Energy News Digest for July 26, 2011

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST ON TWITTER

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

After Clipping Power Line - Autopsy Set For Pilot Killed In Chelan-Area Chopper Crash (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/jul/26/autopsy-set-for-pilot-killed-in-chopper-crash/

Hydropower Dam Removal Ramps Up in the Northwest This Fall (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/07/hydropower_dam_removal_ramps_u.html

Chehalis Power Dropping(s) Into Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Chehalis-Power-droppings-into-greenhouse=1&blockID=527307&feedID=410

Tortoises vs Solar Power in the Mojave Desert (KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA)

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=8270963

Local Governments Brace for Unknown Fallout from Debt Stalemate (Northwest Public Radio)

http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=9174

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• After Clipping Power Line - Autopsy Set For Pilot Killed In Chelan-Area Chopper Crash
• California - Power Provider Shutting Five Contra Costa Plants
• Wind Complaint Overblown - National Electric Cooperative Association Says FERC Should Dismiss Case
• New Transmission Lines: Coming to an Area Near You?
• Bainbridge Utility Ratepayers Get Rare Win in Legal Battle with City
• Biting the Bullet, Vermont Yankee Orders Fuel
• US Department Of Energy Cites Savannah River Nuclear for Safety Violations
• Tennessee Awaits Tons of German Nuclear Waste
• East Africa Drought Reaches Kenya’s Electricity Grid
• Hydropower Dam Removal Ramps Up in the Northwest This Fall
• Dozens of Fish Die in Richland Irrigation Pond
• Giant Palouse Earthworm Doesn’t Qualify for Endangered Species Act Protection
• Disease Resistant Oregon & Washington State Whitebark Pines Tested
• Banking On New Wetlands When Old Ones Vanish
• Two States Protect Lake Tahoe, But One Eyes Changes
• Op/Ed - Scooping Pet Poop Protects Puget Sound
• Chehalis Power Dropping(s) Into Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project
• Tortoises vs Solar Power in the Mojave Desert
• Kansas - Wind Projects’ Costs Irk Utilities in Nine-State Pool
• Cooperative South Dakota Wind Farm Nets 600 Local Owners
• California Governor Pushes Renewable Energy Goal at UCLA Conference
• Loch Ness Water Monster - Hydro Power Scheme to Go on Stream Three Years After Opening
• Analysis: Ontario Green Energy Plan Feels the Heat
• Pacific Energy Concepts Turns a Profit While Focusing on Conservation
• Growing Number of States Paying Utilities to Meet Energy Efficiency Goals
• National Energy Conference in Salt Lake Brings Attention to Utah’s Outdated Home Codes
• Maryland - Baltimore Gas & Electric Pushed Air-Conditioner Cutoff Plan Too Far
• Study: Saving Owls & Salmon Also Stores Carbon
• Time Running out to Change California’s Cap-And-Trade Program
• Scientists Warn That Fires Could Consume Yellowstone Forests
• State’s Green Idea for RV Waste Costly to Taxpayers
• Editorial - An Ex-Greenpeacer’s Praise of Forestry
• Do Your Part: Consider Environment Before Firing Up Grill
• Black Hole Has 140 Trillion Times More Water than Earth’s Oceans
• State of the Internet: What Are the Fastest Cities in the World
• Sour Blackberries - RIM Cuts 2,000 Jobs. Can the Company Bounce Back?
• Apple Considering Hulu Bid
• Local Governments Brace for Unknown Fallout from Debt Stalemate
• Democrats Dems Challenge Washington State Initiative Curbing Tax Increases
• Oregon Congressman Wu Resigns: How is His Replacement Elected?
• Here’s the Post Office Closure List for Washington State
• Belfair Water District Dinged in Records Request Case
• Distracted Driver Hits Woman at Lakewood Gas Station
• Really? The Claim: Air-Conditioning Can Cause Colds

WORD OF THE DAY

Grotesque • \grow-TESK\ • Adjective - 1: fanciful, bizarre 2: absurdly incongruous 3: departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical

The darkness hung over the huge square before the Notre Dame cathedral, enveloping Vic with despair and woe as if a black, stifling blanket was thrown across the dome of the sky, blotting out all stars and the watery, waning moon. Vic’s novel was going nowhere until he imagined the grotesque gargoyles of the imposing church hoarsely whispering “sanctuary…sanctuary” directly to him…and him alone.

