Energy News Digest for December 19, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 19, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/n78ptwa

Hydrologic Outlook – One to Two Inches in the Lowlands, Four to Six Inches of Rain in the Olympics

http://tinyurl.com/q989ejh

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Simpson Selling Sawmills to Canadian Forest Products Company – “…does not include…sawmill in Shelton…the Shelton sawmill didn’t fit in Interfor’s strategic plan to increase its U-S production….” (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/12/18/3548252_simpson-selling-sawmills-to-canadian.html?rh=1

Two States Sue to Block Colorado Marijuana Markets (SCOTUS Blog)

http://www.scotusblog.com/2014/12/two-states-sue-to-block-colorado-marijuana-markets/

Editorial: Nuclear Energy Deserves Debate (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/19/in-our-view-nuclear-energy-deserves-debate/

2015 Looks Grim for Wind Energy. How Will the Industry Adapt? (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/2015-looks-grim-for-wind-energy-how-will-the-industry-adapt/345786/

Court Fight Puts Idaho's School Broadband in Jeopardy (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/12/19/3549972_court-fight-puts-school-broadband.html?rh=1

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Editorial: Nuclear Energy Deserves Debate
2. Editorial: Small Modular Reactors Deserve Informed Study
3. Lewis County PUD Approves Larger Budget for 2015
4. Okanogan PUD Adopts 2015 Budget; Reflects Fire-Related Costs
5. New Year Will Bring Electricity, Water, Sewer Rate Hikes to Clallam PUD Customers
6. Portland's $500 Million Propane Deal Gets Its First Public Airing
7. FERC Says California ISO is First to Fully Satisfy Order No. 1000 Regional Requirements; Takes Up Inter-Regional Filings
8. Cheap Oil Jamming Rails Means Higher U-S Power Bills
9. Washington, D-C Coalition Emerges to Oppose Exelon-Pepco Merger
10. Vermont: Some See Gas as Replacement for Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant
11. FERC Staff Report Alleges Trader, Funds Engaged in Fraudulent 'Up to Congestion' Transactions in PJM Energy Markets
12. Cantwell Picks National Labs Advisor as Energy & Natural Resources Staff Director
13. Bald Eagles Crowd Lake Pend Oreille
14. EPA to Step in on Washington State Fish Consumption Water Rules
15. How One Experiment Revived Colorado River's Parched Delta
16. 2015 Looks Grim for Wind Energy. How Will the Industry Adapt?
17. Portland May Require Commercial Building Owners to Report Energy Usage
18. Energy Audits Can Save You Money This Winter
19. Study: Utilities Increased Energy Efficiency Investments 30% since 2010
20. The Surprising Link between Things That Make Us Happy & Things That Save Energy
21. How Smart Meters Can Make You a Smarter Energy Consumer
22. Two States Sue to Block Colorado Marijuana Markets
23. Burglar Steals 24 Pounds of Pot from Legal Grow Facility — But Makes a Mistake
24. Governor Inslee Unveils Washington State Cap-and-Trade Program, Message to Lawmakers: Make Polluters Pay
25. White House Proposes Vetting Energy Projects for Climate Change
26. Group Challenges Plum Creek Timberlands 'Green' Label Because of Oregon Citations
27. Court Fight Puts Idaho's School Broadband in Jeopardy
28. Google Fiber Delays Decision on Service in Portland, Other Cities
29. Dirty Data: Why the ’4 Million Public Comments’ on Net Neutrality Might Not Be What They Seem
30. FBI Blames North Korea for Sony Hack
31. Study: More Teens Are Fleeing from Facebook
32. Millions of Fake Instagram Users Disappear in Purge
33. Cringeworthy: Illinois Woman Trying to Trademark “I Can’t Breathe” to Sell Hoodies Says She’s Not in it for the Money
34. Psst! It’s Me, the Mannequin. This Would Look Great on You
35. Inslee Tells State to 'Buck Up' & Accept New Taxes
36. Couture Rethinks His GOP Exit; Takes Charge in Mason County
37. City of Yakima Department Head Serves Suspension over Personal Texts
38. Simpson Lumber Company Selling Longview Sawmill to Canadian Firm
39. Simpson Selling Sawmills to Canadian Forest Products Company
40. Life Sentence for Longshore in Shelton Double Homicide
41. Caramel Apples Cause Fatal Listeria Outbreak
42. Plum Creek Timber CEO Returns $1.8 Million Bonus, Says He Doesn't Deserve It
43. Cowlitz Casino Battle May End Up in U-S Supreme Court
44. Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue

WORD OF THE DAY

Syncretic • \sin-KRET-tick\ • Adjective - Characterized or brought about by a combination of different forms of belief or practice.

