Thursday, December 24, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 24, 2009
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open
• Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome
• Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants
• Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected
• Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case
• Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry
• US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors
• Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission
• Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal
• Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments
• BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team
• Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere
• Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend
• Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia
• Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages
• Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water
• California - San Joaquin Delta Water Action Plan Released
• Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational
• California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis
• Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm
• Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025
• Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant
• Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights
• Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates
• Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint
• Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled
• Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream
• Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud?
• Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader
• In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled
• Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic)
• Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest
• Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill
• Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US
• Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater
WORD OF THE DAY
Nativity • \nuh-TIV-it-tee\ • noun – 1: the process or circumstances of being born: birth; especially capitalized: the birth of Jesus 2: a horoscope at or of the time of one’s birth 3: the place of origin
The Nativity
The reason for the Season
Merry Christmas all!
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open “…An important issue raised by the court decision is whether BPA must structure contracts & rates with direct service industries like Alcoa such that there is no net cost to BPA’s other customers & without regard to the public benefits that may accrue from the contracts such as employment impacts. BPA believes this is not what the law or sound public policy should require…” (Lynden Tribune, WA)
http://www.lyndentribune.com/node/5245
Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/21/daily32.html
Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants (The Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/report_details_co2_emissions_f.html
Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586851_apusnaturalgasstorage.html
Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/24chevron.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/24nuke.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/24/24climatewire-doe-to-study-storage-options-for-spent-nucle-97694.html
Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126167177382804465.html
Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Court_OKs_Dam_Removal.htm
Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments (Energy Pulse)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=2223
BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team (The Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_d8fb155e-f028-11de-a417-001cc4c03286.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/23/spring-chinook-forecasts-everywhere/
Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010582524_fish24.html
Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Researchers+call+conservation+zone+killer+whales/2375425/story.html
Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80025007.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water (Associated Press)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPAO8ZyrcKTttZipY00Pm6kjRoVQD9COHC0O0
California - San Joaquin Delta water action plan released (Modesto Bee, CA)
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/984881.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational (KVAL, Eugene, OR)
http://www.kval.com/news/business/80004332.html
California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14062886
Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm (Review Messenger, Sebeka, MN)
http://www.reviewmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3797:early-christmas-for-farmers-threatened-with-eminent-domain-for-mn-wind-power-farm&catid=80:organizations
Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025 (Express Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9322-wisconsin-clean-energy-bill-moves-ahead.html
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=931:shelton-school-district-getting-energy-grant&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights (The Business Journal of Milwaukee)
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/12/21/daily47.html?ana=from_rss
Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/12/23/bc-livesmart-bc-revival-call.html
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint (Associated Press)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_gregoire_climate.html?source=pimail
Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled - Companies had challenged legal authority to auction allowances required for carbon dioxide emissions (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586578_apuscarbonauctionlawsuitnewyork.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122303463.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud? (GigaOM)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/is-our-data-too-vulnerable-in-the-cloud/
Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader - Assuming you completely ignore all data suggesting otherwise (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Telecom-Lobbyists-US-Actually-Broadband-Leader-106131
In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/24/1999-2009-hours-spent-on-internet-nearly-doubled/
GENERAL NEWS
Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic), making it 13th largest state (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1081262.html
Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010583672_apusholidaystorm.html
Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/health/policy/25health.html
Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/24/world/AP-LT-Brazil-US-Custody-Battle.html
Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1005519.html
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
NORAD Santa Tracker 2009 using Google Earth
http://www.nwcn.com/news/NORAD-Santa-Tracker-2009-using-Google-Earth-80060327.html
Merry Christmas: Father Sues Son Over Orange County Choppers
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Father_Sues_Son_Over_OC_Choppers.htm
60-Pound Beaver Attacks Boy in Oklahoma
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22046574/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_4pm&tmi=sea_4pm_1_06000212232009&ts=H
Bible Has Bounty of Financial Advice - Money & religion: Experts mixed on whether book’s guidance useful in modern economy (hmmm; thrift & charity. Sounds good to me)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1005552.html
Police: Man Hid Meth Inside Buttocks (insert bad ‘Crack’ puns here)
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22047458/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
Vince Guaraldi- Christmas Time Is Here (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Now, here’s your ‘Dolly Madison’ snack cake…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo&feature=related
MST3K - Patrick Swayze Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 23, 2009
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant
• Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal
• Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement
• Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
• Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project
• Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases
• Avista Rate Hike Approved - A Fraction of What Utility Sought
• Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op
• Mason PUD 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination
• Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck
• Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
• Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny
• Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application
• Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill
• Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant
• Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp
• Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp
• Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection
• Mason PUD 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension
• SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water
• SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
• Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment
• California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind
• Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract
• Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces
• First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest
• European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate
• Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy
• Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week
• Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program
• Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband
• Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money
• Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies
• Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited
• Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out
• Seattle Most Literate City in US
• Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma
• Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
WORD OF THE DAY
Veracity • \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ • noun - 1: devotion to the truth: truthfulness *2: conformity with truth or fact: accuracy 3: something true
“Who ate the strawberries?” was the guttural question posed by the querulous Captain Queeg. His attempts to use scoops of sand to disprove the veracity of his officers and crew would have been laughable, except for the fact that he was dead serious.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/bpa_reaches_deal_on_power_to_a.html
Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6572
Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement (Washington State Governor’s Office)
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1397&newsType=1
Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/power-can-keep-building-us-up/
Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369791.aspx
Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/23/grant-county-pud-approves-budget-that-includes/
Partial Avista Rate Hike Approved - Increase Is a Fraction of What Utility Sought in January (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/23/partial-avista-rate-hike-approved/
Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op (Curry Coastal Pilot, Brookings, OR)
http://www.currypilot.com/20091223114414/News/Local-News/High-electric-bills-spark-complaints-to-co-op
Mason County PUD No. 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=923:pud-3-to-hear-appeal-of-sepa-determination-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/22/local_news/doc4b3115330161a337124993.txt
Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=25904
Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/23/23climatewire-an-electric-game-changer-gets-ferc-scrutiny-48247.html
Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080674.html
Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/us/23brfs-UTILITYISSUE_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant (Charlotte Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/12/21/daily17.html?ana=from_rss
FISH & WILDLIFE
Federal Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp Implementation (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369797.aspx
Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp Court Record (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369798.aspx
Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2416096.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Mason County PUD No. 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=922:pud-3-hires-morrissette-to-design-johns-prairie-waterline-extension&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080605.html
SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/23/ED951B7SN8.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568900_aphishippingtrash.html?syndication=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind (Los Angeles Daily News, CA)
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14052057
Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract – Molten Salt a Component (San Francisco Business Times)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/12/21/daily20.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces - Fireplaces have great appeal in a house, but aren’t energy-efficient. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1222/Looking-for-energy-efficient-alternatives-to-fireplaces
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest, in Jefferson County (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091223/news/312239992
European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/europe/23iht-climate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy: Turning poo into gold; A new plant in Shakopee will transform wastewater solids into valuable gases (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/79815782.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_research_in_motion_blackberry_outage
Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program (Associated Press)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BL3FV20091223?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly
Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/daily22.html
Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money - And will likely use that money to fight against your interests (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Connected-Nation-Wins-Huge-Chunk-Of-Taxpayer-Money-106122
GENERAL NEWS
Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413559_vigil23.html
Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1004372.html
Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out to Help Spur Economic Development (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Local-Lawmaker-Calls-For-Growth-Manageme=1&blockID=106473&feedID=410
Seattle Most Literate City in US (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seattle-most-literate-city-in-US-79926377.html
Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79935527.html
Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/188934.asp?source=pimail
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Reindeer Dung Ornaments, Jewelry Net Zoo $20K
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010577005_apusoddreindeerdungornaments.html?syndication=rss
Sonoma County’s Christmas Ornament Ban Draws Flak
http://www.examiner.com/a-2386899~Sonoma_County_s_ornament_ban_draws_flak.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Bride Marries Arriving Groom at Texas Airport
http://www.kirotv.com/family/22040044/detail.html
Vatican Paper Says ‘The Simpsons’ Are Okely Dokely
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2010573092_apeutvvaticanthesimpsons.html?syndication=rss
SONG OF THE DAY
Diana Krall - White Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4sPafmj_k
Brenda White - Christmas in the Northwest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9QC9vuaDY
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 22, 2009
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal
• BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running
• Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter
• Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere
• BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal
• Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility
• Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements
• Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board
• Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant?
