renewable energy

With an eye on clean electricity, Missoula County last week signed an agreement with a law firm to navigate the final steps of crafting a Green Power Program before taking the proposal to the Montana Public Service Commission for final approval.

The gathering, billed as a discussion about climate resilience and renewable energy, quickly became one about the economics of moving Oregon farms and plant nurseries off fossil fuels for the health of the planet and to save them money.

As some lawmakers and advocates hope to tap federal funds, others worry about reliability and affordability.

County commissioners from Coos, Curry and Douglas counties passed proclamations opposing the floating offshore wind turbines

Washington government and business leaders want manufacturers of offshore wind turbines to build equipment in the state.

In a push to launch a new training program for young mothers in the clean-energy field, a new coalition will enjoy the support of federal funding and a number of federal agencies as it connects with local employers to diversify the workforce.

Single mothers in Missoula will soon have a track to employment in clean energy after the city and the U.S. Department of Labor launch a new workforce training and development program.

Colorado lawmakers and local elected officials are urging Xcel Energy to minimize the need for gas-fired power plants and to work toward the highest levels of renewable energy in the company’s upcoming electric resource plan filing.

Both the city and county of Missoula, along with the city of Bozeman, have adopted goals to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2030. The renewable rate option is seen as key in achieving those goals, officials have said.

The new NREL funds come from the Inflation Reduction Act, a climate change, health care and tax package Biden signed last year.