Laura Feinstein
Laura Feinstein is a fellow with Sightline Institute, focused on energy policy, particularly natural gas infrastructure and building decarbonization. Before joining Sightline, Laura worked as an engineer for Puget Sound Energy, modernizing the region’s energy grid. She holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Purdue University and a master’s in mathematics from the University of Washington. Laura lives in Seattle. Email Laura.
Laura Feinstein
Laura Feinstein
Latest articles
The Northwest Hasn’t Learned the Lessons of WPPSS (“Whoops”)
How overreliance on one grid study could drive a fossil fuel comeback in the Northwest.
How overreliance on one grid study could drive a fossil fuel comeback in the Northwest.
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The High Cost of Slow Permitting
Sluggish approval of Cascadian transmission projects inflates electricity bills and strands renewable energy.
Sluggish approval of Cascadian transmission projects inflates electricity bills and strands renewable energy.
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Who Owns a Utility Matters Less for Climate Than the Rules They Play By
Advocates can focus on fast-tracking policies that are already working well elsewhere.
Advocates can focus on fast-tracking policies that are already working well elsewhere.
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Ending Subsidies for New Gas Hook-Ups Can Save Cascadians Millions
Line extension allowances are on their way out, and regulators can finish the job.
Line extension allowances are on their way out, and regulators can finish the job.
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Hydrogen Is Sneaking Its Way Into Oregon Homes
Oregon laws can catch up to protect customers.
Oregon laws can catch up to protect customers.
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Washingtonians Will Soon Enjoy Cleaner Heating and Cooling Options
The possibility of connecting your home or business to a clean heating and cooling network could be coming to your neighborhood soon.
Washington lawmakers have opened up a new realm of climate-friendly business opportunities for the state’s energy utilities. With the unanimous passage of
HB 2131, to allow thermal energy networks, unanimously passed in the 2024 legislative session. It’s a win for consumers, the climate, pipeline workers, and electric grids.
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How Governor Inslee Can Rebalance Washington’s Utility Decarbonization Bill
Takeaways The amended version of the PSE Decarbonization bill that passed in Washington’s 2024 legislative session is lopsided, with too ...
HB 1589 favors investors over ratepayers—and state climate goals. A section veto would go a long way to fix the bill.
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Without Gas, What Business Models Could Gas Utilities Pursue?
Several examples exist, and Cascadian policymakers can encourage shifts while setting guardrails to protect customers.
Several examples exist, and Cascadian policymakers can encourage shifts while setting guardrails to protect customers.
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It’s Time to Stop Subsidizing New Gas Pipes
Regulators across Cascadia should end line extension allowances, the subsidies ratepayers finance that expand utilities’ pipeline infrastructure.
Regulators across Cascadia should end line extension allowances, the subsidies ratepayers finance that expand utilities’ pipeline infrastructure.
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Is There a Future for Gas Utilities? It Could Be Heating and Cooling Your Home (from the Ground)
"GeoNetworks" are being piloted in New York and Massachusetts. Cascadia should be next.
"Thermal energy networks" are being piloted in New York and Massachusetts. Cascadia should be next.
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No, Hydrogen Is Not the Savior Gas Utilities Are Looking For
Gas companies are making a risky bet.
Gas companies are making a risky bet.
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Decarbonizing with Hydrogen: A Primer
Renewable electricity coupled with energy efficiency will be the powerhouses lowering carbon emissions over the next decade and beyond as Cascadia achieves ...
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