Last week, Governor Brad Henry signed a legislation requiring that Oklahoma generate 15% of its electricity through renewable energy sources by 2015. The legislation counts hydropower in its renewable portfolio along with wind, solar, photovoltaic, hydrogen, geothermal, and biomass.

The end of Washington's 2009 legislative session saw constituent based Initiative 937 protected and still in effect -- but not without almost daily changes to both energy and river impacts.  

HRC POSITION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES

The Hydropower Reform Coalition has published a position statement describing what types of hydropower deserve incentives and how hydropower fits in a renewable energy policy.

Washington State proposes to increase its Renewable Portfolio Standard energy goals to require large utilities to obtain 25% of their electricity from new renewable resources by 2025.

The PG&E report changes the equation regarding Canadian hydroelectric power being sold to US markets, as IPP’s (independent power producers) have long argued that the power produced from local resources would remain in BC. It also affects US Consumers in two ways: 1. in our need to be involved and educated about BC river issues, and 2. Potential future changes to California’s existing Renewable Portfolio Standard, and to new National Portfolio Standards which may be established after the upcoming election.

Comments for the State of Washington's Renewable Portfolio Standards were due November 16, 2007. Two public meetings were held on November 9th and November 14th.