• New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress
• Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane
• Editorial - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits
• Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects
• California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power
• California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County
• Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
• US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012
• British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings
• LED Holiday Light Sales Boom
• Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program
• Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill
• China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks
• Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal
• Time for a Climate Change Plan B
• Cash cows boost carbon trading
• Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat
• Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup
• White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator
• Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser
• Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million
• Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing
• Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting
• Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word
• Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County
• Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed
• Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning
• Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million
WORD OF THE DAY
Shamanism • \SHAW-mun-iz-um\ • noun – A religion practiced by indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans; also: any similar religion
Norbert viewed his IS department as nearly a shamanistic cult. He would pound on his keyboard in frustration when his computer began to act up; especially since his rudimentary problem solving skills could not pierce the mysterious veil of technical trickery. It was almost as if his help desk consulted with dark spirits before instantly solving any situation with a simple keystroke.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal (Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/1213324.html?storylink=omni_popular
BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running – Gregoire says she’ll join BPA in challenging federal court over improper sales (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79840682.html
Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter (Northwest Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6569
Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/story7.html?ana=from_rss
BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal (Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_42355238-ee84-11de-99e0-001cc4c002e0.html
Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?newsid=648
Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)
http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1259
Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/bolz-to-lead-chelan-pud-board/
Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant? (St Petersburg Times, FL)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/did-we-just-wave-goodbye-to-last-new-florida-coal-plant/1060413
FISH & WILDLIFE
New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress - Dam improvements on course to meet fish protection targets (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/432975/
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/22/avista-draw-down-lake-spokane/
Salem Statesman-Journal - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits (Oregon)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091222/OPINION/912220303/1046
Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects (Tacoma Daily Index)
http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1684330&more=0
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/energy-environment/22solar.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/business/energy-environment/20sfpower.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Everett Herald Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091222/OPINION01/712229967
US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012 (Memphis Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2009/12/21/story8.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)
http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Homes+sale+have+energy+ratings/2365394/story.html
LED Holiday Light Sales Boom (NY Times)
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/led-holiday-light-sales-boom/
Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/us/22illinois.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1221/Video-games-can-be-energy-hogs.-Three-tips-to-cut-your-power-bill.
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567472_apaschinabritainclimate.html?syndication=rss
Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal (The Telegraph, UK)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/6859752/Carbon-falls-on-weak-Copenhagen-deal.html
Time for a Climate Change Plan B (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704107604574607793378860698.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Cash cows boost carbon trading (Canada.com)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=0f804796-c633-417f-8ea5-9fe3e311ea1d&k=39839
Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Study+shows+Green+shoppers+more+likely+cheat/2362923/story.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup (Associated Press)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14048614
White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2010563887_apususcyberczar.html?syndication=rss
Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/21/firefox-3-5-now-worlds-most-popular-browser/
Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million for packet forgery shenanigans (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Settles-Throttling-Class-Action-106097
Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/21/BUOH1B6B6L.DTL&feed=rss.news
GENERAL NEWS
Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010567516_apusofficershooting11thldwritethru.html?syndication=rss
Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568355_apusmicrosoftpatent.html?syndication=rss
Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=915:shelton-sending-u-g-a-agreement-to-mason-county-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1078964.html
Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning (Associated Press)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/12/20/national/a090209S54.DTL&feed=rss.news
Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010563675_jonessoda22.html?syndication=rss
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Boston Mom Calls 911 over Son’s Video Game Habit
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567661_apusoddvideogame911call.html?syndication=rss
Rent to Own? Police Say Couple Rented to Steal
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2010565515_rent_to_own_police_say_couple.html?syndication=rss
Las Vegas Woman Victim of Foreclosure Mistake
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11710384
Eau Contraire - English Priest Says Shoplifting OK at Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010567775_apeubritainshopliftingok.html?syndication=rss
Man Commandeers NYC Garage, Charges Parkers - Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary, Criminal Impersonation
http://www.kirotv.com/automotive/22028275/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
The Gold Standard: Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs
The Author: Mel Torme - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhNM--Qyxp4&feature=related
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dec 21, 2009 - News Update - BPA & Alcoa Sign Power Contracts
Energy News Digest for December 21, 2009
NOTE: Still trying to get the Windows 7 upgrade to allow normal posting of the news digest ehre on the blog. Hopefully I'll work it out soon. In the meantime, enjoy this wonderfully funky formatting.
All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Gregoire, BPA Boss to Visit Intalco Monday; Good News Coming?
• New Refinery - Alcoa, Saudi Arabia to Invest $11B in Venture
• Decision Due on Montana’s Half-Billion Tons of Coal
• Mason County PUD 3 to Discuss Johns Prairie Operations Center SEPA Appeal
• $2.3 Million in State Money Could Go to Flood Authority
• Oregon Objects to Federal OK of Coos Bay Gas Terminal
• Sierra Club Challenges Wyoming Power Plant
• City of Keizer Seeks Assurances on Power Plant
• Florida - Tampa’s Seminole Electric Cooperative cancels plan for new coal plant
• Report Finds Power Plants Cost Decline Is Slowing
• Grant PUD Recognized by Soldiers - Employees Provide Gifts for Soldiers’ Children
• Los Angeles Electricity Ratepayers to Benefit from Overcharge Settlement
• A Year Later, TVA Chief Says Ash Spill `Painful’
• EPA, USDA push farmers to use coal waste on fields
• Utility Bill Is One More Casualty of Recession
• Tracking Trout - A survey of the upper Rogue River will help develop the habitat, & the fishing possibilities
• What Is the Most Abundant Fish in Puget Sound?
