Energy News Digest for February 2, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 2, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/kuu3xmd

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

Oregon Legislature to Consider Ban on Electricity from Coal-Fired Plants (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2015/02/legislature_to_consider_ban_on.html

Emails Show Pacific Gas & Electric Targeted Critics after San Bruno Blast (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-targeted-critics-after-San-Bruno-blast-6054156.php

Sick Sea Lions Washing Ashore in California; Rescuers Brace for Bad Year (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article8865596.html

Sea Lions Find New Places to Snack on Pacific Northwest Fish (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/sea-lions-find-new-places-to-snack-on-nw-fish/77571

In Net Neutrality Push, FCC Is Expected to Propose Regulating the Internet as a Utility (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/technology/in-net-neutrality-push-fcc-is-expected-to-propose-regulating-the-internet-as-a-utility.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Oregon Legislature to Consider Ban on Electricity from Coal-Fired Plants
2. Emails Show Pacific Gas & Electric Targeted Critics after San Bruno Blast
3. British Columbia: Peace River Dam Floods Will Wash Away 12,000 Years of Human History
4. Cowlitz PUD Attorney Paul Brachvogel a Finalist for Colorado Job
5. Exelon Must Show Regulators That Pepco Merger is a Good Deal
6. Want to Buy a Used German Power Plant? Shipping Is Included
7. Sick Sea Lions Washing Ashore in California; Rescuers Brace for Bad Year
8. Sea Lions Find New Places to Snack on Pacific Northwest Fish
9. Hatcheries Turn toward Conservation in Legal Climate That Says Artificial Production Here to Stay
10. The Mighty Bull Trout
11. Missouri River: Study Cites Oxygen-Depleted Dead Zones between Dams as Cause of Sturgeon Decline
12. Washington State Senator Warnick & Water: Finding Solutions
13. Alaska’s Fire Island Wind Project Put on Hold for Lack of Buyers
14. Snohomish PUD Looking for Solar Project Placements in Everett
15. Will Solar Cause a ‘Death Spiral’ for Utilities?
16. How Utilities Are Transforming Their Fuel Mixes
17. Wood Pellets Are Big Business - And for Some, a Big Worry
18. PNNL Twin Energy Houses Test Heat Pump Water Heater Installations
19. Surveys Say: It Takes Two Years to Recoup the Cost of a Nest
20. Facebook, Arby’s Energize Energy Efficiency Efforts
21. How LEDs Can Send a Coupon to Your Phone
22. An LED Lighting Platform in the Cloud
23. San Juan Pot Farmers Face Fear, Loathing & Property Values
24. Scott Kveton, Portland Tech Entrepreneur, Says He’s Going into the Pot Business
25. Washington State Representative Pike at Odds with Governor over Cap & Trade
26. Wenatchee-Area Lawmakers Push for Carbon Tax Break for Alcoa
27. Oregon: Legislators Prepare for Showdown over Gas Taxes, Low-Carbon Fuels
28. Op/Ed: California Should Stay on Track with Standard on Cleaner Fuels
29. Clallam Slowly Gains Electric-Car Charging Stations from Hoebuck to Sequim
30. Colorado: Goats Offered as Alternative for Clearing Area of Plutonium
31. In Net Neutrality Push, FCC Is Expected to Propose Regulating the Internet as a Utility
32. The FCC Is Moving to Preempt State Broadband Limits
33. APPA Op/Ed: Why Community Broadband Makes Sense
34. Which Brands Proved Their Social Skills on Twitter During Last Night’s Super Bowl?
35. Super Bowl Ads That Scored – And Bored
36. Fans in Seattle Reeling after Jaw-Dropping Super Bowl Loss
37. Super Bowl Matchup Has Record Overnight Ratings
38. Shelton Man Assaulted, Robbed with a Crow Bar; Suspect Found in Casino
39. Washington State Funds New Signage for Fourteen Mason County Rail Crossings
40. From Texas to California, Union Asks Refinery Workers to Strike after Talks Break Down
41. Balloon Pilots Welcomed in New Mexico after Historic Flight
42. Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil ‘Forecasts’ Six More Weeks of Winter