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

After Clipping Power Line - Autopsy Set For Pilot Killed In Chelan-Area Chopper Crash (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/jul/26/autopsy-set-for-pilot-killed-in-chopper-crash/

California - Power Provider Shutting Five Contra Costa Plants (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)

http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_18547334

Wind Complaint Overblown - National Electric Cooperative Association Says FERC Should Dismiss Case (Electric Cooperatives Today)

http://www.ect.coop/public-policy-watch/energy-environment/wind-complaint-overblown-nreca/32002

New Transmission Lines: Coming to an Area Near You? (Forbes Magazine)

http://blogs.forbes.com/ericagies/2011/07/25/new-transmission-lines-coming-to-an-area-near-you/

Bainbridge Utility Ratepayers Get Rare Win in Legal Battle with City (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jul/25/bainbridge-utility-ratepayers-get-rare-win-in/

Biting the Bullet, Vermont Yankee Orders Fuel (NY Times)

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/biting-the-bullet-vermont-yankee-orders-fuel/?partner=rss&emc=rss

US Department Of Energy Cites Savannah River Nuclear for Safety Violations (Electric Light & Power)

http://www.elp.com/index/display/article-display.articles.electric-light-power.generation.nuclear.2011.07.DOE_cites_Savannah_River_Nuclear_for_safety_violations.QP129867.dcmp=rss.page=1.html

Tennessee Awaits Tons of German Nuclear Waste (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/26/138473259/two-states-protect-lake-tahoe-but-one-eyes-changes?ft=1&f=3

East Africa Drought Reaches Kenya’s Electricity Grid (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0726/East-Africa-drought-reaches-Kenya-s-electricity-grid

FISH & WILDLIFE

Hydropower Dam Removal Ramps Up in the Northwest This Fall (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/07/hydropower_dam_removal_ramps_u.html

Dozens of Fish Die in Richland Irrigation Pond (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015730173_apwafishkill.html

Giant Palouse Earthworm Doesn’t Qualify for Endangered Species Act Protection (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/07/giant_palouse_earthworm_doesnt_qualify_for_endangered_species_act_protection.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Disease Resistant Oregon & Washington State Whitebark Pines Tested (Associated Press)

http://www.kndu.com/story/15142281/disease-resistant-or-wa-whitebark-pines-tested

Banking On New Wetlands When Old Ones Vanish (Northwest Public Radio)

http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=9176

Two States Protect Lake Tahoe, But One Eyes Changes (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/26/138473259/two-states-protect-lake-tahoe-but-one-eyes-changes?ft=1&f=3

Op/Ed - Scooping Pet Poop Protects Puget Sound (Olympian, WA)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/26/1737815/scooping-pet-poop-protects-puget.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Chehalis Power Dropping(s) Into Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Chehalis-Power-droppings-into-greenhouse=1&blockID=527307&feedID=410

Tortoises vs Solar Power in the Mojave Desert (KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA)

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=8270963

Kansas - Wind Projects’ Costs Irk Utilities in Nine-State Pool (Wichita Eagle, KS)

http://www.kansas.com/2011/07/24/1946074/wind-projects-costs-irk-utilities.html

Cooperative South Dakota Wind Farm Nets 600 Local Owners (Clean Technica)

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/07/26/cooperative-south-dakota-wind-farm-nets-600-local-owners/

California Governor Pushes Renewable Energy Goal at UCLA Conference (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/07/gov-brown-pushes-12-gigawatt-renewable-energy-goal-at-ucla-conference.html