• Alleged Drunk Driver Causes Friday Sewage Spill in Port Angeles
• Editorial - Cleaner Spokane River worth the Cost
• British Columbia Urged to Slow Green Power Development
• Massachusetts Biomass Brouhaha – Group Says Governor’s Stance Will Halt NRG Energy’s Somerset Plant
• Iowa - Biomass Generation Plant Planned for Rock Falls
• Idaho Utilities Commission OKs Sale of Wind Power
• Plans Progress for Wyoming Coal-to-Gasoline Plant
• North Mason School District Getting Energy Grant
• Massachusetts Pushing Whole Energy Efficient Neighborhoods
• Many Take Dim View of New-Fangled Christmas Lights
• Does Heating Homes Take Up More Energy Than Needed?
• Climate Conference in Copenhagen Ends With Statement of Intent
• What did the Copenhagen climate summit achieve?
• AP Poll Shows Most See Climate Change as Serious
• Northwest Scientists Keeping an Eye on Carbon
• If Humans Didn’t Cause Past Global Warming & Cooling, Are They Now?
• The Festive Side of Carbon Dioxide
• Hard Questions for the Broadband Stimulus Program
• Exploring Which Projects Got Broadband Stimulus Funds
• Rackspace Data Center Outage Has Limited Impact
• Norm Dicks Says Ethics Panel Inquiry Over, No Further Action Expected
• When no News is News - No Holiday Display Ruckus This Year in Olympia
• Pesky Frogs Hide in Christmas Trees
• Polish Police Recover Auschwitz Gate Sign, Damaged
WORD OF THE DAY
Antinomian • \ant-tin-NOME-ee-un\ • noun – 1: one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation 2: one who rejects a socially established morality.
Unused to the niceties of attending regular church services, the city’s new waste management official sauntered into the gracefully arched sanctuary exuding the very essence of his antinomian past. “Yep,” he uttered before his gravelly voice was drowned out by the organ, “I guessed that I should join y’all for singin’ and prayin’ at least once a year.”
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Gregoire, BPA Boss to Visit Intalco Monday; Good News Coming? (Good News for Whom? Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/477/story/1210222.html
New Refinery - Alcoa, Saudi Arabia to Invest $11B in Venture (Associated Press)
Decision Due on Montana’s Half-Billion Tons of Coal (Associated Press)
Mason County PUD 3 to Discuss Johns Prairie Operations Center SEPA Appeal (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
$2.3 Million in State Money Could Go to Flood Authority – Some funds had previously gone to study Lewis PUD dam proposals (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/999753.html
Oregon Objects to Federal OK of Coos Bay Gas Terminal (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/post_34.html
Sierra Club Challenges Wyoming Power Plant (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/21/Sierra_Club_Challenges_Wyoming_Power_Plant.htm
City of Keizer Seeks Assurances on Power Plant (Keizer Times, OR)
http://www.keizertimes.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=12142
Florida - Tampa’s Seminole Electric Cooperative cancels plan for new coal plant (St Petersburg Times, FL)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article1059847.ece
Report Finds Power Plants Cost Decline Is Slowing (Power Engineering)
Grant PUD Recognized by Soldiers - Employees Provide Gifts for Soldiers’ Children (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/doc4b2c1157d5075391778880.txt
Los Angeles Electricity Ratepayers to Benefit from Overcharge Settlement (Los Angeles Times, CA)
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-refunds19-2009dec19,0,4030963.story
A Year Later, TVA Chief Says Ash Spill `Painful’ (Associated Press)
EPA, USDA push farmers to use coal waste on fields (Associated Press)
Utility Bill Is One More Casualty of Recession (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/us/20utility.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Tracking Trout - A survey of the upper Rogue River will help develop the habitat, & the fishing possibilities
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091220/NEWS/912200334
What Is the Most Abundant Fish in Puget Sound? (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/188667.asp?source=pimail
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Alleged Drunk Driver Causes Friday Sewage Spill in Port Angeles (Seattle Times)
Spokesman Review Editorial - Cleaner Spokane River worth the Cost
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/20/cleaner-river-worth-the-cost/
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
British Columbia Urged to Slow Green Power Development (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/urged+slow+green+power+development/2352063/story.html
Massachusetts Biomass Brouhaha – Group Says Governor’s Stance Will Halt NRG Energy’s Somerset Plant (Fall River Herald News, MA)
Iowa - Biomass Generation Plant Planned for Rock Falls (KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA)
http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=11688737
Idaho Utilities Commission OKs Sale of Wind Power (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1077266.html