Sufi, Zoroaster

They do the religious dance

Syncretic living

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Editorial: Nuclear Energy Deserves Debate (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/19/in-our-view-nuclear-energy-deserves-debate/

Editorial: Small Modular Reactors Deserve Informed Study (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/12/19/3319205_our-voice-small-modular-reactors.html?rh=1

Lewis County PUD Approves Larger Budget for 2015 (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/12/lewis-county-pud-approves-larger-budget.html

Okanogan PUD Adopts 2015 Budget; Reflects Fire-Related Costs (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

http://methowvalleynews.com/2014/12/18/pud-adopts-2015-budget-reflects-fire-related-costs/

New Year Will Bring Electricity, Water, Sewer Rate Hikes to Clallam PUD Customers (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141219/NEWS/312199977/new-year-will-bring-electricity-water-sewer-rate-hikes-to-clallam

Portland's $500 Million Propane Deal Gets Its First Public Airing (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/print-edition/2014/12/19/ports-500m-propane-deal-gets-its-first-public.html

FERC Says California ISO is First to Fully Satisfy Order No. 1000 Regional Requirements; Takes Up Inter-Regional Filings (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=300694&issueID=35011

Cheap Oil Jamming Rails Means Higher U-S Power Bills (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-17/cheap-oil-jamming-rails-means-higher-u-s-power-bills.html

Washington, D-C Coalition Emerges to Oppose Exelon-Pepco Merger - As regulators dig in, 'Power D.C.' group says $6.8 billion deal is bad for the District (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/mike-debonis/wp/2014/12/18/d-c-coalition-emerges-to-oppose-exelon-pepco-merger/

Vermont: Some See Gas as Replacement for Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant (Montpelier Times-Argus, VT)

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20141219/NEWS03/712199963

FERC Staff Report Alleges Trader, Funds Engaged in Fraudulent 'Up to Congestion' Transactions in PJM Energy Markets (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=300595&issueID=35011

Cantwell Picks National Labs Advisor as Energy & Natural Resources Staff Director (Politico)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/12/cantwell-picks-national-labs-advisor-as.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Bald Eagles Crowd Lake Pend Oreille (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/19/bald-eagles-crowd-lake-pend-oreille/

EPA to Step in on Washington State Fish Consumption Water Rules (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/EPA-to-step-in-on-fish-consumption-water-rules-286317351.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

How One Experiment Revived Colorado River's Parched Delta (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2014/1218/How-one-experiment-revived-Colorado-River-s-parched-delta-video

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

2015 Looks Grim for Wind Energy. How Will the Industry Adapt? (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/2015-looks-grim-for-wind-energy-how-will-the-industry-adapt/345786/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Portland May Require Commercial Building Owners to Report Energy Usage (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/portland_may_require_commercia.html#cmpid=nwsltrhead

Energy Audits Can Save You Money This Winter (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/Energy-audits-can-save-you-money-this-winter-286301761.html

Study: Utilities Increased Energy Efficiency Investments 30% since 2010 (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/study-utilities-increased-energy-efficiency-investments-30-since-2010/345802/

The Surprising Link between Things That Make Us Happy & Things That Save Energy (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/12/19/good-news-for-couch-potatoes-staying-home-and-sleeping-in-are-good-for-the-environment/

How Smart Meters Can Make You a Smarter Energy Consumer (Pacific Gas & Electric Currents, CA)

http://www.pgecurrents.com/2014/12/18/how-smart-meters-can-make-you-a-smarter-energy-consumer/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Two States Sue to Block Colorado Marijuana Markets (SCOTUS Blog)

http://www.scotusblog.com/2014/12/two-states-sue-to-block-colorado-marijuana-markets/

Burglar Steals 24 Pounds of Pot from Legal Grow Facility — But Makes a Mistake (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2014/12/18/burglar-in-a-freaky-jason-hockey-mask-steals-24-pounds-of-legal-packaged-pot/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Governor Inslee Unveils Washington State Cap-and-Trade Program, Message to Lawmakers: Make Polluters Pay (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/inslee-unveils-cap-trade-program-message-lawmakers-make-polluters-pay/

White House Proposes Vetting Energy Projects for Climate Change (Wall Street Journal)

http://www.wsj.com/articles/white-house-proposes-vetting-projects-for-climate-change-1418949685