Loch Ness Water Monster - Hydro Power Scheme to Go on Stream Three Years After Opening (The Scotsman, UK)

http://news.scotsman.com/inverness/Hydro-power-scheme-to-go.6806166.jp

Analysis: Ontario Green Energy Plan Feels the Heat - An ambitious plan to feed renewable energy into the power grid…is under fire & could flame out altogether in the autumn (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/21/us-energy-green-idUSTRE76K6HE20110721

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Pacific Energy Concepts Turns a Profit While Focusing on Conservation (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/25/two-shades-of-green/

Growing Number of States Paying Utilities to Meet Energy Efficiency Goals (Solve Climate)

http://solveclimatenews.com/news/20110726/energy-efficiency-utilities-xcel-energy-minnesota-midwest

National Energy Conference in Salt Lake Brings Attention to Utah’s Outdated Home Codes (Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT)

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705388167/National-energy-conference-in-Salt-Lake-brings-attention-to-Utahs-outdated-home-codes.html

Maryland - Baltimore Gas & Electric Pushed Air-Conditioner Cutoff Plan Too Far (Baltimore Sun, MD)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-hancock-bge-peak-rewards-20110726,0,2102967.column

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Study: Saving Owls & Salmon Also Stores Carbon (Associated Press)

http://www.kndu.com/story/15146680/study-saving-owls-and-salmon-also-stores-carbon

Time Running out to Change California’s Cap-And-Trade Program (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2011/07/25/time-running-out-to-change-cap-and-trade.html

Scientists Warn That Fires Could Consume Yellowstone Forests (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/globalwarming/2011-07-25-climate-change-fires-yellowstone_n.htm?csp=34news

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

State’s Green Idea for RV Waste Costly to Taxpayers (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/28662514/detail.html

Editorial - An Ex-Greenpeacer’s Praise of Forestry (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/edcetera/2015689707_a_ex-greenpeacers_praise_of_fo.html

Do Your Part: Consider Environment Before Firing Up Grill (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/25/consider-environment-before-firing-up-grill/

Black Hole Has 140 Trillion Times More Water than Earth’s Oceans (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/07/24/black-hole-has-140-trillion-times-more-water-than-earths-oceans/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

State of the Internet: What Are the Fastest Cities in the World (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/broadband/state-of-the-internet-what-are-the-fastest-cities-in-the-world/

Sour Blackberries - RIM Cuts 2,000 Jobs. Can the Company Bounce Back? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Horizons/2011/0725/RIM-cuts-2-000-jobs.-Can-the-company-bounce-back

Apple Considering Hulu Bid (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-07-25-apple-hulu-bid_n.htm?csp=34money

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Local Governments Brace for Unknown Fallout from Debt Stalemate (Northwest Public Radio)

http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=9174

Democrats Dems Challenge Washington State Initiative Curbing Tax Increases (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/25/1737211/dems-education-leaders-to-sue.html

Oregon Congressman Wu Resigns: How is His Replacement Elected? (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/07/david_wu_resigns_how_is_his_re.html

GENERAL NEWS

39 Post Offices May be Closed in Washington (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/28668521/detail.html

Here’s the Post Office Closure List for Washington State (US Postal Service)

http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/states/washington.htm

Belfair Water District Dinged in Records Request Case (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page/11271-belfair-water

Distracted Driver Hits Woman at Lakewood Gas Station (Olympian, WA)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/26/1737773/distracted-driver-hits-woman-at.html

Really? The Claim: Air-Conditioning Can Cause Colds (NY Times)

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/really-the-claim-air-conditioning-can-cause-colds/?partner=rss&emc=rss

DIVERSIONS

Fight over Dish Washing Gets Dirty in North Kelso Home

http://tdn.com/news/local/article_35a0b9c8-b74a-11e0-88a0-001cc4c002e0.html

Seattle Among the Most Social Cities, Tacoma Among the Least

http://www.nwcn.com/news/Seattle-among-the-most-social-cities-Tacoma-among-the-least-126139513.html

Washington State Store Brews Harry Potter-Style ‘Butter Beer’

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015724289_apwaharrypotterbutterbeer1stldwritethru.html