Plans Progress for Wyoming Coal-to-Gasoline Plant (Associated Press)
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
North Mason School District Getting Energy Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
Massachusetts Pushing Whole Energy Efficient Neighborhoods (Associated Press)
Many Take Dim View of New-Fangled Christmas Lights (Associated Press)
Does Heating Homes Take Up More Energy Than Needed? (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413403_power17.html?source=rss
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Climate Conference in Copenhagen Ends With Statement of Intent (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010551342_climate20.html
What did the Copenhagen climate summit achieve? (BBC, UK)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8424522.stm
AP Poll Shows Most See Climate Change as Serious (Associated Press)
Northwest Scientists Keeping an Eye on Carbon (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/6425-northwest-scientists-keeping-eye-carbon/
If Humans Didn’t Cause Global Warming & Cooling in the Past, Is That Evidence They Also Aren’t Now? (Christian Science Monitor)
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
The Festive Side of Carbon Dioxide - Scientists Uncork Champagne’s Complexity & the Wondrous Micro-Mechanics of Bubbles (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126108284326695963.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Hard Questions for the Broadband Stimulus Program (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/18/hard-questions-for-the-broadband-stimulus-program/
Exploring Which Projects Got Broadband Stimulus Funds - Middle mile, single state telco & private-public plans dominate (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Exploring-Which-Projects-Got-Broadband-Stimulus-Funds-106080
Rackspace Data Center Outage Has Limited Impact (PC World)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20091219/tc_pcworld/rackspaceoutagehaslimitedimpact
GENERAL NEWS
Norm Dicks Says Ethics Panel Inquiry Over, No Further Action Expected (Seattle Times)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/999772.html
When no News is News - No Holiday Display Ruckus This Year in Olympia
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6563
Pesky Frogs Hide in Christmas Trees
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010552201_frogs20m.html?syndication=rss
Polish Police Recover Auschwitz Gate Sign, Damaged (Associated Press)
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
The Origins of Christmas (Finding Dulcinea)
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/history/2009/Origins-of-Christmas.html
Silent Night’ Flap Ends on High Note
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010552205_silentnight20m.html
Stolen 1965 VW bus brings in nearly $30,000 at auction
Japanese man takes video game character as wife
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BJ1XX20091220?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Idaho Pharmacist Who Tackled Armed Robber Fired
SONG OF THE DAY
David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy
Friday, December 18, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 18, 2009
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
· Utility Shutoffs Climb by 5% despite Doubling of US Aid
· Going Without Furnace This Holiday Season
· California – Pacific Gas & Electric Fixes Lower & Upper-Tier Users' Imbalance
· Pennsylvania Electric Company to Repay $30M to Customers
· Pennsylvania - Another Day, another Electricity Choice
· South Idaho City Looks At Removing Traffic Lights
· Kentucky - Power Rate Increase Likely To Pay For Repairs to Wolf Creek and Center Hill Dams
· Southern Oregon Liquefied Natural Gas Gets Federal Approval
· California – Pacific Gas & Electric Explains Cause of Fatal 2006 Gas Explosion
· Editorial – Salmon Plan: Obama Was Right
· Managers Put Off Dire Smelt, Sturgeon Decisions
· Seattle - Duwamish Fish Freeway Gets Rest Stop
· Relocated Columbia River Sea Lions - Sweet Home Chicago
· Contract Awarded for Pinto Dam Project
· Efforts to Align Yakima Basin Water Interests at Standstill
· California OKs New Transmission for Renewable Energy
· Air Force Agrees to Solar Power Project near Base in Nevada
· What's Better: LED vs. Incandescent Christmas Lights?
· New Climate Draft Sets Emissions Targets for All
· New Climate Draft Would Forgo Treaty In 2010
· Behind The Story: Chinese Ensure Talks Chaos
· Acid Oceans: The 'Evil Twin' Of Climate Change
· AP Interview: South Carolina Senator Stumps for Climate Change
· On Environment, Obama and Scientists Take Hit in Poll
· Editorial - Plug-In Hybrid Subsidies Are a Bad Deal for Taxpayers
· US Counting On Cows to Reduce Emissions
· Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Cedar Shake Roof
· Technology Grants Slated For Spokane - $2.2 Million
· Utah - UTOPIA: Digital Nirvana or Lost Horizon?
· Obama Moves To Boost U.S. Broadband Access
· Why Is Microsoft Fighting So Hard Over Internet Explorer?
· Bing! Information Design Sues Microsoft
· Popularity of Texting Edging out Cell Phone Calls
· Twitter Hacked By "Iranian Cyber Army"?
