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.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* California pulp company and Grays Harbor County PUD set to buy mill in Cosmopolis
* Utilities need help in effort to stop theft of copper wire
* Electricity prices likely to rise, experts say
* TVA reports loss in First Quarter
* New York – Spitzer Utilities Nominee Started Job While Still an Industry Lobbyist
* New Zealand – Labour in denial as electricity crisis looms large
* Ocean dead zones off Oregon coast "not normal," scientists find
* Scientists fear 'tipping point' in Pacific Ocean
* Seattle Times Guest columnist – Sea lions vs. salmon
* Decision on salmon seasons due today
* Outdoors Report: Smelt signs rousing dip netters on the Cowlitz
* Oregon energy headed to Southern California
* Oregon – Douglas County advances plan to use landfill methane for power
* Geothermal to help Pacific Gas and Electric meet renewable goal
* Oceans Eyed As New Energy Source
* Cool Earth Solar generates power with 'solar balloons'
* City of Longview OKs $20,000 for LED holiday lights
* From the Master of the Obvious Department: Study notes ways to save on energy bills
* Metering & Data Management – Getting a Handle on Energy Usage
* Changing climate brings change to DNR's management of state forests
* California – Bill would require California's science curriculum to cover climate change
* Greening US likely to create huge carbon market
* California – Climate change funding jumps
* How Serious is Climate Change in Alaska?
* NY Times Opinion – Good Climate Policy, Bad Politics
* Satellite lobbying push could mean higher cable bills
* Energy Star servers coming real (sic) soon now
* Court upholds decision to throw out Enron broadband unit executive's conviction
* At Evergreen State College – Crowd destroys deputy's cruiser
* Flood's Hit on NM Roads, Repair Budget Will Be Long-Lasting
* Belfair Fire Destroys Office at Car Dealership Owned by Randy Neatherlin
* Mission Creek Corrections Center is Hoping for a Flood of Applicants
* This year's heavy snowfall tests state parks resources
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Truckle • \TRUCK-ul\ • verb – To act in a subservient manner: submit
“I will not truckle to your demands, Sir Richard,” bellowed Mortimer’s video-game avatar, just before he was crushed by the front hoof of a third-level hellbeast summoned by his imaginary foe.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
California pulp company and Grays Harbor County PUD set to buy mill in Cosmopolis (Associated Press, via the Columbian)
http://news.columbian.com/news/state/APStories/AP02152008news278665.cfm
Utilities need help in effort to stop theft of copper wire (Eugene Register-Guard)
http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/dt.cms.support.viewStory.cls?cid=63296&sid=47&fid=1
Electricity prices likely to rise, experts say – Energy Future Holdings Chairman Donald Evans agreed with power experts on Thursday that electricity prices are bound to rise. (Dallas Morning News)
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/yahoolatestnews/stories/021508dnbusceraelectricity.c038312f.html?npc
TVA reports loss in First Quarter – (Memphis Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2008/02/11/daily20.html?ana=from_rss
New York – Spitzer Utilities Nominee Started Job While Still an Industry Lobbyist, Report Finds (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/nyregion/15lobbyist.html?ex=1360818000&en=41709c58e240b0b4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
New Zealand – Labour in denial as electricity crisis looms large. National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says the latest lake level data shows that the threat of an electricity crisis this winter is looming ever larger. (Scoop)
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0802/S00240.htm
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Ocean dead zones off Oregon coast "not normal," scientists find (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004183652_deadzone15m.html
Scientists fear 'tipping point' in Pacific Ocean – Coast has seen deadly drop-off in oxygen levels for sea life (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351374_oceans15.html
Seattle Times Guest columnist – Sea lions vs. salmon: Restore balance and common sense
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2004183016_sealions15.html
Decision on salmon seasons due today – Hopefully by the end of the day, Oregon and Washington fish managers will have agreed on a spring Chinook fishing season for the Columbia River. (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/15/this_day/10111173.txt
Outdoors Report: Smelt signs rousing dip netters on the Cowlitz – Action unpredictable, but conditions are just right for weekend score (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/351202_out15.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Oregon energy headed to Southern California (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/11/daily34.html?ana=from_rss
Oregon – Douglas County advances plan to use landfill methane for power (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1222588~Douglas_County_advances_plan_to_use_landfill_methane_for_power.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
Geothermal to help Pacific Gas and Electric meet renewable goal – PG&E will turn to Earth's own energy to meet a looming state deadline for using more renewable power. (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/15/BU21V2S7J.DTL
Oceans Eyed As New Energy Source (Associated Press)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hA5dUTyeCiSKpIJVm2VyDegLPQiQD8UQ9R5O0
Cool Earth Solar generates power with 'solar balloons' (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9872345-54.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e433
CONSERVATION
Texas – Seeing a shift in power: To reduce electricity demand, the industry is being urged to focus on helping customers help themselves (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/5543924.html
City of Longview OKs $20,000 for LED holiday lights (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/15//area_news/10112440.txt
From the Master of the Obvious Department: Study notes ways to save on energy bills (Baltimore Sun)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-energy0215,0,5629021.story?track=rss
Metering & Data Management – Getting a Handle on Energy Usage
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1668
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Changing climate brings change to DNR's management of state forests (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/NEWS04/112007349/1025/rss1025
California – Bill would require California's science curriculum to cover climate change (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/healthandscience/ci_8269190
Greening US likely to create huge carbon market – The new US president will most likely see in the emergence of a colossal carbon trading market, worth $1 trillion a year by 2020, according to a report released on Thursday. (New Scientist)
http://environment.newscientist.com/article/dn13325-greening-us-likely-to-create-huge-carbon-market.html
California – Climate change funding jumps. Coalition led by state's pension funds pledges $10 billion for clean technology (Sacramento Bee, may require free registration)
http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/714260.html
How Serious is Climate Change in Alaska? Scientists, politicians and community leaders are meeting this week in Anchorage to discuss the impact of climate change on Alaska. (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18991463&ft=1&f=17
NY Times Opinion – Good Climate Policy, Bad Politics. A new report from the Congressional Budget Office confirms one of the most depressing facts about climate change: The best policy is the one that’s going nowhere in Washington.
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/good-climate-policy-bad-politics/index.html?ex=1360818000&en=9b6758b7cb90b795&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Satellite lobbying push could mean higher cable bills (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9872657-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703
Energy Star servers coming real (sic) soon now (The Inquirer)
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/02/15/energy-star-servers-coming-real
Court upholds decision to throw out Enron broadband unit executive's conviction (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8262947?source=rss
GENERAL NEWS
Crowd destroys deputy's cruiser – A hip-hop concert at The Evergreen State College ended in a riot early Friday in which a Thurston County sheriff’s patrol car was overturned and looted. (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/360206.html
Flood's Hit on NM Roads, Repair Budget Will Be Long-Lasting (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/14/floods-hit-on-nm-roads-repair-budget-will-be/
Belfair Fire Destroys Office at Car Dealership Owned by Randy Neatherlin (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/14/friendly-fire-destroys-office/
Mission Creek Corrections Center is Hoping for a Flood of Applicants (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/14/mission-creek-hoping-flood-applicants/
This year's heavy snowfall tests state parks resources – Road to Paradise could reopen by Sunday (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/360016.html
Scarce parking plagues business – Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and 44 guests came to Olympia's Heritage Room last week for a two-day staff retreat with catered meals, but their experience parking downtown might have left a bitter taste in their mouths. (The Olympian – How ironic, the mayor of Seattle came to Olympia and had problems finding a parking spot…)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/360019.html
Municipalities Feel Pinch as Another Debt Market Falters (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/business/15muni.html?_r=1&ex=1360818000&en=6b7ba4faaf9a14ea&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
DIVERSIONS
Police arrest man they say called 911 thousands of times
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8270243?source=rss
Driver abandons bus with Texas parolees – A driver who apparently took her work rules very seriously abandoned a bus full of former prisoners along a highway because her hours for the day were over
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080215/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bus_parolees;_ylt=At4F8NFnbwd0d5yAnmYg1LTtiBIF
Nude Venus poster banned on Tube
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080214/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_venus;_ylt=AgskminKq4NpZbrV8e5zdMvtiBIF
Third-graders give NYC Mayor Bloomberg a grilling
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080214/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bloomberg_third_graders;_ylt=Ags_BjciWlOVfsqw23Jt..PtiBIF
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 14, 2008
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.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* Power game: Voters could ask Jefferson County PUD to electrify
* Wind batters Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station
* Some Still Want Initiative on Idaho Nuke Plant Location
* Texas Nuclear Power Plant Application Delayed
* NorthernStar rebuts criticism of Columbia River LNG proposal
* Short Fuse: Jorge Carrasco's Polarizing Tenure at the Top of City Light
* Pennsylvania –Bill confronts impact of rate-cap expiration.
* News Whiz – New Economic Study Urges Policymakers to Consider Long-Term Consumer, Environmental Benefits of Competitive Electricity Markets
* Spring salmon angling rules to be adopted Friday
* Divers counting Puget Sound octopuses this weekend for survey
* Grant County PUD facility nears removal from hazardous sites list
* Lacey looks to add water rights
* Washington Dept. of Ecology Asks FERC to Rescind Its First Hydrokenetic License
* Renewable Energy Corporation expansion delayed two months
* Geothermal company seeks tax breaks from Idaho Legislature
* United Kingdom – Wind farm rejection growth fears
* The subsidy tease – Congress needs to stop flirting with the renewable energy industry
* Biofuel crops mean less food for hungry
* How would electric cars affect our environment?