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Group Challenges Plum Creek Timberlands 'Green' Label Because of Oregon Citations (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/12/group_challenges_plum_creek_ti.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Court Fight Puts Idaho's School Broadband in Jeopardy (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/12/19/3549972_court-fight-puts-school-broadband.html?rh=1

Google Fiber Delays Decision on Service in Portland, Other Cities (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/12/google_fiber_delays_decision_o.html

Dirty Data: Why the ’4 Million Public Comments’ on Net Neutrality Might Not Be What They Seem (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/18/dirty-data-why-the-4-million-public-comments-on-net-neutrality-might-not-be-what-they-seem/

FBI Blames North Korea for Sony Hack (Associated Press)

http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/celebrities/article4671297.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Study: More Teens Are Fleeing from Facebook (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2014/12/19/study-teens-fleeing-facebook/

Millions of Fake Instagram Users Disappear in Purge (NY Times)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/millions-of-fake-instagram-users-disappear-in-purge/

Cringeworthy: Illinois Woman Trying to Trademark “I Can’t Breathe” to Sell Hoodies Says She’s Not in it for the Money (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/12/19/illinois-woman-trying-to-trademark-i-cant-breathe-to-sell-hoodies-says-shes-not-in-it-for-the-money/

Psst! It’s Me, the Mannequin. This Would Look Great on You (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/19/business/psst-its-me-the-mannequin-this-would-look-great-on-you.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Inslee Tells State to 'Buck Up' & Accept New Taxes (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/inslee-tells-state-to-buck-up-and-accept-new-taxes.html

Couture Rethinks His GOP Exit; Takes Charge in Mason County (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://pugetsoundblogs.com/kitsap-caucus/2014/12/17/couture-rethinks-his-gop-exit-takes-charge-in-mason-county/

City of Yakima Department Head Serves Suspension over Personal Texts (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2758202-8/yakima-department-head-serves-suspension-over-personal-texts

GENERAL NEWS

Simpson Lumber Company Selling Longview Sawmill to Canadian Firm (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/simpson-lumber-co-selling-longview-sawmill-to-canadian-firm/article_f03b3cb4-8757-11e4-95fe-8b397ce29ef2.html

Simpson Selling Sawmills to Canadian Forest Products Company – “…does not include…sawmill in Shelton…the Shelton sawmill didn’t fit in Interfor’s strategic plan to increase its U-S production….” (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/12/18/3548252_simpson-selling-sawmills-to-canadian.html?rh=1

Life Sentence for Longshore in Shelton Double Homicide (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/20429-life-sentence-for-longshore-in-shelton-double-homicide-case

Caramel Apples Cause Fatal Listeria Outbreak (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2014/12/19/caramel-apples-cause-fatal-listeria-outbreak/

Plum Creek Timber CEO Returns $1.8 Million Bonus, Says He Doesn't Deserve It (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/plum-creek-timber-ceo-returns-1-8m-bonus-says-he.html

Cowlitz Casino Battle May End Up in U-S Supreme Court (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/opponents-to-cowlitz-casino-prepare-appeal/

Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/19/us/politics/lawyers-create-big-paydays-by-coaxing-attorneys-general-to-sue-.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

DIVERSIONS

Stephen Colbert Retires His ‘Report,’ Character

http://koin.com/2014/12/19/stephen-colbert-retires-his-report-character/

Waitress Gets 'Tip Bombed' with Huge Surprise Gratuity

http://www.whas11.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/19/waitress-gets-tip-bombed-with-huge-surprise-gratuity/20631135/

Finger of God: Thieves Struck by Lightning, Killed Minutes after Robbing Church

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/world/thieves-struck-lightning-minutes-after-robbing-chu/njXFc/

Cowlitz County ID Theft Suspect Found Hiding in Clothes Dryer

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/ID-theft-suspect-found-hiding-in-clothes-dryer-286354311.html

SONG OF THE DAY

ZZ Top - I Thank You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0d4Kz02Pz0

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for December 18, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 18, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/lloyxpa

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Governor Inslee Proposes Plan to Charge Big Washington State Polluters to Fund Budget Priorities (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2670374/Inslee-proposes-plan-to-charge-big-polluters-to-fund-budget-priorities

Who’s Shooting Up Electrical Equipment near JBLM? (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2670625/Whos-shooting-up-electrical-equipment-near-JBLM

Eugene Water & Electric Board Biomass Power Plant Contract Secrecy Rejected (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/32564285-75/register-guard-prevails-in-lawsuit-over-eweb-seneca-power-contract.html.csp

States in Parched Southwest Take Steps to Bolster Lake Mead (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/us/states-in-parched-southwest-take-steps-to-bolster-a-crucial-reservoir.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Snohomish County Marijuana-Business Discussion to Continue Today (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141217/NEWS01/141219127

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Who’s Shooting Up Electrical Equipment near JBLM?
2. Insulator Damage Endangers Public, Power Reliability; Ratepayers Foot Repair Bill
3. Power Outages Cost More Than $250,000 to Jefferson PUD
4. British Columbia to Proceed with $7.6 Billion Hydro-Dam
5. British Columbia: Peace River Mega-Project a Welcome Boost for Construction Industry
6. British Columbia: First Nation Chief Says Peace River Dam Site Approval a ‘Spit in the Face’
7. Columbia River Coal Decision Is At Least a Year Away
8. Grays Harbor PUD Dropping Bi-Monthly Billing, Beginning January 2015
9. Energy Northwest Santa & Elves Visit Head Start
10. Moody’s: Public Power Sector Will Be Stable in 2015
11. Computer Models Contest EPA Clean Power Plan’s Reliability Impacts
12. Tree Top, Downed in Storm & Dangling from Wire, Is Decorated for Holidays by Festive Locals
13. Spring Chinook Forecast: Mediocre Outlook in Willamette, Cowlitz Rivers
14. Idaho: Kokanee Loving Their New Gravel at Lake Pend Oreille
15. States in Parched Southwest Take Steps to Bolster Lake Mead
16. Eugene Water & Electric Board Biomass Power Plant Contract Secrecy Rejected
17. Nevada Regulators Reject Tribal Solar Plant, Again
18. What the Senate’s Tax Extender Bill Means for Wind Energy
19. Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Report Gives Businesses an Energy Roadmap
20. Biggest Energy Myths Busted
21. Snohomish County Marijuana-Business Discussion to Continue Today
22. Colorado Funds $8 Million in Marijuana Research
23. Strategies for Success: How Cannabis Businesses Can Build Relationships with Lawmakers
24. Governor Inslee Proposes Plan to Charge Big Washington State Polluters to Fund Budget Priorities
25. California Billionaire Backs Inslee’s Carbon Plan
26. Seattle Cloud Company Skytap Raises $35 Million, Mulls Future IPO
27. Half of Connecticut Says It Wants Fiber-Optic Internet - And Soon
28. Why Broadband Execs Are Telling Washington & Wall Street Different Things on Net Neutrality
29. A Year Out from Release, Star Wars is Already Killing It in Social Media
30. Jeans Made That Will Prevent ‘Digital Pickpocketing’
31. US-Cuba Thaw: Does This Mean Americans Can Now Go to Cuba?
32. Cuban Cigars among Goods Travelers Get OK to Import
33. 80-Year-Old Shelton-Area Man Fatally Shoots Friend after Putt-Putt Golf
34. Dump Truck Spills Gravel on Highway 3 South of Allyn
35. Belfair Sewer System – 20 Year Payoff Plan
36. Washington’s Unemployment Rate Rises Again in November – Mason County Rate 8.1 Percent
37. Wet, Breezy Weekend Forecast for Washington State
38. How Much Learning Happens on Field Trips? A Lot, a New Study Says

WORD OF THE DAY

Palaver • \puh-LAV-er\ • noun 1 a: a long parley usually between persons of different cultures or levels of sophistication b: conference, discussion 2 *a: idle talk b : misleading or beguiling speech

The ethereal palaver between Moses, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Winston Churchill and Tiny Tim had its awkward moments. A breakthrough was achieved when Beethoven snatched Tiny Tim’s ukulele and played an exceptionally energetic version of “Born to be Wild”. God was not amused.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Who’s Shooting Up Electrical Equipment near JBLM? (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2670625/Whos-shooting-up-electrical-equipment-near-JBLM

Insulator Damage Endangers Public, Power Reliability; Ratepayers Foot Repair Bill (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Insulator-damage-endangers-public-power-reliability-ratepayers-foot-repair-bill.aspx

Power Outages Cost More Than $250,000 to Jefferson PUD - Extra crews on hand all weekend to restore PUD electricity (Port Townsend Leader, WA)

http://www.ptleader.com/news/power-outages-cost-more-than-to-pud/article_a3b62ace-8578-11e4-89b6-f70da2067ad0.html

British Columbia to Proceed with $7.6 Billion Hydro-Dam (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-16/british-columbia-to-proceed-with-7-3-billion-site-c-hydro-dam.html