· Funds Granted for Coastal Doppler Radar System
· Washington Highways Nation’s 35th Worst
· Port of Shelton Commissioners Approve Pay Raise
· Some Retailers Inflate Costs to Ship to APO Addresses
WORD OF THE DAY
Problematic • \prob-leh-MATT-tick\ • noun – 1a: posing a problem: difficult to solve or decide b: not definite or settled: uncertain c: open to question or debate: questionable 2: expressing or supporting a possibility
Because of time restrictions this morning, the chances of producing an example sentence is problematic at best.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Utility Shutoffs Climb by 5% despite Doubling of US Aid (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126110107527096499.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs
Going Without Furnace This Holiday Season (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Going-without-furnace-this-holiday-season-79585202.html
California – Pacific Gas & Electric Fixes Lower & Upper-Tier Users' Imbalance: will raise rates for customers who use the least amount of power while cutting rates for those who use the most (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/17/BUQ51B5T97.DTL&type=business
Pennsylvania Electric Company to Repay $30M to Customers (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010540917_apuspplrepaymentpennsylvania.html?syndication=rss
Pennsylvania - Another Day, another Electricity Choice (Daily Call, Allentown, PA)
http://www.mcall.com/business/all-5electric.q.7120562dec18,0,3218131.story
South Idaho City Looks At Removing Traffic Lights (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1074583.html
Kentucky - Power Rate Increase Likely To Pay For Repairs To Wolf Creek And Center Hill Dams (Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, KY)
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3724437
Southern Oregon Liquefied Natural Gas Gets Federal Approval (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/6410-southern-oregon-lng-gets-federal-approval/
California – Pacific Gas & Electric Explains Cause of Fatal 2006 Gas Explosion (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2405381.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Daily Astorian Editorial – Salmon Plan: Obama Was Right
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=66482
Managers Put Off Dire Smelt, Sturgeon Decisions (The Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/lifestyles/article_e561be40-eb93-11de-a907-001cc4c03286.html
Seattle - Duwamish Fish Freeway Gets Rest Stop (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/duwamish-fish-freeway-gets-rest-stop-79577282.html
Relocated Columbia River Sea Lions - Sweet Home Chicago (Mother Nature Network)
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/sweet-home-chicago
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Contract Awarded for Pinto Dam Project (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wa)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/12/17/news/doc4b2aaa0da05da630975688.txt
Efforts to Align Yakima Basin Water Interests at Standstill (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/17/efforts-to-align-water-interests-at-standstill
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California OKs New Transmission for Renewable Energy (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BG4YI20091217
Air Force Agrees to Solar Power Project near Base in Nevada (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704342.html?wprss=rss_business
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
What's Better: LED vs. Incandescent Christmas Lights? (WMFZ-TV, Allentown, PA)
http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1316437&title=What%26%23039%3Bs%20Better%3A%20LED%20vs.%20Incandescent%20Christmas%20Lights%3F
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
New Climate Draft Sets Emissions Targets for All (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091218/ap_on_sc/climate
New Climate Draft Would Forgo Treaty In 2010 (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800637.html?nav=rss_email/components
Behind The Story: Chinese Ensure Talks Chaos (Times of London, UK)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/copenhagen/article6961594.ece
Acid Oceans: The 'Evil Twin' Of Climate Change (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010540602_apclimatebluecarbon.html?syndication=rss
AP Interview: South Carolina Senator Stumps for Climate Change (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2010535964_apclimategrahamqa.html?syndication=rss
On Environment, Obama and Scientists Take Hit in Poll (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800002.html?nav=rss_email/components
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Washington Post Editorial - Plug-In Hybrid Subsidies Are a Bad Deal for Taxpayers
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704152.html?nav=rss_opinions
US Counting On Cows to Reduce Emissions - Methane from Cow Manure to Be Converted to Electricity (Associated Press)
http://www.kirotv.com/money/21973602/detail.html
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Cedar Shake Roof - A look at the environmental advantages as well as disadvantages of using cedar shakes for roofing (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1217/Advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-cedar-shake-roof