South African Man Wakes After 21 Hours In Morgue Fridge

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/jul/25/safrican-man-wakes-after-21-hours-in-morgue-fridge/

SONG OF THE DAY

10CC - Dreadlock Holiday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C03qmWmnNI0

Energy News Digest for July 25, 2011

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST ON TWITTER

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

More Heat to Sizzle Central United States - Heat Wave Breaks Records in 41 Cities (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle)

http://www.kirotv.com/weather/28655107/detail.html

Why America’s Power Grid is Weathering the Heat Wave - Several factors, including energy efficiency, have helped ease the load on the system (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0722/Why-America-s-power-grid-is-weathering-the-heat-wave

Thieves Hit Bonneville Power Administration Substation in Tacoma; Reward Offered (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/1145791/

California - Wind Farms Multiply, Fueling Clashes With Nearby Residents (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-fi-wind-power-20110724,0,6258244,full.story

Group Gains OK from Oregon Secretary of State to Launch Non-Tribal Gill-Net Ban Initiative (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/410979.aspx

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Why America’s Power Grid is Weathering the Heat Wave
• Another Reason We Need the Smart Grid: Record Heat
• Fish at Center of Wind Power Dispute
• Thieves Hit Bonneville Power Administration Substation in Tacoma; Reward Offered
• Idaho Decision on Avista Electricity, Natural Gas Rate Hikes Not Imminent
• Montana – Northwest Energy’s Rates Still near the Top
• Editorial - Contentious Montana Power Line Issue in Limbo
• Coos Bay in Running for Terminal to Export Coal to Asia; Other Port Candidates
• Bellingham Mayoral Candidates Stake Out Positions on (Coal) Cargo Terminal
• Massachusetts Union Supports Delay in NStar, Northeast Utilities Merger
• Energy Challenges for Post-Nuclear Germany
• Group Gains OK from Oregon Secretary of State to Launch Non-Tribal Gill-Net Ban Initiative
• Re-Introducing Chinook to Okanogan Basin; Another Proposal for an ESA ‘Experimental’ Designation 
• Agency Wants Info on Okanogan River Chinook Salmon
• Kalispel Tribe Restoring Native Trout in Pend Oreille Tributary
• Lewis River Salmon & Steelhead Will Benefit from Two Fish Passage Projects
• Elwha River Reborn as Landscape Transforms
• Anderson Lake Toxin Levels Remain Lethal
• Yakima River Basin -- More Users, More Conflicts
• Yakima River Basin -- A New Water Era Begins
• Yakima River Basin -- Frequently Asked Water Questions
• Yakima River Basin -- A Timeline
• Oregon - Controversial Willow Creek Dam, Built to Prevent Repeat of Deadly 1903 Flood in Heppner, Saves the Day
• California - Wind Farms Multiply, Fueling Clashes With Nearby Residents
• California - Yolo County Drafts Measure to Protect Agricultural Lands from Solar Projects
• Wind Turbines Growing Taller & More Powerful
• Editorial - Not In My (Desert) Backyard, Either
• Oregon - State Must Buy Recreation Land to Compensate for Huge Solar Project Near Wilsonville
• Less Red Tape on Solar Projects Would Mean More Jobs, Study Says
• Project That Aids Tennessee Valley Authority Solar Program Hits Bump
• Editorial - Hydro Power Should be Allowed as Renewable Energy Source
• Clean Power’s New Best Friend: The Humble Hot Water Heater
• Wind Power Protests in Denmark? Blockade against Danish Test Centre for Giant Wind Turbines
• Climate One Panelists Say Consumers Would Conserve Energy if They Knew More about Their Daily Usage
• Australia - Combet Slams Attacks on Carbon Tax Plan
• Australia Considers Killing Camels for Carbon Credits
• Melting Arctic Ice Releasing Banned Toxins, Warn Scientists
• Brookings ‘Green Economy’ Report Undercounts Portland Jobs
• Are the Modest Sales of Electric Cars Encouraging?
• AAA to Offer Roadside Charging for Stalled Electric Vehicles
• Idahoan’s Idea to Pave Road in Solar Panels Gets Federal Funding
• SolarWorld-Powered Electric Airplane Debuts
• Composting Plant Vexes Rainier-Area Residents
• Couple Pioneers Green Lifestyle
• A Look Inside Facebook Seattle
• Montana - Fiber Optic Expansion Includes Flathead
• John Deere Fights Broadband That Disrupts GPS
• What Makes Millennials Click?
• Washington State Initiative Campaigns Each Spent $1 Million to Make Ballot
• Law May Give Inslee $1 Million Campaign Boost in Run for Washington State Governor
• Oregon Congressman Faces Calls to Resign After Accusations
• More Heat to Sizzle Central United States - Heat Wave Breaks Records in 41 Cities
• Security Camera System Malfunctions at Women’s’ Prison near Belfair
• Shelton Skin-Care Products Company Suddenly Closes
• Saturday Motorcycle Crash Blocks 101 Near Shelton for Hours
• Forest Fire Fee a Solution for Strapped Western States
• Nearly 300,000 Washington Drivers Suspended for Failure to Pay Tickets
• What Washington State City Gets to Work Earliest?
• From the “Get a Grip” Department - ‘Haboobs’ Stir Critics in Arizona
• AP Sources: NFL, Players Set on Terms of Deal