British Columbia: Peace River Mega-Project a Welcome Boost for Construction Industry (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/energy/Site+mega+project+welcome+boost+construction+industry/10661544/story.html?__lsa=e7e5-7876

British Columbia: First Nation Chief Says Peace River Dam Site Approval a ‘Spit in the Face’ (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/first-nation-chief-says-site-c-approval-a-spit-in-the-face/article22137405/?cmpid=rss1

Columbia River Coal Decision Is At Least a Year Away (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2014/12/columbia-river-coal-decision-is-at-least-a-year.html

Grays Harbor PUD Dropping Bi-Monthly Billing, Beginning January 2015 (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/local-news/324318

Energy Northwest Santa & Elves Visit Head Start (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/12/17/3316941_energy-northwest-santa-and-elves.html?rh=1

Moody’s: Public Power Sector Will Be Stable in 2015 (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/moodys-public-power-sector-will-be-stable-in-2015/345394/

Computer Models Contest EPA Clean Power Plan’s Reliability Impacts (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060010675

Tree Top, Downed in Storm & Dangling from Wire, Is Decorated for Holidays by Festive Locals (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141218/NEWS/312189980/tree-top-downed-in-storm-and-dangling-from-wire-is-decorated-for

FISH & WILDLIFE

Spring Chinook Forecast: Mediocre Outlook in Willamette, Cowlitz Rivers (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/18/spring-chinook-forecast-mediocre-outlook-willamett/

Idaho: Kokanee Loving Their New Gravel at Lake Pend Oreille (Coeur d’Alene Press, ID)

http://www.cdapress.com/news/outdoors/article_9f69c164-a605-54a4-b992-5265ceb52057.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

States in Parched Southwest Take Steps to Bolster Lake Mead (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/us/states-in-parched-southwest-take-steps-to-bolster-a-crucial-reservoir.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Eugene Water & Electric Board Biomass Power Plant Contract Secrecy Rejected (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/32564285-75/register-guard-prevails-in-lawsuit-over-eweb-seneca-power-contract.html.csp

Nevada Regulators Reject Tribal Solar Plant, Again (Associated Press)

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/nevada-regulators-reject-tribal-solar-020520602.html

What the Senate’s Tax Extender Bill Means for Wind Energy (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/12/what-the-senates-tax-extender-bill-means-for-wind-energy?cmpid=rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Report Gives Businesses an Energy Roadmap (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2014/12/neea-report-gives-businesses-an-energy-roadmap.html

Biggest Energy Myths Busted (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjlm45fgll/myth-1-closing-off-rooms-saves-energy/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Snohomish County Marijuana-Business Discussion to Continue Today (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141217/NEWS01/141219127

Colorado Funds $8 Million in Marijuana Research (Associated Press)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Colorado-funds-marijuana-research-5963920.php

Strategies for Success: How Cannabis Businesses Can Build Relationships with Lawmakers (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/strategies-for-success-how-cannabis-businesses-can-build-relationships-with-lawmakers/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Governor Inslee Proposes Plan to Charge Big Washington State Polluters to Fund Budget Priorities (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2670374/Inslee-proposes-plan-to-charge-big-polluters-to-fund-budget-priorities

California Billionaire Backs Inslee’s Carbon Plan (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2014/12/17/green-california-billionaire-steyer-backs-inslee-carbon-plan/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Seattle Cloud Company Skytap Raises $35 Million, Mulls Future IPO (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/12/seattle-cloud-company-skytap-raises-35m-mulls.html

Half of Connecticut Says It Wants Fiber-Optic Internet - And Soon (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/18/half-of-connecticut-angling-for-a-gig/

Why Broadband Execs Are Telling Washington & Wall Street Different Things on Net Neutrality (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/17/on-net-neutrality-broadband-execs-are-telling-washington-and-wall-street-different-things-heres-why/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

A Year Out from Release, Star Wars is Already Killing It in Social Media (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/heres-why-star-wars-going-kill-it-social-media-162002

Jeans Made That Will Prevent ‘Digital Pickpocketing’ (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30513497

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

US-Cuba Thaw: Does This Mean Americans Can Now Go to Cuba? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/1218/US-Cuba-thaw-Does-this-mean-Americans-can-now-go-to-Cuba

Cuban Cigars among Goods Travelers Get OK to Import (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/12/17/cuban-cigars-legal-obama-trade-normalization/20535041/

GENERAL NEWS

80-Year-Old Shelton-Area Man Fatally Shoots Friend after Putt-Putt Golf (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/80-year-old-man-shoots-51-year-old-man/njTc4/

Dump Truck Spills Gravel on Highway 3 South of Allyn (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14017

Belfair Sewer System – 20 Year Payoff Plan (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/20400-belfair-sewer-system-20-year-payoff-plan

Washington’s Unemployment Rate Rises Again in November – Mason County Rate 8.1 Percent (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/washingtons-unemployment-rate-rises-again-in.html

Wet, Breezy Weekend Forecast for Washington State (Associated Press)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/12/18/4034779/wet-breezy-weekend-forecast-for.html?sp=/99/101/369/

How Much Learning Happens on Field Trips? A Lot, a New Study Says (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/educationlab/2014/12/18/how-much-learning-happens-on-field-trips-a-lot-a-new-study-says/?syndication=rss

DIVERSIONS

Guy Picks the Lucky Gal with Same Name as His Ex to Fly Around the World with Him

http://consumerist.com/2014/12/18/guy-picks-the-lucky-gal-with-same-name-as-his-ex-to-fly-around-the-world-with-him/

A Scientific Defense of Santa’s Weight

http://gizmodo.com/a-scientific-defense-of-santas-weight-1672622890

Deputies: Man Faked Heart Attack So Friend Could Steal Barbie Car, Toy House from Wal-Mart

http://www.usnews.com/news/offbeat/articles/2014/12/18/thief-fakes-heart-attack-so-friend-can-steal-toys

Watch Sir Ian McKellen Teach Cookie Monster about Self-Control

http://time.com/3638457/sir-ian-mckellen-cookie-monster-sesame-street/

SONG OF THE DAY

The Band - The Weight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmRDM7GyJXE

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for December 17, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 17, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/nd99yno

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Inslee: Make Big Polluters Pay for Transportation Projects (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025247349_transpobudgetxml.html?syndication=rss

British Columbia Approves $8.8-Billion Site for Peace River Hydroelectric Dam (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-cabinet-approves-site-c-hydroelectric-dam/article22108474/?cmpid=rss1

Chelan PUD Imposes Moratorium amid Boom in Power Requests for Data Centers (Wenatchee World, WA)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2014/dec/16/pud-imposes-moratorium-amid-boom-in-power-requests-for-data-centers/

$2 Million in Taxpayer Dollars at Risk in Snake River Dredging Showdown (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/2-million-taxpayer-dollars-risk-snake-river-dredging-showdown

PayPal Co-Founder Peter Thiel Reportedly Participating in $75 Million Round for Seattle Marijuana Investment Company (Geekwire)

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/paypal-co-founder-peter-thiel-reportedly-participating-75m-round-seattle-marijuana-investment-company/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. British Columbia Approves $8.8-Billion Site for Peace River Hydroelectric Dam
2. British Columbia: Peace River Dam Site – How We Got Here & What You Need to Know
3. Chelan PUD Imposes Moratorium amid Boom in Power Requests for Data Centers
4. Shocked Portland General Electric Worker on Long Road to Recovery
5. Probe Continues in Clallam County Public Utility District Copper Theft
6. U-S Senate Passes Short-Term Wind Tax Break, Confirms FERC Nominee
7. Phone Scam Targets Port Angeles Businesses
8. Residential Customers Sought for Cowlitz PUD Rate Advisory Panel
9. Grays Harbor PUD Renews Commitment to Relay for Life, Looks for New Projects
10. Pacific Gas & Electric Says Smart Grid Helped Speed Storm Recovery
11. DOE Says Smart Grid Projects Have Helped Utilities Reduce the Impact of Outages after Storms
12. $2 Million in Taxpayer Dollars at Risk in Snake River Dredging Showdown
13. 11 Trillion Gallons of Water Needed – Will California Rains Set Back Water Conservation?
14. President Obama Indefinitely Bans Drilling in Alaskan Bay
15. U-S Imposes Steep Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels
16. Boeing’s Renton 737 Factory to Move to Clean Energy
17. Rural Co-Ops Promise Net Metering, But Don’t Always Deliver
18. Report Shows Which States Excel & Lag in Promoting Solar Energy
19. Warren Buffett’s Smart-Grid Idea Takes Over Your Washing Machine
20. PayPal Co-Founder Peter Thiel Reportedly Participating in $75 Million Round for Seattle Marijuana Investment Company
21. Oregon Hires Top Marijuana Regulator
22. Seattle Pot Grower Offering Public Tours of Gardens, Facility
23. Medical Marijuana Suddenly a Whole Lot Less Illegal Nationwide
24. Tommy Chong Wants to Create Cannabis Business Brand
25. Inslee: Make Big Polluters Pay for Transportation Projects
26. Washington State Governor Proposes Transportation Plan with Carbon Tax
27. Which Spin? Polling Shows Some Public Support for Taxing Carbon Pollution in Washington State
28. Stream Away: Comcast Doubles Internet Speeds Across Washington State
29. Sweeping Searches - Google’s Detractors Take Their Fight to the States
30. How Cord-Cutting Is Changing the Kinds of TVs We Buy
31. Nordstrom Employee Loses Job after Incendiary Facebook Comment about Killing Cops
32. Twitter Debates Whether to Hit Autoplay on Videos to Compete With Facebook
33. To Avoid Embarrassing Hacks, Don’t Send Embarrassing E-Mails
34. Another Whistleblower Claim Filed Against Nampa – Claims Utility Billing Improprieties
35. Shelton Area Man, 80, Fatally Shoots Younger Man
36. Increased Code Enforcement Powers Sought by City of Shelton Officials
37. Mt. Hood Snowpack at Lowest Level Since 1981
38. How the Grinch Stole the Pacific Northwest’s Christmas Snow
39. Methane on Mars? Curiosity Discovery Boosts Case for Martian Life
40. Premiere Cancelled, Theater Chain Drops ‘The Interview’ Following Threats