* Federal Lab Says It Can Harvest Fuel From Air…With a Catch
* 11 myths about compact fluorescents
* Internet helps Americans save more energy every year
* Eco-shower heads in dorms have Stanford students steamed
* Disneyland revives 'House of the Future' to showcase technology
* Popular Science Magazine Rates Portland 'America's Greenest City'
* Bank of America to treat CO2 as liability
* Venture to Use Sea to Fight Warming Runs Out of Cash
* Source: Yahoo in talks with Murdoch's News Corp. to stave off Microsoft
* Little Room for Yahoo to Maneuver
* Layoffs Across Yahoo
* Net neutrality bill aims for fair online traffic
* Blueprint for big broadband not quite big enough
* Bernanke says economic outlook is worse
* Tuesday primary seems designed to irritate
* Senate lifts ban on public financing of local campaigns
* Grays Harbor – Five honored at banquet; helped Grays Harbor PUD Lineman
* Seattle Times Editorial – Winter snowfall reigns in summer
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Horologist • \huh-RAWL-uh-jist\ • noun – 1: a person skilled in the practice or theory of horology 2: a maker of clocks or watches
“Tic-toc, look at my clocks,” announced the wizened horologist to his assembled guests. Albert jumped a foot when they all started to chime at once. “Golly,” he thought. “This just like the ‘Time’ track on ‘Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon!’”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Power game: Voters could ask Jefferson County PUD to electrify (Port Townsend Leader)
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=20055&TM=49104.11
Wind batters Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/915/story/90472.html
Some Still Want Initiative on Idaho Nuke Plant Location (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3582
Texas Nuclear Power Plant Application Delayed (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14nuke.html?_r=1&ex=1360731600&en=4e96bce5e63baad1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
NorthernStar rebuts criticism of Columbia River LNG proposal (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/14/area_news/10109838.txt
Short Fuse: Jorge Carrasco's Polarizing Tenure at the Top of City Light – Rates are stable, but some maintain Carrasco hasn't helped change the culture of a beleaguered City Light. (Seattle Weekly)
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-02-13/news/short-fuse-jorge-carrasco-s-polarizing-tenure-at-the-top-of-city-light.php
Pennsylvania –Bill confronts impact of rate-cap expiration. Legislators heard testimony on Tuesday in Harrisburg on a bill that promises to delay and soften the heavy financial impact on consumers expected from expiring electricity rate caps. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikqmhnpUThey30qbfen%5Fv
New York – PSC scolds National Grid for failing to communicate with customers during power outage last year (The Business Review)
http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/02/11/daily27.html?ana=from_rss
News Whiz – New Economic Study Urges Policymakers to Consider Long-Term Consumer, Environmental Benefits of Competitive Electricity Markets (COMPETE Coalition, via Electric Energy Online)
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/IndustryNews.asp?m=1&id=83355
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Spring salmon angling rules to be adopted here on Friday – After months of politicking and maneuvering by sport and commercial interests, spring Chinook salmon fishing regulations for the Columbia River will be adopted by Washington and Oregon officials on Friday. (The Co0lumbian)
http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2008/02/02132008_Spring-salmon-angling-rules-to-be-adopted-here-on-Friday.cfm
Divers counting Puget Sound octopuses this weekend for survey (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1220644~Divers_counting_Puget_Sound_octopuses_this_weekend_for_survey.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
Grant County PUD facility nears removal from hazardous sites list – A non-operating Grant County PUD diesel generating facility is nearing removal from a state hazardous sites list after a fuel spill in 2004. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/news02.txt
Lacey looks to add water rights (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/358867.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
News Release – Washington Dept. of Ecology Asks FERC to Rescind Its First Hydrokenetic License (Stoel Rives)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=51516&src=rss
Renewable Energy Corporation expansion delayed two months – A $660 million project currently ongoing in Moses Lake is experiencing some delays. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/news04.txt
Geothermal company seeks tax breaks from Idaho Legislature (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/531/story/294398.html
United Kingdom – Wind farm rejection growth fears. Economic growth will be jeopardized if plans for a massive wind farm on the Western Isles are rejected, the Scottish Chamber of Commerce has said. (British Broadcasting Corporation)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7241492.stm
The subsidy tease, part I – Congress needs to stop flirting with the renewable energy industry (Grist)
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/2/13/111652/960
Biofuel crops mean less food for hungry (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080214/NEWS02/859518422/-1/RSS01
How would electric cars affect our environment? (Michigan Live)
http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/02/how_would_electric_cars_affect.html
Federal Lab Says It Can Harvest Fuel From Air…With a Catch (NY Times)
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/federal-lab-says-it-can-harvest-fuel-from-air/index.html?ex=1360731600&en=e28139ba00478512&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
CONSERVATION
11 myths about compact fluorescents – These energy-efficient bulbs have come a long way since they were introduced, but misconceptions about them linger. We asked the experts to shed some light on the issue. (MSN Real Estate)
http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Green/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=6022543
Internet helps Americans save more energy every year – For every kilowatt-hour of power that Internet-linked computers use, they save at least 10 times that amount, a recent study finds. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0213/p04s01-usgn.html
Eco-shower heads in dorms have Stanford students steamed (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8255482?source=rss
Disneyland revives 'House of the Future' to showcase technology (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8252286?source=rss
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Popular Science Magazine Rates Portland 'America's Greenest City' (Oregon Public Broadcasting – Please pay no attention to our coal and natural gas plants…)
http://news.opb.org/article/popular-science-mag-rates-portland-americas-greenest-city/
Bank of America to treat CO2 as liability – The bank will start considering carbon dioxide as a potential liability when it mulls financing utility sector projects (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikptnlrWThey30qbfen%5Fv
Venture to Use Sea to Fight Warming Runs Out of Cash – Planktos, a California company that is trying to turn a profit by fertilizing the ocean with iron dust, canceled planned field tests on Wednesday, citing a lack of funds. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/technology/14planktos.html?ex=1360731600&en=38a8af7e074b4a93&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Source: Yahoo in talks with Murdoch's News Corp. to stave off Microsoft (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004180436_webyahoo13.html?syndication=rss
Little Room for Yahoo to Maneuver (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/technology/14yahoo.html?ex=1360731600&en=33717d876b99d821&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Layoffs Across Yahoo — Finally (NY Times)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/layoffs-across-yahoo-finally/index.html?ex=1360645200&en=ccc9c1eadd51bee6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Net neutrality bill aims for fair online traffic – Opponents say it's stifling, needless regulation of Web (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/14/BUVVV1MLN.DTL&feed=rss.business
Blueprint for big broadband not quite big enough (Wisconsin Technology Network)
http://wistechnology.com/article?id=4536
GENERAL NEWS
Bernanke says economic outlook is worse – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress Thursday the economy is deteriorating and signaled a readiness to keep on lowering a key interest rate to shore things up. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/358914.html
Tuesday primary seems designed to irritate – Presidential balloting? For the most part, no (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351245_primary14.html?source=rss
Senate lifts ban on public financing of local campaigns (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351234_senate14.html?source=rss
Grays Harbor – Five honored at banquet – The firefighters of the year worked as a team during the Dec. 2-3 storm to get Grays Harbor PUD lineman Scott Daniels to Harborview Medical Center after he was knocked from a hydraulic bucket while working on power lines. (Daily World, Aberdeen)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2008/02/13/local_news/02news.txt
Seattle Times Editorial – Winter snowfall reigns in summer. Crazy winter weather inspired a recent "man bites dog" report of ski areas forced to close because of too much snow.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2004180933_watered14.html
DIVERSIONS
Drunk driver shows up for court drunk again – four times the legal limit
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351132_drunk14.html?source=rss
Oops! High school automated system calls all 2,550 students to detention
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-02-12-fla-students_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
Regulators now spooked by ghost stories
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1442888920080214?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Ex-mayor: Didn't steal Puddles the pooch
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080214/ap_on_fe_st/odd_mayor_dognapping;_ylt=AvOvEjIhXTv52trbYOclz6ftiBIF
Cat pulls a fast one on firefighters
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/odd_firefighters_cat;_ylt=Agz7U1kImZ2zk8owggUC.yntiBIF
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* Power game: Voters could ask Jefferson County PUD to electrify
* Wind batters Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station
* Some Still Want Initiative on Idaho Nuke Plant Location
* Texas Nuclear Power Plant Application Delayed
* NorthernStar rebuts criticism of Columbia River LNG proposal
* Short Fuse: Jorge Carrasco's Polarizing Tenure at the Top of City Light
* Pennsylvania –Bill confronts impact of rate-cap expiration.
* News Whiz – New Economic Study Urges Policymakers to Consider Long-Term Consumer, Environmental Benefits of Competitive Electricity Markets
* Spring salmon angling rules to be adopted Friday
* Divers counting Puget Sound octopuses this weekend for survey
* Grant County PUD facility nears removal from hazardous sites list
* Lacey looks to add water rights
* Washington Dept. of Ecology Asks FERC to Rescind Its First Hydrokenetic License
* Renewable Energy Corporation expansion delayed two months
* Geothermal company seeks tax breaks from Idaho Legislature
* United Kingdom – Wind farm rejection growth fears
* The subsidy tease – Congress needs to stop flirting with the renewable energy industry
* Biofuel crops mean less food for hungry
* How would electric cars affect our environment?
* Federal Lab Says It Can Harvest Fuel From Air…With a Catch
* 11 myths about compact fluorescents
* Internet helps Americans save more energy every year
* Eco-shower heads in dorms have Stanford students steamed
* Disneyland revives 'House of the Future' to showcase technology
* Popular Science Magazine Rates Portland 'America's Greenest City'
* Bank of America to treat CO2 as liability
* Venture to Use Sea to Fight Warming Runs Out of Cash
* Source: Yahoo in talks with Murdoch's News Corp. to stave off Microsoft
* Little Room for Yahoo to Maneuver
* Layoffs Across Yahoo
* Net neutrality bill aims for fair online traffic
* Blueprint for big broadband not quite big enough
* Bernanke says economic outlook is worse
* Tuesday primary seems designed to irritate
* Senate lifts ban on public financing of local campaigns
* Grays Harbor – Five honored at banquet; helped Grays Harbor PUD Lineman
* Seattle Times Editorial – Winter snowfall reigns in summer
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Horologist • \huh-RAWL-uh-jist\ • noun – 1: a person skilled in the practice or theory of horology 2: a maker of clocks or watches
“Tic-toc, look at my clocks,” announced the wizened horologist to his assembled guests. Albert jumped a foot when they all started to chime at once. “Golly,” he thought. “This just like the ‘Time’ track on ‘Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon!’”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Power game: Voters could ask Jefferson County PUD to electrify (Port Townsend Leader)
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=20055&TM=49104.11
Wind batters Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/915/story/90472.html