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Technology Grants Slated For Spokane - $2.2 Million Will Help More Access Faster Internet (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/18/technology-grants-slated-for-spokane/
Utah - UTOPIA: Digital Nirvana or Lost Horizon? (Davis County Clipper, UT)
http://www.clippertoday.com/pages/full_story/push?article-UTOPIA-++Digital+nirvana+or+lost+horizon-%20&id=5196782-UTOPIA-++Digital+nirvana+or+lost+horizon-&instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Obama Moves To Boost U.S. Broadband Access (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BG1JZ20091217?type=technologyNews?feedType=nl&feedName=ustechnology
Why Is Microsoft Fighting So Hard Over Internet Explorer? (Slate Magazine)
http://www.slate.com/id/2238996/?from=rss
Bing! Information Design Sues Microsoft (St. Louis Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/12/14/daily62.html?ana=from_rss
Popularity of Texting Edging out Cell Phone Calls (Associated Press)
http://www.kirotv.com/money/21973279/detail.html
Twitter Hacked By "Iranian Cyber Army"? (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BH2A620091218?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
GENERAL NEWS
Funds Granted for Coastal Doppler Radar System (KIRO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.kirotv.com/weather/21996747/detail.html
Washington Highways Nation’s 35th Worst (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/14/daily32.html
Port of Shelton Commissioners Approve Pay Raise (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=882:port-of-shelton-commissioners-approve-pay-raise&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Some Retailers Inflate Costs to Ship to APO Addresses (Stars & Stripes)
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=66700
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Data Confirm Sharp Increase in Bacon on Burgers and More
http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=3227
45 of the Weirdest College Scholarships
http://www.zencollegelife.com/2009/12/16/45-of-the-weirdest-college-scholarships/
A Credit Card with a 79.9% Rate? It's For Real
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14018917?nclick_check=1
Turns Out, Sunshine States Really Are Happiest
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010532656_apussciwhoshappyoutthere.html?syndication=rss
SONG OF THE DAY
Katrina and the Waves - Walking On Sunshinehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BN-v-h_JBk
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 17, 2009
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Satsop Power Plant Expansion - Neighbors Say Noise Outweighs Added Jobs
• Why Is It So Dark In Aberdeen? City Turns Off Street Lights to Save Money
• Pacific Power - Don’t Flip the Switch Lightly: Power Rates Are Going Up
• California Utilities Agree to Moratorium on Shutoffs
• Benton PUD Encourages Helping Hands Gifts
• US Dept of Energy Says Natural Gas Supplies Plunged Last Week
• $50 Million - NY Electric Grid Operator Wants New Control Center
• National Hydropower Association Pleased With Feds Pumped Storage Hydro Comments
• Meter-Reader Maker Itron Splits Chairman, CEO Jobs
• South Sound Gets $4.7 Million in Salmon Grants
• California - Group Intends to Sue After Retardant Kills Endangered Fish
• Sturgeon - Feds Hope to Boost North America’s Largest Fish
• Wanted by Alaska Lawmakers: PR Firm to Fight Species Listings
• SF Chronicle Op/Ed - A Better Way to Catch Fish
• Western Snowy Plover Responding to Recovery Campaign on the Oregon Coast
• Judge Weighs Deal over California Use of Colorado River
• That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy
• Dams & Development Threaten the Mekong
• White House Proposes Tax Credits for Clean Energy
• Alaska - Tidal Energy Not in Kodiak’s Immediate Future
• Ohio - After Bulb Battle, Utility Offers Voluntary Plan
• Snohomish PUD Launches Online Self-Help Energy Suite from APOGEE Interactive
• Green Building Comes of Age
• U.N. Climate Talks Resume as U.S. Backs $100 Billion Fund
• Questions & Answers on the Heated Climate Debate
• Ironically, Climate Talks Enlarge Carbon Footprint
• Rising Interest in Energy-Efficient Technology Expected in 2010
• Government to Award Stimulus Funds for Broadband
• Questions Continue Over WA Data Center Project
• FCC Offers Early Peak at National Broadband Plan
• Philadelphia Buys Wi-Fi Network
• Unemployment Up in Mason County
• Last Week’s Cold Snap One of Washington’s Costliest
• Low Bids Allow 24 More WA State Highway Projects
• Chrysler to Begin Using Grays Harbor for Exports
• Goldmark Seeks $8.44 Million Owed To Timberland Owners
• Senator Murray Accused Of Being 'Off Her Meds' In Tanker Fight
• Newly Discovered Form of Earthquake May Mean Bad News for Puget Sound
• Washington Ranks Second Nationally in 2009 Teacher Certifications
WORD OF THE DAY
Indefeasible • \in-dih-FEE-zuh-bul\ • adjective - Not capable of being annulled or voided or undone
“Sorry sonny,” growled the wizened, small town attorney. “Yer contract is so indefeasible that even a gnat couldn’t squeeze through a loophole in it.” “Great,” thought the local entrepreneur as he recounted his furtive encounter with a ‘major video game dealer’. “And what am I gonna do with 10,000 Atari video games in 2009?”