WORD OF THE DAY

Réchauffé • \ray-show-FAY\ • Noun - 1: something presented in a new form without change of substance: rehash 2: a warmed-over dish of food.

Frederic’s refrigerator was a smorgasbord of leftover meals; Chinese, Italian, Thai, Mexican, and other indescribable containers of dead and mutating foodstuffs. He rarely converted any of his collection into his evening repast, arguing that using them as a stewing réchauffé could lead to the extinction of new mold and bacteria species.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

British Columbia Approves $8.8-Billion Site for Peace River Hydroelectric Dam (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-cabinet-approves-site-c-hydroelectric-dam/article22108474/?cmpid=rss1

British Columbia: Peace River Dam Site – How We Got Here & What You Need to Know (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/site-c-dam-how-we-got-here-and-what-you-need-to-know-1.2874998?cmp=rss

Chelan PUD Imposes Moratorium amid Boom in Power Requests for Data Centers (Wenatchee World, WA)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2014/dec/16/pud-imposes-moratorium-amid-boom-in-power-requests-for-data-centers/

Shocked Portland General Electric Worker on Long Road to Recovery - Nate Sweet shocked while cleaning up from last week’s storm (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2014/12/16/shocked-pge-worker-on-long-road-to-recovery/

Probe Continues in Clallam County Public Utility District Copper Theft (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141217/news/312179996/probe-continues-in-clallam-county-public-utility-district-copper-theft

U-S Senate Passes Short-Term Wind Tax Break, Confirms FERC Nominee (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/senate-pases-short-term-wind-tax-break-confirms-ferc-nomineee/344959/

Phone Scam Targets Port Angeles Businesses (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141217/NEWS/141219978/phone-scam-targets-port-angeles-businesses

Residential Customers Sought for Cowlitz PUD Rate Advisory Panel (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/residential-customers-sought-for-cowlitz-pud-rate-advisory-panel/article_7c7e75fc-84c8-11e4-ab86-e367c2ba1fb3.html

Grays Harbor PUD Renews Commitment to Relay for Life, Looks for New Projects (Grays Harbor Talk)

http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2014/12/16/grays-harbor-pud/

Pacific Gas & Electric Says Smart Grid Helped Speed Storm Recovery (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-smart-grid-helped-speed-storm-recovery/344749/

DOE Says Smart Grid Projects Have Helped Utilities Reduce the Impact of Outages after Storms (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=300138&issueID=35009

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

$2 Million in Taxpayer Dollars at Risk in Snake River Dredging Showdown (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/2-million-taxpayer-dollars-risk-snake-river-dredging-showdown

11 Trillion Gallons of Water Needed – Will California Rains Set Back Water Conservation? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/1216/11-trillion-gallons-of-water-needed-Will-Calif.-rains-set-back-water-conservation

President Obama Indefinitely Bans Drilling in Alaskan Bay (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/us/obama-indefinitely-bans-drilling-in-alaskan-bay.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

U-S Imposes Steep Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/business/energy-environment/-us-imposes-steep-tariffs-on-chinese-solar-panels.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0

Boeing’s Renton 737 Factory to Move to Clean Energy (Associated Press)

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BOEING_ENERGY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Rural Co-Ops Promise Net Metering, But Don’t Always Deliver (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2014/12/17/rural-co-ops-promise-net-metering-but-dont-always-deliver/

Report Shows Which States Excel & Lag in Promoting Solar Energy (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/12/report-shows-which-states-excel-and-lag-in-promoting-solar-energy?cmpid=rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Warren Buffett’s Smart-Grid Idea Takes Over Your Washing Machine (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-17/buffett-s-smart-grid-idea-takes-over-your-washing-machine.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

PayPal Co-Founder Peter Thiel Reportedly Participating in $75 Million Round for Seattle Marijuana Investment Company (Geekwire)

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/paypal-co-founder-peter-thiel-reportedly-participating-75m-round-seattle-marijuana-investment-company/

Oregon Hires Top Marijuana Regulator (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/oregon-hires-top-marijuana-regulator

Seattle Pot Grower Offering Public Tours of Gardens, Facility (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-pot-grower-offering-public-tours-becoming-willy-wonka-of-weed-286037131.html

Medical Marijuana Suddenly a Whole Lot Less Illegal Nationwide (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/12/16/medical-marijuana-suddenly-a-whole-lot-less-illegal-nationwide/

Tommy Chong Wants to Create Cannabis Business Brand (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/tommy-chong-wants-to-create-cannabis-business-brand/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Inslee: Make Big Polluters Pay for Transportation Projects (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025247349_transpobudgetxml.html?syndication=rss

Washington State Governor Proposes Transportation Plan with Carbon Tax (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141216/BLOG13/141219271

Which Spin? Polling Shows Some Public Support for Taxing Carbon Pollution in Washington State (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/12/16/3482318/polling-shows-some-public-support.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Stream Away: Comcast Doubles Internet Speeds Across Washington State (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2669879/Stream-away-Comcast-doubles-Internet-speeds-across-Washington-state

Sweeping Searches - Google’s Detractors Take Their Fight to the States (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/technology/googles-critics-enlist-state-attorneys-general-in-their-fight.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

How Cord-Cutting Is Changing the Kinds of TVs We Buy (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/16/how-cord-cutting-is-changing-the-kinds-of-tvs-we-buy/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Nordstrom Employee Loses Job after Incendiary Facebook Comment about Killing Cops (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/window-shop/index.ssf/2014/12/nordstrom_employee_fired_after.html

Twitter Debates Whether to Hit Autoplay on Videos to Compete With Facebook (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/twitter-debates-whether-hit-autoplay-videos-compete-facebook-161933

To Avoid Embarrassing Hacks, Don’t Send Embarrassing E-Mails (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/To-avoid-embarrassing-hacks-don-t-send-5961265.php

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Another Whistleblower Claim Filed Against Nampa – Claims Utility Billing Improprieties (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/12/17/3546115_another-whistleblower-claim-filed.html?rh=1

GENERAL NEWS

Shelton Area Man, 80, Fatally Shoots Younger Man (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14011

Increased Code Enforcement Powers Sought by City of Shelton Officials (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/20386-more-need-for-abatement

Mt. Hood Snowpack at Lowest Level Since 1981 (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/2014/12/16/hood-snow-ski-snowboard/20508879/

How the Grinch Stole Northwest’s Christmas Snow (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-grinch-stole-northwests-christmas.html

Methane on Mars? Curiosity Discovery Boosts Case for Martian Life (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2014/1216/Methane-on-Mars-Curiosity-discovery-boosts-case-for-Martian-life

Premiere Cancelled, Theater Chain Drops ‘The Interview’ Following Threats (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2014/12/17/premiere-cancelled-theater-chain-drops-the-interview-following-threats/

DIVERSIONS

Qatar Pays Migrant Workers $1 an Hour to Be Fake Sports Fans

http://gizmodo.com/qatar-pays-migrant-workers-1-an-hour-to-be-fake-sports-1672184721

Have a Very Marie Curie Christmas with These Nobel Physicist Snowflake Decorations

http://time.com/3637613/nobel-prize-snowflake-decoration/

More Proof That Mondays Are Terrible: It’s the Most Common Day for Workplace Injuries

http://time.com/3637532/monday-common-workplace-injuries/

The Mesmerizing View of Christmas Lights from Space

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/12/16/the-mesmerizing-view-of-christmas-lights-from-space/

SONG OF THE DAY

Journey – Lights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP8_Dbvpi-A

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.