Some Still Want Initiative on Idaho Nuke Plant Location (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3582
Texas Nuclear Power Plant Application Delayed (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14nuke.html?_r=1&ex=1360731600&en=4e96bce5e63baad1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
NorthernStar rebuts criticism of Columbia River LNG proposal (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/14/area_news/10109838.txt
Short Fuse: Jorge Carrasco's Polarizing Tenure at the Top of City Light – Rates are stable, but some maintain Carrasco hasn't helped change the culture of a beleaguered City Light. (Seattle Weekly)
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-02-13/news/short-fuse-jorge-carrasco-s-polarizing-tenure-at-the-top-of-city-light.php
Pennsylvania –Bill confronts impact of rate-cap expiration. Legislators heard testimony on Tuesday in Harrisburg on a bill that promises to delay and soften the heavy financial impact on consumers expected from expiring electricity rate caps. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikqmhnpUThey30qbfen%5Fv
New York – PSC scolds National Grid for failing to communicate with customers during power outage last year (The Business Review)
http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/02/11/daily27.html?ana=from_rss
News Whiz – New Economic Study Urges Policymakers to Consider Long-Term Consumer, Environmental Benefits of Competitive Electricity Markets (COMPETE Coalition, via Electric Energy Online)
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/IndustryNews.asp?m=1&id=83355
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Spring salmon angling rules to be adopted here on Friday – After months of politicking and maneuvering by sport and commercial interests, spring Chinook salmon fishing regulations for the Columbia River will be adopted by Washington and Oregon officials on Friday. (The Co0lumbian)
http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2008/02/02132008_Spring-salmon-angling-rules-to-be-adopted-here-on-Friday.cfm
Divers counting Puget Sound octopuses this weekend for survey (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1220644~Divers_counting_Puget_Sound_octopuses_this_weekend_for_survey.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
Grant County PUD facility nears removal from hazardous sites list – A non-operating Grant County PUD diesel generating facility is nearing removal from a state hazardous sites list after a fuel spill in 2004. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/news02.txt
Lacey looks to add water rights (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/358867.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
News Release – Washington Dept. of Ecology Asks FERC to Rescind Its First Hydrokenetic License (Stoel Rives)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=51516&src=rss
Renewable Energy Corporation expansion delayed two months – A $660 million project currently ongoing in Moses Lake is experiencing some delays. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/news04.txt
Geothermal company seeks tax breaks from Idaho Legislature (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/531/story/294398.html
United Kingdom – Wind farm rejection growth fears. Economic growth will be jeopardized if plans for a massive wind farm on the Western Isles are rejected, the Scottish Chamber of Commerce has said. (British Broadcasting Corporation)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7241492.stm
The subsidy tease, part I – Congress needs to stop flirting with the renewable energy industry (Grist)
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/2/13/111652/960
Biofuel crops mean less food for hungry (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080214/NEWS02/859518422/-1/RSS01
How would electric cars affect our environment? (Michigan Live)
http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/02/how_would_electric_cars_affect.html
Federal Lab Says It Can Harvest Fuel From Air…With a Catch (NY Times)
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/federal-lab-says-it-can-harvest-fuel-from-air/index.html?ex=1360731600&en=e28139ba00478512&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
CONSERVATION
11 myths about compact fluorescents – These energy-efficient bulbs have come a long way since they were introduced, but misconceptions about them linger. We asked the experts to shed some light on the issue. (MSN Real Estate)
http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Green/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=6022543
Internet helps Americans save more energy every year – For every kilowatt-hour of power that Internet-linked computers use, they save at least 10 times that amount, a recent study finds. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0213/p04s01-usgn.html
Eco-shower heads in dorms have Stanford students steamed (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8255482?source=rss
Disneyland revives 'House of the Future' to showcase technology (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8252286?source=rss
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Popular Science Magazine Rates Portland 'America's Greenest City' (Oregon Public Broadcasting – Please pay no attention to our coal and natural gas plants…)
http://news.opb.org/article/popular-science-mag-rates-portland-americas-greenest-city/
Bank of America to treat CO2 as liability – The bank will start considering carbon dioxide as a potential liability when it mulls financing utility sector projects (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikptnlrWThey30qbfen%5Fv
Venture to Use Sea to Fight Warming Runs Out of Cash – Planktos, a California company that is trying to turn a profit by fertilizing the ocean with iron dust, canceled planned field tests on Wednesday, citing a lack of funds. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/technology/14planktos.html?ex=1360731600&en=38a8af7e074b4a93&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Source: Yahoo in talks with Murdoch's News Corp. to stave off Microsoft (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004180436_webyahoo13.html?syndication=rss
Little Room for Yahoo to Maneuver (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/technology/14yahoo.html?ex=1360731600&en=33717d876b99d821&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Layoffs Across Yahoo — Finally (NY Times)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/layoffs-across-yahoo-finally/index.html?ex=1360645200&en=ccc9c1eadd51bee6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Net neutrality bill aims for fair online traffic – Opponents say it's stifling, needless regulation of Web (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/14/BUVVV1MLN.DTL&feed=rss.business
Blueprint for big broadband not quite big enough (Wisconsin Technology Network)
http://wistechnology.com/article?id=4536
GENERAL NEWS
Bernanke says economic outlook is worse – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress Thursday the economy is deteriorating and signaled a readiness to keep on lowering a key interest rate to shore things up. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/358914.html
Tuesday primary seems designed to irritate – Presidential balloting? For the most part, no (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351245_primary14.html?source=rss
Senate lifts ban on public financing of local campaigns (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351234_senate14.html?source=rss
Grays Harbor – Five honored at banquet – The firefighters of the year worked as a team during the Dec. 2-3 storm to get Grays Harbor PUD lineman Scott Daniels to Harborview Medical Center after he was knocked from a hydraulic bucket while working on power lines. (Daily World, Aberdeen)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2008/02/13/local_news/02news.txt
Seattle Times Editorial – Winter snowfall reigns in summer. Crazy winter weather inspired a recent "man bites dog" report of ski areas forced to close because of too much snow.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2004180933_watered14.html
DIVERSIONS
Drunk driver shows up for court drunk again – four times the legal limit
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351132_drunk14.html?source=rss
Oops! High school automated system calls all 2,550 students to detention
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-02-12-fla-students_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
Regulators now spooked by ghost stories
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1442888920080214?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Ex-mayor: Didn't steal Puddles the pooch
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080214/ap_on_fe_st/odd_mayor_dognapping;_ylt=AvOvEjIhXTv52trbYOclz6ftiBIF
Cat pulls a fast one on firefighters
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/odd_firefighters_cat;_ylt=Agz7U1kImZ2zk8owggUC.yntiBIF
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 13, 2008
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.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* For a few brief moments the other day, Grays Harbor Energy flipped the switch on its 650-megawatt power plant at the Satsop Development Park
* Nuclear Power Revival Faces Old and New Economic Realities
* Coal's future not in Carolinas
* Shock horror for would-be power cable thief
* Daily Astorian Editorial – Lower Columbia River fishing deserves equity
* Better numbers for steelhead, but weather bringing mixed results
* Lake Mead Could Be Within a Few Years of Going Dry, Study Finds
* Survey: Health of SW Washington waterways deteriorating
* Longview Water plant suffers costly breakdown
* Olympian Editorial – Fraser can help cities, tribe get water rights
* Weyerhaeuser December 1-4, 2007 Storm Event Summary
* Daily News Editorial – Drawbacks shouldn't stop development of alternative fuels
* San Francisco Chronicle Editorial – Better biofuels before more biofuels
* Editorial: Give wind power fighting chance
* The best-kept secret to home-heating savings
* Washington View: Natural disasters being used to push agendas
* 'Massive carbon tax' pitched
* NY Company Buys First Californian Forest Carbon Credits
* Iowa tries to land Microsoft data center site
* Comcast defends curbs on file sharing – Keeps Web traffic moving, it says
* Flawed Software Upgrade Caused BlackBerry Malfunction
* A Year Out, Digital TV Picture Still Far from Sharp
* Google Hijacking 404 Pages?
* Salary Controversy Surrounds New Mason County H-R Director
* Washington State Auditor’s records stand riles Thurston County Treasurer
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Atavistic • \at-uh-VIS-stick\ • adjective – 1a: recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination b: recurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, approach, or activity 2: one that manifests atavism: throwback
Beauregard was horrified by the greeting he received from his new houseguest. Unfortunately, the wretch who had been rescued from ten long years living among the apes of Africa showed his happy salutation in an atavistic ritual of looking for nits on the thinning scalp of the squirming southern gentleman. “Nope, you’re clean,” beamed the neo-Tarzan to his host.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Power should flow off Fuller Hill soon – For a few brief moments the other day, Grays Harbor Energy flipped the switch on its 650-megawatt power plant at the Satsop Development Park and actually produced power. (Daily World, Aberdeen)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2008/02/12/local_news/03news.txt
Nuclear Power Revival Faces Old and New Economic Realities (Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpq%5F%5CikpsssoSTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Constellation still mulling locations for new nuclear reactors (Baltimore Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/02/11/daily14.html?ana=from_rss
Coal's future not in Carolinas – At a global warming conference Monday, Duke Energy chief executive Jim Rogers said he wouldn't build another coal-fired power plant in the Carolinas because of its geology. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikprmprTTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Shock horror for would-be power cable thief (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL1283190120080212?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Daily Astorian Editorial – Lower Columbia River fishing deserves equity – It’s unfair to preserve upriver sports fishing and penalize gillnetters here
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=49026&TM=19411.68
Better numbers for steelhead, but weather bringing mixed results (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/outdoors/story/281960.html
Lake Mead Could Be Within a Few Years of Going Dry, Study Finds (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/us/13mead.html?ei=5088&en=1ce1de8f1a27cccf&ex=1360558800&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1202922076-e1Pb8Inhd8ACJK5EJh38Gg
Survey: Health of SW Washington waterways deteriorating – Nearly 70 new spots exceed standards for water quality (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02122008_Survey-Health-of-area-waterways-deteriorating.cfm
Longview Water plant suffers costly breakdown – City faces $150,000 bill to keep aging plant running (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/13//area_news/10107736.txt
Olympian Editorial – Fraser can help cities, tribe get water rights. Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, is perfectly positioned to help her constituents and the communities in the 22nd Legislative District.