WORD OF THE DAY

Panache • \puh-NAWSH\ • Noun - 1: an ornamental tuft (as of feathers) especially on a helmet 2: dash or flamboyance in style and action: verve

The atmospheric scientist loved his work. Field trips to the eastern plains of Oregon to proclaim the dangers of the looming stacks of a coal-fired power plant; his espousing the dangers of particulates emitted from wood-burning power plants; all delivered with a soft, whispering voice that made his acolytes wonder why ANYONE would dare use such technologies. As an extra special touch of panache, the erstwhile professor would end each semester with a salmon barbeque feast served by his very own hands. Hands blackened and anointed by the billowing, greasy charcoal emissions from his $500 Char Griller Trio - Gas/Charcoal Grill and Smoker. Yum!

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Why America’s Power Grid is Weathering the Heat Wave - Several factors, including energy efficiency, have helped ease the load on the system (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0722/Why-America-s-power-grid-is-weathering-the-heat-wave

Another Reason We Need the Smart Grid: Record Heat (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/cleantech/another-reason-we-need-the-smart-grid-record-heat/

Fish at Center of Wind Power Dispute - Water over the dam is no longer considered harmful to salmon, wind power advocates say (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://www.registerguard.com/web/newslocalnews/26582418-41/power-bonneville-wind-salmon-fish.html.csp

Thieves Hit Bonneville Power Administration Substation in Tacoma; Reward Offered (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/1145791/

Idaho Decision on Avista Electricity, Natural Gas Rate Hikes Not Imminent (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/24/idaho-decision-on-avista-hike-not-imminent/

Montana – Northwest Energy’s Rates Still near the Top -- But Other Regional Utilities Creeping Upward (Billings Gazette, MT)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_35cdb136-ca49-5a48-ba67-99038cbdbf53.html

Editorial - Contentious Montana Power Line Issue in Limbo (Helena Independent Record, MT)
http://helenair.com/news/opinion/editorial/contentious-power-issue-in-limbo/article_fb1644aa-b5bc-11e0-9086-001cc4c03286.html

Coos Bay in Running for Terminal to Export Coal to Asia; Other Port Candidates (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/07/coos_bay_in_running_for_termin.html

Bellingham Mayoral Candidates Stake Out Positions on (Coal) Cargo Terminal (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/07/24/2111417/bellingham-mayoral-candidates.html

Massachusetts Union Supports Delay in NStar, Northeast Utilities Merger (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2015702713_apusnortheastutilitiesnstar.html

Energy Challenges for Post-Nuclear Germany (Public Radio International)

http://www.pri.org/science/energy/energy-challenges-for-post-nuclear-germany5023.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Group Gains OK from Oregon Secretary of State to Launch Non-Tribal Gill-Net Ban Initiative (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/410979.aspx

