Pursuing a Renewable Energy Future
Our goal is to pave the way for wind, solar, and storage to meet as much of the region’s electricity demand as possible.
We work across policy, regulation, transmission, and market development to help renewable energy projects advance at scale.
Policy
Across our four-state region, at all levels of government, RNW works to establish, implement, and defend policies that drive investment in clean energy, storage and transmission.
Regulation
RNW is deeply engaged with utility planning and procurement processes and legislative implementation to ensure growing electricity demand is met with a diverse selection of clean energy, storage and necessary transmission.
Where We Work
RNW is the only advocacy organization with a sustained, long-term focus on renewable energy policy across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana while leveraging the benefits of regional electricity markets.
Outcomes in Idaho
- Reversed a utility-scale solar ban in Idaho’s most populous county, organizing 400+ residents and a developer coalition to protect clean energy development.
- Defended a critical 500kv transmission line connecting the Northwest to the Desert Southwest against organized opposition.
- Worked with a county to pass a reasonable, rational, and predictable energy ordinance that allows developers to pursue projects in the heart of Idaho’s largest utility’s service territory.
- After defeating over a dozen anti-renewable bills in 2025, RNW shifted the momentum in 2026 with the renewable industry supporting two bills.
Outcomes in Montana
- Co-founded Montana’s first-ever clean energy business alliance, spurring the Governor’s Energy Task Force and new supportive transmission legislation.
- Defended wind development against extreme bills aiming to prevent projects from being built.
- Aligned utility, state, business, and developer leaders to prioritize transmission investment in Montana.
- Advanced a robust discussion on the future of Montana’s energy economy, energy regulation, and the state’s energy interests.
Outcomes in Oregon
- Supported the passage and implementation of Oregon’s landmark 100% clean electricity law (HB 2021).
- Co-founded the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative (OCGC), building capacity among advocates to expand electricity markets and accelerate transmission development.
- Led the legislative effort to pass HB 4015, giving battery storage projects the same permitting flexibility as renewable energy projects.
- Supported and passed two siting and permitting bills in the 2026 legislative session, allowing clean energy projects to pursue county-level permitting in response to expiring federal tax credits, and easing permitting for use of surplus interconnection.
Outcomes in Washington
- Supported the Clean Energy Transformation Act, putting Washington on track for a 100% clean electric grid.
- Championed HB 1960, allowing new clean energy projects to be taxed on a per-megawatt basis, ensuring stable tax revenue for counties and predictable taxes for developers.
- Helped establish a Washington Electric Transmission Authority, to plan and develop much-needed transmission.
Market & Transmission
RNW advances efficient, regionally coordinated electricity markets and the transmission infrastructure needed to support them. As market footprints evolve, we work to ensure they deliver clean energy reliably and cost-effectively.
Siting & Permitting
RNW promotes streamlined, predictable, and reasonable siting and permitting processes. Our goal is to enable the timely development of clean energy projects, including renewable generation, storage, and transmission infrastructure.