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/story/357403.html
Weyerhaeuser December 1-4, 2007 Storm Event Summary (Weyerhaeuser, Opens as a PDF File)
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/pdfs/company/media/December2007StormEventSummary.pdf
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Daily News Editorial – Drawbacks shouldn't stop development of alternative fuels – Two new studies published last week in the journal Science call into question government mandates aimed at quickly increasing the use of biofuels for environmental reasons.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/13/editorial/10107101.txt
San Francisco Chronicle Editorial – Better biofuels before more biofuels. It's all about the land, not the crops. While California and the nation pursue biofuels for energy security and climate change, we must ensure that cleaner technologies are the result, not irreversible damages.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/13/EDGEV10VF.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Florida – Treasure Coast Palm Editorial – Editorial: Give wind power fighting chance. Clean, renewable opportunity another good step in need for additional, inexpensive power
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/feb/12/give-wind-power-fighting-chance/
Miami County Republic – Harnessing electricity could be an answer for energy-bill woes
http://www.kccommunitynews.com/articles/2008/02/13/miami_county_republic/opinion/doc47b20d29135a3833845934.txt
CONSERVATION
New Year's resolution! Save Energy (Lake Superior News)
http://lakesuperiornews.info/Environment/SaveEnergy/tabid/224/Default.aspx
The best-kept secret to home-heating savings – Using this green geothermal technology can cut your utility bills in half. So why aren't more homeowners taking advantage of it? (Because of $$$$ - MSN Real Estate)
http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Green/Article_usnews.aspx?cp-documentid=6131060>1=10931
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
The Columbian Op/Ed – Washington View: Natural disasters being used to push agendas
http://www.columbian.com/business/businessNews/2008/02/02122008_Washington-View-Natural-disasters-being-used-to-push-agendas.cfm?newsletter=1
'Massive carbon tax' pitched – New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman told a crowd today that the country needs a "massive carbon tax" so energy companies would be forced to look to alternative and green energy to survive. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikpnospUTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
NY Company Buys First Californian Forest Carbon Credits (Planet Ark)
http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46902/story.htm
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Iowa tries to land Microsoft site – Microsoft Corp. is considering Iowa for a data center that would offer high wages and employ more than 100 people, state lawmakers said Tuesday. (Des Moines Register)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/NEWS10/802130380/-1/LIFE04
Comcast defends curbs on file sharing – Keeps Web traffic moving, it says (Associated Press, via the Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/351080_comcast13.html
Flawed Software Upgrade Caused BlackBerry Malfunction (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/business/13rim.html?_r=1&ex=1360645200&en=ebce2fbce0f26cd3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
A Year Out, Digital TV Picture Still Far from Sharp (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18919378&ft=1&f=2
Google Hijacking 404 Pages? There's money in them thar 404s... (Broadband Reports – Note: comment section may include PG-13 language)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Google-Hijacking-404-Pages-91794
GENERAL NEWS
SALARY CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS NEW MASON COUNTY H-R DIRECTOR – Mason County has a new Human Resources Director: T.J. Martin. Martin has worked for the County for the past two and a half years as the County's Land-Use Attorney. He has two Mater Degrees - Master of Taxation from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts from the University of San Diego - and a Juris Doctorate from the Gonzaga School of Law. According to a news release from Mason County, Martin has extensive experience in contract negotiations and labor union representation. His hiring, however, generated some controversy, not over Martin being appointed to the position but over his salary. Tuesday, the Mason County Commission amended the non-union salary range alignment table to increase the H-R Director from a range 35 to a range 45, which is the top of the county's pay scale. This action did not sit well with some elected officials who told the Commissioners Tuesday that they have employees who have not seen salary changes in years. The Commissioners explained that the Human Resources Director is a vital position and it needed to be filled. They also believe Martin is the right person for the job based on his experience and background. The Commission did say they would take a look at the County's pay scale. Martin also stated he plans to make changes in the HR Department and his goal is to work with department heads and elected officials to "recruit the best and retain the best." He also said that there is a problem with the County's pay scale and that he plans on correcting that problem. T.J. Martin's appointment as Mason County's Human Resources Director is effective February 1st. The County Prosecutor's Office will be looking to fill Martin's former position as Land-Use Attorney. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
Washington State Auditor’s records stand riles Thurston County Treasurer – A second Thurston County official is at odds with state Auditor Brian Sonntag over a state performance audit on public-records disclosures. (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/357639.html
DIVERSIONS
Britons Sound Off Against Anti-Child Device – Device Meant To Drive Away Misbehaving Kids
http://www.kirotv.com/family/15279713/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000202122008&ts=H
Pilot captures incredible photo near Wash. Coast
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15583137.html
Mich. lottery winner makes great mistake
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_fe_st/odd_surprised_lottery_winner;_ylt=Ahzrj8Na.xOR8PG6CcANanHtiBIF
Japan's Obama city cheers U.S. Democrat contender
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080213/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_usa_politics_japan;_ylt=AvyUWiFk1r55LVDnZCWjXPjtiBIF
Ghost-like white stag spotted in Scotland
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080213/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_stag;_ylt=An1c3v3VUlDan2JKSDem.vHtiBIF
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* For a few brief moments the other day, Grays Harbor Energy flipped the switch on its 650-megawatt power plant at the Satsop Development Park
* Nuclear Power Revival Faces Old and New Economic Realities
* Coal's future not in Carolinas
* Shock horror for would-be power cable thief
* Daily Astorian Editorial – Lower Columbia River fishing deserves equity
* Better numbers for steelhead, but weather bringing mixed results
* Lake Mead Could Be Within a Few Years of Going Dry, Study Finds
* Survey: Health of SW Washington waterways deteriorating
* Longview Water plant suffers costly breakdown
* Olympian Editorial – Fraser can help cities, tribe get water rights
* Weyerhaeuser December 1-4, 2007 Storm Event Summary
* Daily News Editorial – Drawbacks shouldn't stop development of alternative fuels
* San Francisco Chronicle Editorial – Better biofuels before more biofuels
* Editorial: Give wind power fighting chance
* The best-kept secret to home-heating savings
* Washington View: Natural disasters being used to push agendas
* 'Massive carbon tax' pitched
* NY Company Buys First Californian Forest Carbon Credits
* Iowa tries to land Microsoft data center site
* Comcast defends curbs on file sharing – Keeps Web traffic moving, it says
* Flawed Software Upgrade Caused BlackBerry Malfunction
* A Year Out, Digital TV Picture Still Far from Sharp
* Google Hijacking 404 Pages?
* Salary Controversy Surrounds New Mason County H-R Director
* Washington State Auditor’s records stand riles Thurston County Treasurer
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Atavistic • \at-uh-VIS-stick\ • adjective – 1a: recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination b: recurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, approach, or activity 2: one that manifests atavism: throwback
Beauregard was horrified by the greeting he received from his new houseguest. Unfortunately, the wretch who had been rescued from ten long years living among the apes of Africa showed his happy salutation in an atavistic ritual of looking for nits on the thinning scalp of the squirming southern gentleman. “Nope, you’re clean,” beamed the neo-Tarzan to his host.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Power should flow off Fuller Hill soon – For a few brief moments the other day, Grays Harbor Energy flipped the switch on its 650-megawatt power plant at the Satsop Development Park and actually produced power. (Daily World, Aberdeen)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2008/02/12/local_news/03news.txt
Nuclear Power Revival Faces Old and New Economic Realities (Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpq%5F%5CikpsssoSTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Constellation still mulling locations for new nuclear reactors (Baltimore Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/02/11/daily14.html?ana=from_rss
Coal's future not in Carolinas – At a global warming conference Monday, Duke Energy chief executive Jim Rogers said he wouldn't build another coal-fired power plant in the Carolinas because of its geology. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikprmprTTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Shock horror for would-be power cable thief (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL1283190120080212?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Daily Astorian Editorial – Lower Columbia River fishing deserves equity – It’s unfair to preserve upriver sports fishing and penalize gillnetters here
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=49026&TM=19411.68
Better numbers for steelhead, but weather bringing mixed results (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/outdoors/story/281960.html
Lake Mead Could Be Within a Few Years of Going Dry, Study Finds (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/us/13mead.html?ei=5088&en=1ce1de8f1a27cccf&ex=1360558800&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1202922076-e1Pb8Inhd8ACJK5EJh38Gg
Survey: Health of SW Washington waterways deteriorating – Nearly 70 new spots exceed standards for water quality (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02122008_Survey-Health-of-area-waterways-deteriorating.cfm
Longview Water plant suffers costly breakdown – City faces $150,000 bill to keep aging plant running (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/13//area_news/10107736.txt
Olympian Editorial – Fraser can help cities, tribe get water rights. Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, is perfectly positioned to help her constituents and the communities in the 22nd Legislative District.
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/story/357403.html
Weyerhaeuser December 1-4, 2007 Storm Event Summary (Weyerhaeuser, Opens as a PDF File)
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/pdfs/company/media/December2007StormEventSummary.pdf
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Daily News Editorial – Drawbacks shouldn't stop development of alternative fuels – Two new studies published last week in the journal Science call into question government mandates aimed at quickly increasing the use of biofuels for environmental reasons.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/13/editorial/10107101.txt
San Francisco Chronicle Editorial – Better biofuels before more biofuels. It's all about the land, not the crops. While California and the nation pursue biofuels for energy security and climate change, we must ensure that cleaner technologies are the result, not irreversible damages.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/13/EDGEV10VF.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Florida – Treasure Coast Palm Editorial – Editorial: Give wind power fighting chance. Clean, renewable opportunity another good step in need for additional, inexpensive power
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/feb/12/give-wind-power-fighting-chance/
Miami County Republic – Harnessing electricity could be an answer for energy-bill woes
http://www.kccommunitynews.com/articles/2008/02/13/miami_county_republic/opinion/doc47b20d29135a3833845934.txt
CONSERVATION
New Year's resolution! Save Energy (Lake Superior News)
http://lakesuperiornews.info/Environment/SaveEnergy/tabid/224/Default.aspx
The best-kept secret to home-heating savings – Using this green geothermal technology can cut your utility bills in half. So why aren't more homeowners taking advantage of it? (Because of $$$$ - MSN Real Estate)
http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Green/Article_usnews.aspx?cp-documentid=6131060>1=10931
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
The Columbian Op/Ed – Washington View: Natural disasters being used to push agendas
http://www.columbian.com/business/businessNews/2008/02/02122008_Washington-View-Natural-disasters-being-used-to-push-agendas.cfm?newsletter=1
'Massive carbon tax' pitched – New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman told a crowd today that the country needs a "massive carbon tax" so energy companies would be forced to look to alternative and green energy to survive. (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikpnospUTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
NY Company Buys First Californian Forest Carbon Credits (Planet Ark)
http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46902/story.htm
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Iowa tries to land Microsoft site – Microsoft Corp. is considering Iowa for a data center that would offer high wages and employ more than 100 people, state lawmakers said Tuesday. (Des Moines Register)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/NEWS10/802130380/-1/LIFE04
Comcast defends curbs on file sharing – Keeps Web traffic moving, it says (Associated Press, via the Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/351080_comcast13.html
Flawed Software Upgrade Caused BlackBerry Malfunction (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/business/13rim.html?_r=1&ex=1360645200&en=ebce2fbce0f26cd3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
A Year Out, Digital TV Picture Still Far from Sharp (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18919378&ft=1&f=2
Google Hijacking 404 Pages? There's money in them thar 404s... (Broadband Reports – Note: comment section may include PG-13 language)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Google-Hijacking-404-Pages-91794
GENERAL NEWS
SALARY CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS NEW MASON COUNTY H-R DIRECTOR – Mason County has a new Human Resources Director: T.J. Martin. Martin has worked for the County for the past two and a half years as the County's Land-Use Attorney. He has two Mater Degrees - Master of Taxation from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts from the University of San Diego - and a Juris Doctorate from the Gonzaga School of Law. According to a news release from Mason County, Martin has extensive experience in contract negotiations and labor union representation. His hiring, however, generated some controversy, not over Martin being appointed to the position but over his salary. Tuesday, the Mason County Commission amended the non-union salary range alignment table to increase the H-R Director from a range 35 to a range 45, which is the top of the county's pay scale. This action did not sit well with some elected officials who told the Commissioners Tuesday that they have employees who have not seen salary changes in years. The Commissioners explained that the Human Resources Director is a vital position and it needed to be filled. They also believe Martin is the right person for the job based on his experience and background. The Commission did say they would take a look at the County's pay scale. Martin also stated he plans to make changes in the HR Department and his goal is to work with department heads and elected officials to "recruit the best and retain the best." He also said that there is a problem with the County's pay scale and that he plans on correcting that problem. T.J. Martin's appointment as Mason County's Human Resources Director is effective February 1st. The County Prosecutor's Office will be looking to fill Martin's former position as Land-Use Attorney. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
Washington State Auditor’s records stand riles Thurston County Treasurer – A second Thurston County official is at odds with state Auditor Brian Sonntag over a state performance audit on public-records disclosures. (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/357639.html
DIVERSIONS
Britons Sound Off Against Anti-Child Device – Device Meant To Drive Away Misbehaving Kids
http://www.kirotv.com/family/15279713/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000202122008&ts=H
Pilot captures incredible photo near Wash. Coast
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15583137.html
Mich. lottery winner makes great mistake
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_fe_st/odd_surprised_lottery_winner;_ylt=Ahzrj8Na.xOR8PG6CcANanHtiBIF
Japan's Obama city cheers U.S. Democrat contender
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080213/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_usa_politics_japan;_ylt=AvyUWiFk1r55LVDnZCWjXPjtiBIF
Ghost-like white stag spotted in Scotland
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080213/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_stag;_ylt=An1c3v3VUlDan2JKSDem.vHtiBIF
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 12, 2008
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.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program
* Colorado/Kansas state line big factor in coal plant proposals
* Alliant eyes offset for emissions in Iowa
* How Will Virginia Keep the Lights On?