Re-Introducing Chinook to Okanogan Basin; Another Proposal for an ESA ‘Experimental’ Designation (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/410985.aspx

Agency Wants Info on Okanogan River Chinook Salmon (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/07/23/38399.htm

Kalispel Tribe Restoring Native Trout in Pend Oreille Tributary (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/24/cutthroat-revival/

Lewis River Salmon & Steelhead Will Benefit from Two Fish Passage Projects (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/reeltimenorthwest/2015715166_lewis_river_salmon_and_steelhe.html

Elwha River Reborn as Landscape Transforms - The Elwha River is re-emerging as reservoirs are drawn down in preparation for the beginning of dam removal (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015718925_elwha25m.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Anderson Lake Toxin Levels Remain Lethal (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110725/news/307259996/anderson-lake-toxin-levels-remain-lethal

Yakima River Basin -- More Users, More Conflicts (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/07/23/yakima-river-basin-more-users-more-conflicts

Yakima River Basin -- A New Water Era Begins (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/07/23/yakima-river-basin-a-new-water-era-begins

Yakima River Basin -- Frequently Asked Water Questions (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/07/23/yakima-river-basin-frequently-asked-water-questions

Yakima River Basin -- A Timeline (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/07/23/yakima-river-basin-a-timeline

Oregon - Controversial Willow Creek Dam, Built to Prevent Repeat of Deadly 1903 Flood in Heppner, Saves the Day (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/07/controversial_dam_built_to_prevent_repeat_of_deadly_1903_flood_in_heppner_saves_the_day.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

California - Wind Farms Multiply, Fueling Clashes With Nearby Residents (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-fi-wind-power-20110724,0,6258244,full.story

California - Yolo County Drafts Measure to Protect Agricultural Lands from Solar Projects (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/25/3791686/yolo-drafts-measure-to-protect.html

Wind Turbines Growing Taller & More Powerful (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-wind-power-sidebar-20110724,0,7458534.story

Editorial - Not In My (Desert) Backyard, Either (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2011/07/25/not-in-my-desert-backyard-either/

Oregon - State Must Buy Recreation Land to Compensate for Huge Solar Project Near Wilsonville (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2011/07/state_must_buy_recreation_land.html

Less Red Tape on Solar Projects Would Mean More Jobs, Study Says (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/25/3791546/less-red-tape-on-solar-projects.html

Project That Aids Tennessee Valley Authority Solar Program Hits Bump - Fewer customers pay extra on bills to fund program (The Tennessean, Nashville)

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110723/NEWS11/307230037/Project-aids-TVA-solar-program-hits-bump

Editorial - Hydro Power Should be Allowed as Renewable Energy Source (Daily Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5310536/editorial-hydro-power-should-be-allowed-as-renewable-energy-source

Clean Power’s New Best Friend: The Humble Hot Water Heater - Pilot includes: BPA, GridMobility, Mason PUD 3 & Allyn Technologies (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/cleantech/clean-powers-new-best-friend-the-humble-hot-water-heater/

Wind Power Protests in Denmark? Blockade against Danish Test Centre for Giant Wind Turbines (WindWahn, Denmark)

http://windwahn.de/index.php/news/allgemein/blockade-against-danish-test-centre-for-giant-wind-turbines

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Climate One Panelists Say Consumers Would Conserve Energy if They Knew More about Their Daily Usage (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18532068?source=rss

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Australia - Combet Slams Attacks on Carbon Tax Plan (Sydney Morning Herald, AUS)

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/combet-slams-attacks-on-carbon-tax-plan-20110724-1hux5.html

Australia Considers Killing Camels for Carbon Credits (Environmental Leader)

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/06/10/australia-considers-killing-camels-for-carbon-credits/

Melting Arctic Ice Releasing Banned Toxins, Warn Scientists (The Guardian, UK)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/24/melting-arctic-ice-banned-toxins-pops

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Brookings ‘Green Economy’ Report Undercounts Portland Jobs (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2011/07/brookings-green-economy-report.html

