33.5 Billion Lower Snake River Dams Plan
For the PUDs that operate the five mid-Columbia River dams, salmon survival along the 143-mile stretch of river is a balancing act requiring no net impact on ESA-listed salmon and steelhead passing through their projects. Read MorePUDs Share Fish Passage Strategies at Mid-C Dams to Help Salmon Survival
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has named a longtime Flathead Electric Cooperative board member and a former fighter pilot to represent the state on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Read MoreFEC Board Member, Ex-State Lawmaker to Represent Montana on NWPCC
Early data indicates that weather pushed up regional load in 2020 more than the COVID-19 pandemic lowered demand, according to a Northwest Power and Conservation Council staff presentation Feb. 11 to the Council. Read MoreCouncil Staff: Weather Masked COVID-19 Effects on NW 2020 Load
In his first quarterly business review on Feb. 9 as BPA's official administrator, John Hairston noted "positive" overall financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, including Fitch Ratings' outlook for the agency changing from negative to stable due to "increased liquidity." Read MoreBPA Q1 FY 2021 Results 'Positive' as Agency Readies for Cooperation Debt
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Feb. 9 reported out the nomination of Michael Regan for Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Read MorePOTOMAC: Regan Nomination to Head EPA Advances to Senate Floor