* Idaho – Owyhee may suspend planning for nuclear plant
* Report Warns of Threat to Campus Reactors
* Thurston County scrap-metal sting results in 1 citation
* New book on dam construction
* News Release – PUD 3 to conduct tree trimming along Highway 106
* Heat Costs Create Hardships for Landlords, Tenants
* Snowpack makes water supply look solid
* Drought Has Georgia Revisiting Border Dispute
* Canada – New fish farm study cites crash in salmon, trout populations
* Elk Herds Upsetting Ecosystems In Parks
* Battle Pits Solar Energy Against Trees
* How green is my building?
* Monthly utility bill typically reveals little
* Polar ice pack loss may break 2007 record
* Carbon offsets: Of Turnips and Tulips and Carbon
* High-tech giants seeking massive tax break – Eastern Washington server farms could get $1 billion state exemption
* Yahoo playing hard to get? Company might be seeking better price from Microsoft
* Demand for Video Reshaping Internet
* FCC Commissioner: Make broadband 'a higher priority'
* EarthLink's citywide Wi-Fi biz for sale
* Again, BlackBerrys Are Disrupted by a Technical Snag
* Mason County: Belco To Expand Operations
* Increase In Shelton Utility Bills Coming
* City Of Shelton To Go Back To Voters To Fund Streets
* City Of Shelton Park Maintenance To Be Cut
* Port of Olympia on board with plan for Portland flights
* Bill proposes "scarlet letter" for DUIs: bright-yellow license plates
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Philippic • \ fuh-LIP-ick\ • noun – A discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation: tirade
The house was dark and quiet. The only indications of occupancy were the glowing embers on the tip of Alphonse’s expensive Turkish cigarette as he sat alone in his darkened study. In the distance, a dog barked. Suddenly his wild-haired wife burst into the room, spewing white flame retardant from an ancient fire extinguisher and howling a philippic against the dangers of smoking…”especially in MY house,” she thundered.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA plan could lower Tri-City electric rates (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/88295.html
BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program. (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-23/120252384120770.xml&storylist=orlocal
Colorado/Kansas state line big factor in coal plant proposals (Knight Ridder Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikplhquWTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Alliant eyes offset for emissions in Iowa (Capital Times – hmm, shut down two old plants, convert another to natural gas, build windmills...is that OK?)
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/271635
How Will Virginia Keep the Lights On? (Red Orbit)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1251093/how_will_virginia_keep_the_lights_on/
Idaho – Owyhee may suspend planning for nuclear plant – The county says it is owed a $50,000 processing fee by the company that wants to build the energy facility near Bruneau. (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/292745.html
Report Warns of Threat to Campus Reactors – The risks of a terrorist attack on a nuclear reactor on a college campus, and the potential consequences, have been underestimated (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/us/12nuclear.html?ex=1360472400&en=3b96ba371e34686f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Thurston County scrap-metal sting results in 1 citation (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/356513.html
New book on dam construction – A new book of pictures of the construction of Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project comes from Arcadia Publishing as part of the Images of America series. (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/NEWS04/621020854
News Release – PUD 3 to conduct tree trimming along Highway 106 - Project begins February 19 (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/News/display.asp?NewsID=408
Heat Costs Create Hardships for Landlords, Tenants (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18905438&ft=1&f=3
News Release – U.S. Department of Labor Announces $10 Million Competition to Build Skilled Trades Careers in Energy Industry (Transmission and Distribution World)
http://tdworld.com/etrain/news_highlights/department-of-labor-energy-skilled-labor-development/
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Snowpack makes water supply look solid (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004177649_snow12m.html
Drought Has Georgia Revisiting Border Dispute – Flawed 1818 Survey Left State a Mile Short of Tennessee River (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/09/AR2008020902283.html?nav=rss_nation
Canada – New fish farm study cites crash in salmon, trout populations (The Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=1b30ef0f-90b3-41eb-907d-7f83625fe07c
Elk Herds Upsetting Ecosystems In Parks – Officials Favor Shooting to Restore Natural Balance (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/10/AR2008021002215.html?nav=rss_nation
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Battle Pits Solar Energy Against Trees – One homeowner in San Francisco has asked his neighbor to chop down his redwood trees because their shadow is interfering with his solar panels. (National Public Radio – Note: the solar panels were installed after trees were planted.)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18905405&ft=1&f=3
CONSERVATION
How green is my building? Like your refrigerator, worthy commercial structures receive the EPA's Energy Star mark (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2008/02/12/how_green_is_my_building/
Monthly utility bill typically reveals little – Utilities are turning to a new tool to help consumers conserve energy and cut costs: the monthly bill. (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/news/display_news_story.cfm?Section=WireNews&Category=HOME&NewsID=157466
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Polar ice pack loss may break 2007 record – Ocean currents, global warming and wind combine to leave the Arctic ice fragile. (Anchorage Daily News)
http://www.adn.com/front/story/312401.html
Carbon offsets: Of Turnips and Tulips and Carbon (Energy Pulse Commentary)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1667
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
High-tech giants seeking massive tax break – Eastern Washington server farms could get $1 billion state exemption (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/350898_taxbreaks12.html?source=rss
Yahoo playing hard to get? Company might be seeking better price from Microsoft (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/350910_msftyahoo12.html
Demand for Video Reshaping Internet – In 1995, the first warning was raised: The throngs of people swarming to the Internet would overwhelm the system in 1996. For more than a decade, that fear has proven untrue. Until right about now. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004176745_apshapingtheinternet11.html?syndication=rss
FCC Commissioner: Make broadband 'a higher priority' – FCC, FTC say U.S. needs to push fast connections (Daily Camera, Boulder, CO)
http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/11/commissioner-make-broadband-a-higher-priority/
EarthLink's citywide Wi-Fi biz for sale (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9867634-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
Again, BlackBerrys Are Disrupted by a Technical Snag – For the second time in less than a year, a technical failure on Monday idled the thumbs of many BlackBerry users by severing their wireless link to e-mail and the Web. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/technology/12rim.html?_r=1&ex=1360558800&en=f255373947a81d87&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
GENERAL NEWS
MASON COUNTY: BELCO TO EXPAND OPERATIONS – Belco Forest Products will expand soon with 16 new jobs, bringing its total employment in Shelton to 61, announced Matt Matayoshi, executive director of Mason County Economic Development Council. Matayoshi credited the expansion by the Tacoma-based facia board manufacturer to previous efforts by the Port of Shelton, Mason County and the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board to build a waterline. The waterline was needed so Belco could build a new coating facility in Shelton last year. At that time, Belco had added 15 workers for the new facility. "That's real exciting news for us," Matayoshi said of the new jobs. (South Sound Business Examiner)
INCREASE IN SHELTON UTILITY BILLS COMING – City of Shelton residents will see an increase on their utility bills. According to Cathy Beierle, Director of Financial Service for the City, customers will see a 4% increase in their water bill and a 9% increase in their sewer bill. These new rates went into effect the first of the year. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
CITY OF SHELTON TO GO BACK TO VOTERS TO FUND STREETS – The City of Shelton plans to again ask voters to approve a property tax increase to fund street repairs. However, this time they plan to ask for what is being called a "Show Me Tax." The plan is to ask for $500,000 and repair 40 blocks of streets. According to the City's Administrator, Dave O'Leary, if approved the City can demonstrate their intentions to repair streets. This would be a tax for one year and the City could ask residents for another $500,000 the next year and continue the cycle. The intent is to ask voters in August. The Shelton City Commission was briefed on this plan Monday and needs to approve a resolution reserving space on the August Primary Ballot. Action on that resolution could be approved during the City Commission's next meeting. Also during Monday's study session, the Mason County Association of Realtors said they would be willing to help fund a pollster to find out exactly what residents want and help relay that message to voters through the ballot measure. Cost of a professional pollster is at least $6,000 but could be more depending on how many questions are asked. The City Commission will continue discussion on this plan and possibly take action on the resolution at 6pm next Tuesday. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
CITY OF SHELTON PARK MAINTENANCE TO BE CUT – The City of Shelton will be cutting back on its park maintenance this year due to budget constraints. Monday, Steve Goins, Director of the City's Department of Community and Economic Development, told the City Commission about the Parks Department's plans for this year. There are currently three fulltime employees in the Parks Department. The plan is to maintain that number until the Lead retires in September. The City will also NOT be hiring any summer help. This reduced staff will impact maintenance on the City's Parks and other facilities but keep them open. The other option is to close some facilities. Because of the limited staff, residents will see some reduced service such as trash pickup, weeding and edging, mowing, watering and special event support. According to Goins, staff has an obligation to maintain playground equipment and ball fields that are rented but the grass may be higher than the public has seen in the past and there may be brown spots during the heat of the summer. Goins told the Commissioner staff will do the best they can with their limited resources. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
Port of Olympia on board with plan for Portland flights (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/356546.html
Bill proposes "scarlet letter" for DUIs: bright-yellow license plates (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004177709_drunkdriving12m.html?syndication=rss
DIVERSIONS
Oregon man arrested on his way to court — at 130 mph
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004176736_webspeeder11m.html?syndication=rss
Lawyer Charged With Assault For Forceful Handshake
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15272025/detail.html
Body-builders pluck stranded car from ditch
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1128302020080211?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Indonesian train roof riders to be sprayed
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN0627891520080211?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program
* Colorado/Kansas state line big factor in coal plant proposals
* Alliant eyes offset for emissions in Iowa
* How Will Virginia Keep the Lights On?
* Idaho – Owyhee may suspend planning for nuclear plant
* Report Warns of Threat to Campus Reactors
* Thurston County scrap-metal sting results in 1 citation
* New book on dam construction
* News Release – PUD 3 to conduct tree trimming along Highway 106
* Heat Costs Create Hardships for Landlords, Tenants
* Snowpack makes water supply look solid
* Drought Has Georgia Revisiting Border Dispute
* Canada – New fish farm study cites crash in salmon, trout populations
* Elk Herds Upsetting Ecosystems In Parks
* Battle Pits Solar Energy Against Trees
* How green is my building?
* Monthly utility bill typically reveals little
* Polar ice pack loss may break 2007 record
* Carbon offsets: Of Turnips and Tulips and Carbon
* High-tech giants seeking massive tax break – Eastern Washington server farms could get $1 billion state exemption
* Yahoo playing hard to get? Company might be seeking better price from Microsoft
* Demand for Video Reshaping Internet
* FCC Commissioner: Make broadband 'a higher priority'
* EarthLink's citywide Wi-Fi biz for sale
* Again, BlackBerrys Are Disrupted by a Technical Snag
* Mason County: Belco To Expand Operations
* Increase In Shelton Utility Bills Coming
* City Of Shelton To Go Back To Voters To Fund Streets
* City Of Shelton Park Maintenance To Be Cut
* Port of Olympia on board with plan for Portland flights
* Bill proposes "scarlet letter" for DUIs: bright-yellow license plates
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Philippic • \ fuh-LIP-ick\ • noun – A discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation: tirade
The house was dark and quiet. The only indications of occupancy were the glowing embers on the tip of Alphonse’s expensive Turkish cigarette as he sat alone in his darkened study. In the distance, a dog barked. Suddenly his wild-haired wife burst into the room, spewing white flame retardant from an ancient fire extinguisher and howling a philippic against the dangers of smoking…”especially in MY house,” she thundered.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA plan could lower Tri-City electric rates (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/88295.html
BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program. (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-23/120252384120770.xml&storylist=orlocal
Colorado/Kansas state line big factor in coal plant proposals (Knight Ridder Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikplhquWTgdy30qbfen%5Fv
Alliant eyes offset for emissions in Iowa (Capital Times – hmm, shut down two old plants, convert another to natural gas, build windmills...is that OK?)
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/271635
How Will Virginia Keep the Lights On? (Red Orbit)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1251093/how_will_virginia_keep_the_lights_on/
Idaho – Owyhee may suspend planning for nuclear plant – The county says it is owed a $50,000 processing fee by the company that wants to build the energy facility near Bruneau. (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/292745.html
Report Warns of Threat to Campus Reactors – The risks of a terrorist attack on a nuclear reactor on a college campus, and the potential consequences, have been underestimated (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/us/12nuclear.html?ex=1360472400&en=3b96ba371e34686f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Thurston County scrap-metal sting results in 1 citation (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/356513.html
New book on dam construction – A new book of pictures of the construction of Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project comes from Arcadia Publishing as part of the Images of America series. (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/NEWS04/621020854
News Release – PUD 3 to conduct tree trimming along Highway 106 - Project begins February 19 (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/News/display.asp?NewsID=408
Heat Costs Create Hardships for Landlords, Tenants (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18905438&ft=1&f=3
News Release – U.S. Department of Labor Announces $10 Million Competition to Build Skilled Trades Careers in Energy Industry (Transmission and Distribution World)
http://tdworld.com/etrain/news_highlights/department-of-labor-energy-skilled-labor-development/
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Snowpack makes water supply look solid (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004177649_snow12m.html
Drought Has Georgia Revisiting Border Dispute – Flawed 1818 Survey Left State a Mile Short of Tennessee River (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/09/AR2008020902283.html?nav=rss_nation
Canada – New fish farm study cites crash in salmon, trout populations (The Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=1b30ef0f-90b3-41eb-907d-7f83625fe07c
Elk Herds Upsetting Ecosystems In Parks – Officials Favor Shooting to Restore Natural Balance (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/10/AR2008021002215.html?nav=rss_nation
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Battle Pits Solar Energy Against Trees – One homeowner in San Francisco has asked his neighbor to chop down his redwood trees because their shadow is interfering with his solar panels. (National Public Radio – Note: the solar panels were installed after trees were planted.)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18905405&ft=1&f=3
CONSERVATION
How green is my building? Like your refrigerator, worthy commercial structures receive the EPA's Energy Star mark (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2008/02/12/how_green_is_my_building/
Monthly utility bill typically reveals little – Utilities are turning to a new tool to help consumers conserve energy and cut costs: the monthly bill. (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/news/display_news_story.cfm?Section=WireNews&Category=HOME&NewsID=157466
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Polar ice pack loss may break 2007 record – Ocean currents, global warming and wind combine to leave the Arctic ice fragile. (Anchorage Daily News)
http://www.adn.com/front/story/312401.html
Carbon offsets: Of Turnips and Tulips and Carbon (Energy Pulse Commentary)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1667
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
High-tech giants seeking massive tax break – Eastern Washington server farms could get $1 billion state exemption (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/350898_taxbreaks12.html?source=rss
Yahoo playing hard to get? Company might be seeking better price from Microsoft (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/350910_msftyahoo12.html
Demand for Video Reshaping Internet – In 1995, the first warning was raised: The throngs of people swarming to the Internet would overwhelm the system in 1996. For more than a decade, that fear has proven untrue. Until right about now. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004176745_apshapingtheinternet11.html?syndication=rss
FCC Commissioner: Make broadband 'a higher priority' – FCC, FTC say U.S. needs to push fast connections (Daily Camera, Boulder, CO)
http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/11/commissioner-make-broadband-a-higher-priority/
EarthLink's citywide Wi-Fi biz for sale (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9867634-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
Again, BlackBerrys Are Disrupted by a Technical Snag – For the second time in less than a year, a technical failure on Monday idled the thumbs of many BlackBerry users by severing their wireless link to e-mail and the Web. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/technology/12rim.html?_r=1&ex=1360558800&en=f255373947a81d87&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
GENERAL NEWS
MASON COUNTY: BELCO TO EXPAND OPERATIONS – Belco Forest Products will expand soon with 16 new jobs, bringing its total employment in Shelton to 61, announced Matt Matayoshi, executive director of Mason County Economic Development Council. Matayoshi credited the expansion by the Tacoma-based facia board manufacturer to previous efforts by the Port of Shelton, Mason County and the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board to build a waterline. The waterline was needed so Belco could build a new coating facility in Shelton last year. At that time, Belco had added 15 workers for the new facility. "That's real exciting news for us," Matayoshi said of the new jobs. (South Sound Business Examiner)
INCREASE IN SHELTON UTILITY BILLS COMING – City of Shelton residents will see an increase on their utility bills. According to Cathy Beierle, Director of Financial Service for the City, customers will see a 4% increase in their water bill and a 9% increase in their sewer bill. These new rates went into effect the first of the year. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
CITY OF SHELTON TO GO BACK TO VOTERS TO FUND STREETS – The City of Shelton plans to again ask voters to approve a property tax increase to fund street repairs. However, this time they plan to ask for what is being called a "Show Me Tax." The plan is to ask for $500,000 and repair 40 blocks of streets. According to the City's Administrator, Dave O'Leary, if approved the City can demonstrate their intentions to repair streets. This would be a tax for one year and the City could ask residents for another $500,000 the next year and continue the cycle. The intent is to ask voters in August. The Shelton City Commission was briefed on this plan Monday and needs to approve a resolution reserving space on the August Primary Ballot. Action on that resolution could be approved during the City Commission's next meeting. Also during Monday's study session, the Mason County Association of Realtors said they would be willing to help fund a pollster to find out exactly what residents want and help relay that message to voters through the ballot measure. Cost of a professional pollster is at least $6,000 but could be more depending on how many questions are asked. The City Commission will continue discussion on this plan and possibly take action on the resolution at 6pm next Tuesday. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
CITY OF SHELTON PARK MAINTENANCE TO BE CUT – The City of Shelton will be cutting back on its park maintenance this year due to budget constraints. Monday, Steve Goins, Director of the City's Department of Community and Economic Development, told the City Commission about the Parks Department's plans for this year. There are currently three fulltime employees in the Parks Department. The plan is to maintain that number until the Lead retires in September. The City will also NOT be hiring any summer help. This reduced staff will impact maintenance on the City's Parks and other facilities but keep them open. The other option is to close some facilities. Because of the limited staff, residents will see some reduced service such as trash pickup, weeding and edging, mowing, watering and special event support. According to Goins, staff has an obligation to maintain playground equipment and ball fields that are rented but the grass may be higher than the public has seen in the past and there may be brown spots during the heat of the summer. Goins told the Commissioner staff will do the best they can with their limited resources. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
Port of Olympia on board with plan for Portland flights (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/356546.html
Bill proposes "scarlet letter" for DUIs: bright-yellow license plates (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004177709_drunkdriving12m.html?syndication=rss
DIVERSIONS
Oregon man arrested on his way to court — at 130 mph
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004176736_webspeeder11m.html?syndication=rss
Lawyer Charged With Assault For Forceful Handshake
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15272025/detail.html
Body-builders pluck stranded car from ditch
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1128302020080211?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Indonesian train roof riders to be sprayed
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN0627891520080211?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Monday, February 11, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 11, 2008
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.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program
* Chelan County PUD predicts below-average spring runoff
* Deep snowpack may make for high river levels
* Rainfall Shortages Threaten Costa Rica Power
* NY Times Editorial – Clean Power or Dirty Coal?
* U.S. nuclear plant safety checks system under fire
* Nuclear Energy Institute: U.S. nuke plants set records for production, efficiency in 2007
* Energy-pricing lawsuit looks for jolt in courtroom
* Texas state rep sought electric industry's aid in getting bills passed
* Appellate Panel Rejects E.P.A. Emission Limits
* Lawmakers seek boost in ‘green collar’ jobs
* United Kingdom – Energy firms in row with regulator over smart meters
* New guidelines give sport salmon anglers a boost
* Accidental Chinook catch among Pollock is an issue
* Salmon rapidly vanishing on Willamette Rive
* Numbers Can Tell a Story About Puget Sound
* California – Fishers lead effort to keep species off hook
* S-F Chronicle Op/Ed – Fewer fishers, hunters bad news for wildlife
* Oregon – A region's vitality, melting away
* Ecology, Kennewick Irrigation District have plan for Red Mountain water
* Calif. Farmers Struggle with Reduced Water Supply
* Coming to Chehalis: 50 Solar Panel Jobs
* Kelso man erects his own wind turbine
* Tri-City Herald Editorial – Using ag byproducts for fuel makes sense
* North Dakota utilities plan power line to move electricity from wind projects
* Clean-energy companies fueling a N. Colorado revival
* Solar-Home Community: Good Idea, Bad Location?