Are the Modest Sales of Electric Cars Encouraging? (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/22/138619920/are-the-modest-sales-of-electric-cars-encouraging?ft=1&f=2

AAA to Offer Roadside Charging for Stalled Electric Vehicles (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/2011/07/22/aaa-to-offer-roadside-charging-for-stalled-electric-vehicles/

Idahoan’s Idea to Pave Road in Solar Panels Gets Federal Funding (Northwest Public Radio)

http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=9162

SolarWorld-Powered Electric Airplane Debuts (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2011/07/solarworld-powered-electric-airplane.html

Composting Plant Vexes Rainier-Area Residents - Growth, permit violations, lack of roof lead to excessive odor, runoff problems (Olympian, WA)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/24/1735755/composting-plant-vexes-rainier.html

Couple Pioneers Green Lifestyle (Salem Statesman Journal, OR – Ed Pet Peeve: you don’t install a “solar system” on top of your house. Unless it is very small, all the planets & central star(s) will crush it. A “solar energy system” seems much more practical & less heavy…without the eventual hazard of a black hole…)

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20110724/COLUMN0807/107240347/Couple-pioneers-green-lifestyle

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

A Look Inside Facebook Seattle (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Facebook-Seattle--126050828.html

Montana - Fiber Optic Expansion Includes Flathead: Ronan company using federal money to expand fiber-optic lines (Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT)

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/business_and_finance/local_montana/article_737105da-b5a3-11e0-93be-001cc4c03286.html

John Deere Fights Broadband That Disrupts GPS (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-07-24-john-deere-cell-tower-fight_n.htm?csp=34tech

What Makes Millennials Click? (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2011/07/22/what-makes-millennials-click/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Initiative Campaigns Each Spent $1 Million to Make Ballot (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015723543_apwacitizeninitiatives.html

Law May Give Inslee $1 Million Campaign Boost in Run for Washington State Governor (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/24/1756695/law-may-give-inslee-1-million.html

Oregon Congressman Faces Calls to Resign After Accusations (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/126095968.html

GENERAL NEWS

More Heat to Sizzle Central United States - Heat Wave Breaks Records in 41 Cities (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle)

http://www.kirotv.com/weather/28655107/detail.html

Security Camera System Malfunctions at Women’s’ Prison near Belfair (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jul/24/security-camera-system-malfunctions-at-belfair/

Shelton Skin-Care Products Company Suddenly Closes (Olympian, WA)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/22/1734420/shelton-skin-care-products-company.html

Saturday Motorcycle Crash Blocks 101 Near Shelton for Hours (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page/11117-motorcycle-crash-blocks-101-for-hours

Forest Fire Fee a Solution for Strapped Western States (Associated Press)

http://www.kndu.com/story/15131965/fire-fee-a-solution-for-strapped-western-states

Nearly 300,000 Washington Drivers Suspended for Failure to Pay Tickets (Northwest Public Radio)

http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=9170

What Washington State City Gets to Work Earliest?

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2011/07/22/what-washington-city-gets-to-work.html

From the “Get a Grip” Department - ‘Haboobs’ Stir Critics in Arizona (NY Times – What’s next, we stop using the word “algebra”, or stop using the “Hindu-Arabic Numeral system?” Sheesh…)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/us/22haboob.html?_r=2&emc=eta1

AP Sources: NFL, Players Set on Terms of Deal (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2015721678_apfbnnfllabor.html

DIVERSIONS

Medford Woman’s Beer-Based Soap Recipe Takes Off

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/126048323.html

Unsteady Forklift Smashes $1 Million Worth of Wine, and a Nation Mourns

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/23/unsteady-forklift-smashes-1-million-worth-of-wine-and-a-nation-mourns/

Two Titles & Growing for Olympian’s Beard

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/23/1755518/2-titles-and-growing-for-olympians.html

Slick Thieves Make Off With Used Frying Oil

http://www.kirotv.com/news/28635659/detail.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Paul Davis - A Little Bit of Soap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhsZgCRAwa8