October 23, 1998

Renewable Energy Group Marks 25th Anniversary of Oil Embargo with Top Ten List

To mark the 25th Anniversary of the OPEC oil embargo, and remind citizens of the risks of over-dependence on fossil fuels, the Renewable Northwest Project today released "The Top Ten Things You Can Do For Energy Security." The list includes actions that will save energy, diversify our electricity system, reduce global warming gases, and create a more sustainable energy future for the Northwest.

"Despite the pain of long lines at the gas station and skyrocketing prices during the oil crises of the 1970s, the United States uses more foreign oil today than the country used in 1973," said Rachel Shimshak, director of the Renewable Northwest Project, based in Portland, Oregon. "The good news is that we can do something about it by investing in renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, and geothermal that will benefit our economy and our environment, and keep our energy system clean and affordable for the long run," she added.

"We recommend the following Ten Things You Can Do To Increase Our Energy Security by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of clean energy resources:

1. Ask your utility to purchase new renewable resources such as wind, solar and geothermal.

2. Insist that your elected officials support clean, renewable energy.

3. Buy a solar water heater, and /or put solar cells on your roof to produce electricity.

4. Install energy efficient products (e.g., compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulation, etc.) in your home and office.

5. Recycle household and office products, and purchase recyled products.

6. Ride MAX (in Portland), take the bus, bike, or carpool at least two times a week.

7. Patronize businesses that use clean energy.

8. Teach your children the conservation ethic.

9. Replace your most frequently used automobile with a fuel efficient car (32 mpg or more).

10. Become an active member of a local environmental organization.

The Renewable Northwest Project is a regional advocacy organization promoting the implementation of solar, wind and geothermal resources in the Northwest.

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June 24, 1998

Unusual Alliance Announces Formation of New Environmental Foundation

The Renewable Northwest Project today joined Senator Mark Hatfield, leading environmental groups and the Bonneville Power Administration in announcing the establishment of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The Foundation will receive money from the sale of environmentally superior resources endorsed by the environmental groups, and it will invest that money in additional fish and wildlife restoration efforts and new, non-hydro renewable resources.

"This innovative effort will help customers make a choice and make a difference with their energy dollars," said Rachel Shimshak, Director of the Renewable Northwest Project. "It will allow customers to plug into clean power, and provide additional and real benefits to the environment. Investments by the Foundation will help move the energy system toward a more healthy future -- one that keeps our air clean, restores healthy fish populations and helps us maintain our quality of life," she added.

The Renewable Northwest Project, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Northwest Energy Coalition worked with Bonneville to set up the new Foundation. The environmental groups will evaluate the impacts of certain energy projects and endorse those which are environmentally superior.

The Renewable Northwest Project is a regional organization, sponsored by energy companies and public interest groups, that promotes the development of solar, wind and geothermal resources in the Northwest. Rachel Shimshak will be a member of the Board of the new Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

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April 3, 1998

Washington Governor Gary Locke signs law boosting clean, renewable sources of energy.

OLYMPIA, Washington ­ Renewable energy got a boost today when Washington Governor Gary Locke signed into law a bill requiring Washington utilities to off "net metering" to small-scale solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems.

"Net metering" allows customers who own small renewable energy systems to offset electricity purchases from their utility by running their meter backwards while the renewable sources are at work. At the end of each billing period, consumers pay for only the "net" energy purchased from the utility.

"This is a great day for everyone who believes that clean, renewable energy is important to our quality of life in the Northwest," said Rachel Shimshak, Executive Director of the Portland-based Renewable Northwest Project. "This legislation provides significant new incentives for utility customers to generate their own power using renewable energy.”

Proponents of the new law said that several utility customers already have expressed interest in net metering, and that they expect Washington’s first net metering system to be on-line by the end of the year.

"Washington's net metering law will make investing in renewable energy easier and more attractive for utility customers motivated by considerations such as environmental protection, climate change mitigation, or energy self-sufficiency," said Tom Starrs, a renewable energy consultant based on Vashon Island.

Beginning later this year, utilities will be required to off net metering to customers with home solar, wind or hydro systems of less than 25 kilowatts. Only systems meeting national standards for safety and power quality can qualify.

"Governor Locke and the legislature have shown foresight by establishing this incentive to boost the use of renewable sources of energy right here at home," said Sara Patton, Director of the NW Energy Coalition. "We hope that they will champion energy conservation and the restoration of our wild salmon in the same manner."

The Renewable Northwest Project is a regional advocacy organization promoting the implementation of solar, wind and geothermal resources in the Northwest.

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March 19, 1998

Renewable energy advocacy group bestows award for wind energy project

The Renewable Northwest Project has announced three winners of the group’s first-ever Clean Energy Award.

The regional renewable energy advocacy group recognized Dennis Steinberg of PacifiCorp, Ken Beeson of the Eugene Water and Electric Board and George Darr of the Bonneville Power Administration for their work on the Wyoming Wind Energy Project. Located on blustery Foote Creek Rim between Laramie and Rawlins, the project will be home to 69 wind energy turbines capable of generating up to 41.4 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough power to serve 15,000 to 20,000 customers.

Rachel Shimshak, director of Renewable Northwest, said her organization wanted to formally recognize the extraordinary efforts made to launch the commercial-scale wind energy project. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done this,” said Shimshak of the awards. “The leadership and perseverance of these three individuals really made it happen.”

Since 1993, the Renewable Northwest Project has worked with utilities, BPA and policy makers to move away from fossil fuels toward a more sustainable energy system. The group’s board of directors consists of environmentalists, consumer groups and energy developers.

PacifiCorp owns 80 percent of the $60 million Wyoming Wind Energy Project, and EWEB owns the rest. BPA will buy 15 megawatts of the plant’s output and PacifiCorp and EWEB will buy the remaining 26 megawatts of power. The 69 wind Turbines are expected to begin generating electricity by late 1998 or early 1999.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden saluted the award winners in the Senate Congressional Record. “Their commitment marks the dawn of a new industry for the Northwest, and a substantial contribution to a sustainable future for us and our children.”

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