* Ethanol's effects bother boaters
* Oregon offers renewable energy law class
* Wenatchee World Editorial – Don' let your light shine, up
* Consumer test - home energy monitors
* Congressman Baird says conserve energy for your country
* California regulators put price on emissions
* Press Pass column: Climate-change plan has business leaders worried
* Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You – Suburbia’s impact on climate change
* What does green mean? Today's eco-speak defined
* Yahoo Rejects Microsoft's $44.6B Bid
* Ethics complaint filed over Clearwire tower in Medina
* Millions may have digital TV reception troubles
* Plugging Into a Community That Clicks
* Bill to tape closed sessions revived
* Wire thefts along I-5 a growing problem
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Sitzmark • \SITS-mark\ • noun – A depression left in the snow by a skier falling backward
“A most impressive sitzmark,” thought Marc Anthony as he helped Jennifer Lopez from her landing spot after a cushioned fall on the ski slope.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program. (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1210214~BPA_starts_process_to_reestablish_residential_exchange_program_.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
News release – BPA starts process to re-establish the residential exchange program: Proposal includes lowering rates for public utilities (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/191646/
Chelan County PUD predicts below-average spring runoff (Wenatchee World)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS04/769807666/1025/rss1025
Deep snowpack may make for high river levels – Snow has been stacking up on Washington's peaks, with depths and water content as much as 130 percent of average, making this winter a potential repeat of 1996 when high spring melts pushed rivers over the banks. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/86763.html
Rainfall Shortages Threaten Costa Rica Power “…Perhaps most impressive, the nation produces more than 80 percent of its electricity in hydroelectric plants, which emit no greenhouse gases….” (National Public Radio…Hello! Hydroelectricity=clean, renewable, emissions free energy…Hello!)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18832252&ft=1&f=3
NY Times Editorial – Clean Power or Dirty Coal?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/opinion/10sun2.html?ex=1360386000&en=29dadabea15edfbb&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
U.S. nuclear plant safety checks system under fire – Congress and two states scrutinize the relicensing process after a federal audit found problems with safety documents. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0208/p02s01-usgn.html
Nuclear Energy Institute: U.S. nuke plants set records for production, efficiency in 2007 (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=319524&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
Congressional Research Reports – Managing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Policy Implications of Expanding Global Access to Nuclear Power
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34234
Energy-pricing lawsuit looks for jolt in courtroom – As companies settle energy crisis claims, California ratepayers are looking for their piece of the pie (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1210767~Energy_pricing_lawsuit_looks_for_jolt_in_courtroom.html?cid=rss-San_Francisco
Texas state rep sought electric industry's aid in getting bills passed – The powerful chairman of a regulatory committee asked the electric industry to get its lobbyists to help push his bills through the state Legislature. (Dallas Morning News)
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-king_11bus.ART.State.Edition1.39fe4e4.html
Ohio – Duke Energy lawsuit won't affect rate increases, officials say (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikjmmknTSljy30qbfen%5Fv
Appellate Panel Rejects E.P.A. Emission Limits – A three-judge federal appeals panel in Washington struck down on Friday the Environmental Protection Agency limits on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/washington/09mercury.html?_r=1&ex=1360299600&en=859111271587c108&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Lawmakers seek boost in ‘green collar’ jobs – In a town still reeling from the closure of a massive coal mine, dozens of Lewis County students train each year to work in the energy industry, immersing themselves in the intricacies of power generation and plant design. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/353893.html
United Kingdom – Energy firms in row with regulator over smart meters (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/feb/11/householdbills.utilities
Wenatchee World Editorial Board – Here is the bright side (Kudos given to Chelan County PUD)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080209/OP02/744243490/-1/OP
Oregon governor's aide thinking big on energy (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1202442917230730.xml&coll=7
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
New guidelines give sport anglers a boost – Lower Columbia River sport anglers will see more time on the water for spring Chinook, while still managing to stay within conservation needs, after the state Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new guidelines for the upcoming fishing season. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2004174510_outn10.html
Accidental Chinook catch among Pollock is an issue (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004173286_salmon09m.html
Salmon rapidly vanishing on Willamette River (KATO-TV, Portland)
http://www.katu.com/news/outdoors/15497641.html
News Release – Pacific Salmon Forum Releases 2007 Interim Research Findings: Findings Do Not Support Claim of Wild Salmon Extinction (Market Wire)
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=819327
Numbers Can Tell a Story About Puget Sound – A team of scientists is trying to paint a picture of Puget Sound with numbers. (Kitsap Sun, free registration may be required)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/10/numbers-can-tell-a-story-about-puget-sound/
California – Fishers lead effort to keep species off hook. No-fishing zones to be created with idea of helping sea creature populations rebound (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8223806?source=rss
S-F Chronicle Op/Ed – Fewer fishers, hunters bad news for wildlife
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/09/HOCJS5KMA.DTL
Mussels top the list of Oregon's least wanted – They can devastate ecosystems and economies (Statesman Journal)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/INVASIVE06/802100309/1034
Congressional Research Reports – San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34237
Oregon – A region's vitality, melting away – Hood River farmers thought the water flowing from shrinking Mt. Hood glaciers was essential to their prized fruit crops; new OSU research shows just how essential (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1202696711100340.xml&coll=7
Ecology, Kennewick Irrigation District have plan for Red Mountain water – The Department of Ecology and KID are working to exchange water rights to provide the district with enough water to irrigate portions of Red Mountain. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/83482.html
Calif. Farmers Struggle with Reduced Water Supply (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18816288&ft=1&f=2
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Coming to Chehalis: 50 Solar Panel Jobs – Industrial Park: Expansion Bumps Cardinal Glass’ Lewis County Workforce to More Than 300 (The Chronicle, Centralia)
http://www.chronline.com/story.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202497636&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&
Kelso man erects his own wind turbine (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/09/top_story/10101540.txt
Tri-City Herald Editorial – Using ag byproducts for fuel makes sense – We're going to pay the Department of Energy a compliment today. Yep, that's right. It's not Hanford-related but it's a compliment all the same.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/962/story/85071.html
Firm Tries New Tactic for Md. Wind Power (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5525250.html
North Dakota utilities plan power line to move electricity from wind projects (Bismarck Tribune)
http://bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/02/10/news/state/148224.txt
Tri-State Neighbor Op-Ed: U.S. needs to prioritize wind energy in 2008 – Energy policy is changing in this country, and South Dakota is perfectly positioned to contribute to, and benefit from, that change.
http://www.tristateneighbor.com/articles/2008/02/10/tri_state_news/columnists/news32.txt
Green power – More homeowners gain access to cleaner energy (Baltimore Sun)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/bal-bz.ml.green10feb10,0,2918386.story
Clean-energy companies fueling a N. Colorado revival – Business and academic leaders sound off on how they're trying to make the area a hub of alternative-power development. (Denver Post)
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_8212838?source=rss
Solar-Home Community: Good Idea, Bad Location? (Wall Street Journal)
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2008/02/08/solar-home-community-good-idea-bad-location/?mod=googlenews_wsj
Ethanol's effects bother boaters – If not managed right, the mandatory fuel supplement can stall engines and corrode or dissolve parts (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1202527511198220.xml&coll=7
Oregon offers renewable energy law class (Daily Journal of Commerce, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1212542~Oregon_offers_renewable_energy_law_class.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
News Release – Red Tape is Stifling Growth in the Solar Power Sector “…All issues considered, solar's growth is dependent on rising energy prices…” (Renewable Energy Access)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story;jsessionid=188A976D4E862C5F9E5BC2D003718830?id=51419&src=rss
CONSERVATION
Wenatchee World Editorial – Don' let your light shine, up
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/OP03/661921801/-1/OP
Consumer test - home energy monitors – Julia Hailes, author of the best-selling Green Consumer Guide - gets to grips with a selection of energy meters (The Telegraph, United Kingdom)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/02/08/eaenergy108.xml
Daily News, Longview – Congressman tells what you can do for your country – Brian Baird says slashing energy consumption would do three things: put savings into people's pockets, cut energy prices and show the world that Americans are serious about reducing carbon emissions.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/11/editorial/10101097.txt
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
California regulators put price on emissions – Air district wants thousands of firms to pay fees based on greenhouse gases (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8216807?source=rss
Press Pass column: Climate-change plan has business leaders worried (Victoria Times-Colonist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=58cf2f92-3923-4f3f-bb9f-745eea4f6805&k=40378
Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You – “…the problem with suburbs, many environmentalists say, is not an issue of light bulbs. In the end, the very things that make suburban life attractive also disproportionately contribute to global warming…” (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/fashion/10suburbs.html?ex=1360386000&en=25f8f983d35ac155&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The Sun Also Sets – Climate Change: Not every scientist is part of Al Gore's mythical "consensus." Scientists worried about a new ice age seek funding to better observe something bigger than your SUV — the sun. (Investor's Business Daily)
http://ibdeditorial.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=287279412587175
What does green mean? Today's eco-speak defined (Austin Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/02/11/focus4.html?ana=from_rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Yahoo Officially Rejects Microsoft Takeover Offer (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/technology/11cnd-yahoo.html?_r=1&ex=1360472400&en=1952875072f8b2c9&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Yahoo Rejects Microsoft's $44.6B Bid (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004176483_apmicrosoftyahoo11.html?syndication=rss
Ethics complaint filed over Clearwire tower in Medina – Wireless Internet provider's gift to police had no building permit (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/350765_tower11.html?source=rss
Millions may have digital TV reception troubles – Nearly 6 million people with digital receivers may still lose TV signals when digital-only broadcasts begin next February, a new study says. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/915/story/87415.html
Plugging Into a Community That Clicks – many homeowner and civic associations are turning to Web sites as their key communication tool. (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/08/AR2008020801941.html?nav=rss_business
GENERAL NEWS
Bill to tape closed sessions revived
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02082008_Bill-to-tape-closed-sessions-revived.cfm?newsletter=2
Levy lid mistake targeted by bill
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02082008_Levy-lid-mistake-targeted-by-bill.cfm?newsletter=2
Wave of support building for new coastal weather radar (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004174706_radar10m.html?syndication=rss
Wire thefts along I-5 a growing problem (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/280188.html
DIVERSIONS
Judge Apologizes To Man Hounded 17 Years For Twin Brother's Traffic Tickets
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15254590/detail.html
PETA opposes tribute to fried chicken – Animals rights advocates are squawking at a measure that would make fried chicken Kentucky's official picnic food (Have you noticed that the music bed for KENTUCKY Fried Chicken ads is the riff from “Sweet Home ALABAMA”)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080209/ap_on_fe_st/odd_picnic_squawk;_ylt=AsZb69X_paZJrsElm_b7qdTtiBIF
You mean I wasn't supposed to get 20's? An employee of a Valparaiso Wal-Mart has been charged with theft for repeatedly making purchases to get change from a self-service cash register that was dispensing $20 bills instead of $1 bills.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080209/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cash_theft;_ylt=AvShPdiJQxNPJ.iXjzWGUWTtiBIF
J.P. Patches: The Northwest's favorite clown for 50 years
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080210/NEWS01/281773053/-1/RSS01
Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March' at 150 (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18822541&ft=1&f=10
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program
* Chelan County PUD predicts below-average spring runoff
* Deep snowpack may make for high river levels
* Rainfall Shortages Threaten Costa Rica Power
* NY Times Editorial – Clean Power or Dirty Coal?
* U.S. nuclear plant safety checks system under fire
* Nuclear Energy Institute: U.S. nuke plants set records for production, efficiency in 2007
* Energy-pricing lawsuit looks for jolt in courtroom
* Texas state rep sought electric industry's aid in getting bills passed
* Appellate Panel Rejects E.P.A. Emission Limits
* Lawmakers seek boost in ‘green collar’ jobs
* United Kingdom – Energy firms in row with regulator over smart meters
* New guidelines give sport salmon anglers a boost
* Accidental Chinook catch among Pollock is an issue
* Salmon rapidly vanishing on Willamette Rive
* Numbers Can Tell a Story About Puget Sound
* California – Fishers lead effort to keep species off hook
* S-F Chronicle Op/Ed – Fewer fishers, hunters bad news for wildlife
* Oregon – A region's vitality, melting away
* Ecology, Kennewick Irrigation District have plan for Red Mountain water
* Calif. Farmers Struggle with Reduced Water Supply
* Coming to Chehalis: 50 Solar Panel Jobs
* Kelso man erects his own wind turbine
* Tri-City Herald Editorial – Using ag byproducts for fuel makes sense
* North Dakota utilities plan power line to move electricity from wind projects
* Clean-energy companies fueling a N. Colorado revival
* Solar-Home Community: Good Idea, Bad Location?
* Ethanol's effects bother boaters
* Oregon offers renewable energy law class
* Wenatchee World Editorial – Don' let your light shine, up
* Consumer test - home energy monitors
* Congressman Baird says conserve energy for your country
* California regulators put price on emissions
* Press Pass column: Climate-change plan has business leaders worried
* Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You – Suburbia’s impact on climate change
* What does green mean? Today's eco-speak defined
* Yahoo Rejects Microsoft's $44.6B Bid
* Ethics complaint filed over Clearwire tower in Medina
* Millions may have digital TV reception troubles
* Plugging Into a Community That Clicks
* Bill to tape closed sessions revived
* Wire thefts along I-5 a growing problem
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Sitzmark • \SITS-mark\ • noun – A depression left in the snow by a skier falling backward
“A most impressive sitzmark,” thought Marc Anthony as he helped Jennifer Lopez from her landing spot after a cushioned fall on the ski slope.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA starts process to reestablish residential exchange program. (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1210214~BPA_starts_process_to_reestablish_residential_exchange_program_.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
News release – BPA starts process to re-establish the residential exchange program: Proposal includes lowering rates for public utilities (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/191646/
Chelan County PUD predicts below-average spring runoff (Wenatchee World)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS04/769807666/1025/rss1025
Deep snowpack may make for high river levels – Snow has been stacking up on Washington's peaks, with depths and water content as much as 130 percent of average, making this winter a potential repeat of 1996 when high spring melts pushed rivers over the banks. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/86763.html
Rainfall Shortages Threaten Costa Rica Power “…Perhaps most impressive, the nation produces more than 80 percent of its electricity in hydroelectric plants, which emit no greenhouse gases….” (National Public Radio…Hello! Hydroelectricity=clean, renewable, emissions free energy…Hello!)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18832252&ft=1&f=3
NY Times Editorial – Clean Power or Dirty Coal?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/opinion/10sun2.html?ex=1360386000&en=29dadabea15edfbb&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
U.S. nuclear plant safety checks system under fire – Congress and two states scrutinize the relicensing process after a federal audit found problems with safety documents. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0208/p02s01-usgn.html
Nuclear Energy Institute: U.S. nuke plants set records for production, efficiency in 2007 (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=319524&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
Congressional Research Reports – Managing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Policy Implications of Expanding Global Access to Nuclear Power
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34234
Energy-pricing lawsuit looks for jolt in courtroom – As companies settle energy crisis claims, California ratepayers are looking for their piece of the pie (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1210767~Energy_pricing_lawsuit_looks_for_jolt_in_courtroom.html?cid=rss-San_Francisco
Texas state rep sought electric industry's aid in getting bills passed – The powerful chairman of a regulatory committee asked the electric industry to get its lobbyists to help push his bills through the state Legislature. (Dallas Morning News)
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-king_11bus.ART.State.Edition1.39fe4e4.html
Ohio – Duke Energy lawsuit won't affect rate increases, officials say (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Association Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CikjmmknTSljy30qbfen%5Fv
Appellate Panel Rejects E.P.A. Emission Limits – A three-judge federal appeals panel in Washington struck down on Friday the Environmental Protection Agency limits on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/washington/09mercury.html?_r=1&ex=1360299600&en=859111271587c108&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Lawmakers seek boost in ‘green collar’ jobs – In a town still reeling from the closure of a massive coal mine, dozens of Lewis County students train each year to work in the energy industry, immersing themselves in the intricacies of power generation and plant design. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/353893.html
United Kingdom – Energy firms in row with regulator over smart meters (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/feb/11/householdbills.utilities
Wenatchee World Editorial Board – Here is the bright side (Kudos given to Chelan County PUD)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080209/OP02/744243490/-1/OP
Oregon governor's aide thinking big on energy (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1202442917230730.xml&coll=7
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
New guidelines give sport anglers a boost – Lower Columbia River sport anglers will see more time on the water for spring Chinook, while still managing to stay within conservation needs, after the state Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new guidelines for the upcoming fishing season. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2004174510_outn10.html
Accidental Chinook catch among Pollock is an issue (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004173286_salmon09m.html
Salmon rapidly vanishing on Willamette River (KATO-TV, Portland)
http://www.katu.com/news/outdoors/15497641.html
News Release – Pacific Salmon Forum Releases 2007 Interim Research Findings: Findings Do Not Support Claim of Wild Salmon Extinction (Market Wire)
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=819327
Numbers Can Tell a Story About Puget Sound – A team of scientists is trying to paint a picture of Puget Sound with numbers. (Kitsap Sun, free registration may be required)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/10/numbers-can-tell-a-story-about-puget-sound/
California – Fishers lead effort to keep species off hook. No-fishing zones to be created with idea of helping sea creature populations rebound (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8223806?source=rss
S-F Chronicle Op/Ed – Fewer fishers, hunters bad news for wildlife
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/09/HOCJS5KMA.DTL
Mussels top the list of Oregon's least wanted – They can devastate ecosystems and economies (Statesman Journal)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/INVASIVE06/802100309/1034
Congressional Research Reports – San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34237
Oregon – A region's vitality, melting away – Hood River farmers thought the water flowing from shrinking Mt. Hood glaciers was essential to their prized fruit crops; new OSU research shows just how essential (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1202696711100340.xml&coll=7
Ecology, Kennewick Irrigation District have plan for Red Mountain water – The Department of Ecology and KID are working to exchange water rights to provide the district with enough water to irrigate portions of Red Mountain. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/83482.html
Calif. Farmers Struggle with Reduced Water Supply (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18816288&ft=1&f=2
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Coming to Chehalis: 50 Solar Panel Jobs – Industrial Park: Expansion Bumps Cardinal Glass’ Lewis County Workforce to More Than 300 (The Chronicle, Centralia)
http://www.chronline.com/story.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202497636&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&
Kelso man erects his own wind turbine (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/09/top_story/10101540.txt
Tri-City Herald Editorial – Using ag byproducts for fuel makes sense – We're going to pay the Department of Energy a compliment today. Yep, that's right. It's not Hanford-related but it's a compliment all the same.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/962/story/85071.html
Firm Tries New Tactic for Md. Wind Power (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5525250.html
North Dakota utilities plan power line to move electricity from wind projects (Bismarck Tribune)
http://bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/02/10/news/state/148224.txt
Tri-State Neighbor Op-Ed: U.S. needs to prioritize wind energy in 2008 – Energy policy is changing in this country, and South Dakota is perfectly positioned to contribute to, and benefit from, that change.
http://www.tristateneighbor.com/articles/2008/02/10/tri_state_news/columnists/news32.txt
Green power – More homeowners gain access to cleaner energy (Baltimore Sun)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/bal-bz.ml.green10feb10,0,2918386.story
Clean-energy companies fueling a N. Colorado revival – Business and academic leaders sound off on how they're trying to make the area a hub of alternative-power development. (Denver Post)
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_8212838?source=rss
Solar-Home Community: Good Idea, Bad Location? (Wall Street Journal)
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2008/02/08/solar-home-community-good-idea-bad-location/?mod=googlenews_wsj
Ethanol's effects bother boaters – If not managed right, the mandatory fuel supplement can stall engines and corrode or dissolve parts (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1202527511198220.xml&coll=7
Oregon offers renewable energy law class (Daily Journal of Commerce, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1212542~Oregon_offers_renewable_energy_law_class.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
News Release – Red Tape is Stifling Growth in the Solar Power Sector “…All issues considered, solar's growth is dependent on rising energy prices…” (Renewable Energy Access)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story;jsessionid=188A976D4E862C5F9E5BC2D003718830?id=51419&src=rss
CONSERVATION
Wenatchee World Editorial – Don' let your light shine, up
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/OP03/661921801/-1/OP
Consumer test - home energy monitors – Julia Hailes, author of the best-selling Green Consumer Guide - gets to grips with a selection of energy meters (The Telegraph, United Kingdom)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/02/08/eaenergy108.xml
Daily News, Longview – Congressman tells what you can do for your country – Brian Baird says slashing energy consumption would do three things: put savings into people's pockets, cut energy prices and show the world that Americans are serious about reducing carbon emissions.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/11/editorial/10101097.txt
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
California regulators put price on emissions – Air district wants thousands of firms to pay fees based on greenhouse gases (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8216807?source=rss
Press Pass column: Climate-change plan has business leaders worried (Victoria Times-Colonist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=58cf2f92-3923-4f3f-bb9f-745eea4f6805&k=40378
Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You – “…the problem with suburbs, many environmentalists say, is not an issue of light bulbs. In the end, the very things that make suburban life attractive also disproportionately contribute to global warming…” (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/fashion/10suburbs.html?ex=1360386000&en=25f8f983d35ac155&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The Sun Also Sets – Climate Change: Not every scientist is part of Al Gore's mythical "consensus." Scientists worried about a new ice age seek funding to better observe something bigger than your SUV — the sun. (Investor's Business Daily)
http://ibdeditorial.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=287279412587175
What does green mean? Today's eco-speak defined (Austin Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/02/11/focus4.html?ana=from_rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Yahoo Officially Rejects Microsoft Takeover Offer (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/technology/11cnd-yahoo.html?_r=1&ex=1360472400&en=1952875072f8b2c9&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Yahoo Rejects Microsoft's $44.6B Bid (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004176483_apmicrosoftyahoo11.html?syndication=rss
Ethics complaint filed over Clearwire tower in Medina – Wireless Internet provider's gift to police had no building permit (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/350765_tower11.html?source=rss
Millions may have digital TV reception troubles – Nearly 6 million people with digital receivers may still lose TV signals when digital-only broadcasts begin next February, a new study says. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/915/story/87415.html
Plugging Into a Community That Clicks – many homeowner and civic associations are turning to Web sites as their key communication tool. (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/08/AR2008020801941.html?nav=rss_business
GENERAL NEWS
Bill to tape closed sessions revived
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02082008_Bill-to-tape-closed-sessions-revived.cfm?newsletter=2
Levy lid mistake targeted by bill
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02082008_Levy-lid-mistake-targeted-by-bill.cfm?newsletter=2
Wave of support building for new coastal weather radar (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004174706_radar10m.html?syndication=rss
Wire thefts along I-5 a growing problem (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/280188.html
DIVERSIONS
Judge Apologizes To Man Hounded 17 Years For Twin Brother's Traffic Tickets
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15254590/detail.html
PETA opposes tribute to fried chicken – Animals rights advocates are squawking at a measure that would make fried chicken Kentucky's official picnic food (Have you noticed that the music bed for KENTUCKY Fried Chicken ads is the riff from “Sweet Home ALABAMA”)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080209/ap_on_fe_st/odd_picnic_squawk;_ylt=AsZb69X_paZJrsElm_b7qdTtiBIF
You mean I wasn't supposed to get 20's? An employee of a Valparaiso Wal-Mart has been charged with theft for repeatedly making purchases to get change from a self-service cash register that was dispensing $20 bills instead of $1 bills.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080209/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cash_theft;_ylt=AvShPdiJQxNPJ.iXjzWGUWTtiBIF
J.P. Patches: The Northwest's favorite clown for 50 years
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080210/NEWS01/281773053/-1/RSS01
Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March' at 150 (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18822541&ft=1&f=10
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