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Satsop Power Plant Expansion - Neighbors Say Noise Outweighs Added Jobs (Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/16/local_news/doc4b292c33212f1037639361.txt
Why Is It So Dark In Aberdeen? City Turns Off Street Lights to Save Money (Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/16/local_news/doc4b292cf061c48601246217.txt
Pacific Power - Don’t Flip the Switch Lightly: Power Rates Are Going Up (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/16/don-t-flip-the-switch-lightly-power-rates-are-going-up
California Utilities Agree to Moratorium on Shutoffs (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/17/BUIA1B5AJO.DTL&feed=rss.news
Benton PUD Encourages Helping Hands Gifts (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/997663.html
US Dept of Energy Says Natural Gas Supplies Plunged Last Week (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010531501_apusnaturalgasstorage.html?syndication=rss
$50 Million - NY Electric Grid Operator Wants New Control Center (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010531705_apnyelectricalgrid.html?syndication=rss
National Hydropower Association Pleased With Feds Pumped Storage Hydro Comments (Hydro World)
http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/article-display/1368779463/articles/hrhrw/hydroindustrynews/pumpedstoragehydro/2009/12/nha-pleased_with_pumped.html
Meter-Reader Maker Itron Splits Chairman, CEO Jobs (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010532088_apusitronpersonnel.html?syndication=rss
FISH & WILDLIFE
South Sound Gets $4.7 Million in Salmon Grants (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/1073095.html
California - Group Intends to Sue After Retardant Kills Endangered Fish (Associated Press)
http://www.examiner.com/a-2376013~Group_intends_to_sue_after_retardant_kills_fish.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Sturgeon - Feds Hope to Boost North America’s Largest Fish (Associated Press)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=11691661
Wanted by Alaska Lawmakers: PR Firm to Fight Species Listings (Anchorage Daily News, AK)
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/bears/polar_bears/story/1059211.html
SF Chronicle Op/Ed - A Better Way to Catch Fish
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/16/EDK31B4JRH.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Western Snowy Plover Responding to Recovery Campaign on the Oregon Coast (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/western_snowy_plover_respondin.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Judge Weighs Deal over California Use of Colorado River (Associated Press)
http://www.examiner.com/a-2376990~Judge_weighs_deal_over_Calif_use_of_Colorado_River.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/us/17water.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Dams & Development Threaten the Mekong (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/world/asia/18mekong.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
White House Proposes Tax Credits for Clean Energy (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2009/1216/White-House-proposes-tax-credits-for-clean-energy
Alaska - Tidal Energy Not in Kodiak’s Immediate Future (Kodiak Daily Mirror, AK)
http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=8300
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Ohio - After Bulb Battle, Utility Offers Voluntary Plan (Associated Press)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfKmMPHAU-zg9ArzDOKqF0nZ-YGwD9CKI62O1
Snohomish PUD Launches Online Self-Help Energy Suite from APOGEE Interactive (PR Newswire)
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/snohomish-pud-launches-online-self-help-energy-suite-from-apogee-interactive-79492737.html
Green Building Comes of Age (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2009/1216/Green-building-comes-of-age
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
U.N. Climate Talks Resume as U.S. Backs $100 Billion Fund (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/17/news/news-us-climate-copenhagen.html
Questions & Answers on the Heated Climate Debate (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010527273_warmqanda17.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Ironically, Climate Talks Enlarge Carbon Footprint (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121549568&ft=1&f=3
Rising Interest in Energy-Efficient Technology Expected in 2010 (Associated Press)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14010792
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Government to Award Stimulus Funds for Broadband (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010531288_apustecstimulusfundingbroadband.html?syndication=rss
Questions Continue Over WA Data Center Project (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6550
FCC Offers Early Peak at National Broadband Plan (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010525888_apustectechbitfccbroadbandplan.html?syndication=rss
Philadelphia Buys Wi-Fi Network (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Philadelphia-Buys-WiFi-Network-106040
GENERAL NEWS
Unemployment Up in Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=873:unemployment-up-in-mason-county&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Last Week’s Cold Snap One of Washington’s Costliest (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/14/daily29.html
Low Bids Allow 24 More WA State Highway Projects (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/1073136.html
Chrysler to Begin Using Grays Harbor for Exports (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010532053_apwachryslergraysharbor.html?syndication=rss
Goldmark Seeks $8.44 Million Owed To Timberland Owners (Associated Press)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/997209.html
Senator Murray Accused Of Being 'Off Her Meds' In Tanker Fight (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79465447.html
Newly Discovered Form of Earthquake May Mean Bad News for Puget Sound (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/A-newly-discovered-form-of-earthquake-may-mean-bad-news-for-Puget-Sound-79447947.html
Washington Ranks Second Nationally in 2009 Teacher Certifications (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010522645_webteachers16m.html?syndication=rss
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Mother Nature Reveals Stash of Stolen Gnomes
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79463937.html
Dude, They’re Putting Pot in More Than Brownies
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010531796_apusganjagourmet.html?syndication=rss
Flight Attendant Caught Wayward Pilots Unaware (Associated Press)
http://www.kirotv.com/news/21980031/detail.html
Money Robbed From Pennsylvania Bank Mailed Back
http://www.kirotv.com/money/21984111/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
Wang Chung - Everybody Have Fun Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rox15lCFfi4