WORD OF THE DAY

Bombinate • \BAHM-buh-nayt\ • verb – Buzz, drone

The “cough quotient” of the audience slowly increased as the energy trader’s presentation bombinated on and on while declining into an impenetrable jumble of three and four letter acronyms.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Oregon Legislature to Consider Ban on Electricity from Coal-Fired Plants (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2015/02/legislature_to_consider_ban_on.html

Emails Show Pacific Gas & Electric Targeted Critics after San Bruno Blast (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-targeted-critics-after-San-Bruno-blast-6054156.php

British Columbia: Peace River Dam Floods Will Wash Away 12,000 Years of Human History (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/site-c-floods-will-wash-away-12000-years-of-human-history/article22740978/?cmpid=rss1

Cowlitz PUD Attorney Paul Brachvogel a Finalist for Colorado Job (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/e9567ca6-a8d6-11e4-bc67-33a6e49b51d6.html

Exelon Must Show Regulators That Pepco Merger is a Good Deal (Baltimore Sun, MD)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-exelon-phi-merger-20150130-story.html#page=1

Want to Buy a Used German Power Plant? Shipping Is Included (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/02/want-to-buy-a-used-german-power-plant-shipping-is-included?cmpid=rss

FISH & WILDLIFE

Sick Sea Lions Washing Ashore in California; Rescuers Brace for Bad Year (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article8865596.html

Sea Lions Find New Places to Snack on Pacific Northwest Fish (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/sea-lions-find-new-places-to-snack-on-nw-fish/77571

Hatcheries Turn toward Conservation in Legal Climate That Says Artificial Production Here to Stay (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433012.aspx

The Mighty Bull Trout (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/outdoors/stories/2015/feb/01/the-mighty-bull-trout/

Missouri River: Study Cites Oxygen-Depleted Dead Zones between Dams as Cause of Sturgeon Decline (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433007.aspx

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Washington State Senator Warnick & Water: Finding Solutions (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/politics/article_396fb320-a8e0-11e4-a871-9b9dbb543beb.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Alaska’s Fire Island Wind Project Put on Hold for Lack of Buyers (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/alaskas-fire-island-wind-project-put-on-hold-for-lack-of-buyers/359020/

Snohomish PUD Looking for Solar Project Placements in Everett (My Everett News, WA)

http://myeverettnews.com/2015/02/01/pud-looking-solar-project-placements-everett/

Will Solar Cause a ‘Death Spiral’ for Utilities? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/energysource/2015/01/30/will-solar-cause-a-death-spiral-for-utilities/

How Utilities Are Transforming Their Fuel Mixes – “…Compliance with renewables targets & mandates was the most compelling reason that 42%...are expecting more renewables…” (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-utilities-are-transforming-their-fuel-mixes/359027/

Wood Pellets Are Big Business - And for Some, a Big Worry (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomzeller/2015/02/01/wood-pellets-are-big-business-and-for-some-a-big-worry/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

PNNL Twin Energy Houses Test Heat Pump Water Heater Installations (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/02/01/3389596_pnnl-twin-energy-houses-test-heat.html?rh=1

Surveys Say: It Takes Two Years to Recoup the Cost of a Nest (GigaOM)

https://gigaom.com/2015/02/02/surveys-say-it-takes-two-years-to-recoup-the-cost-of-a-nest/

Facebook, Arby’s Energize Energy Efficiency Efforts (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/heatherclancy/2015/01/30/facebook-arbys-energize-energy-efficiency-efforts/

How LEDs Can Send a Coupon to Your Phone (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/how-leds-can-send-a-coupon-to-your-phone/77491

An LED Lighting Platform in the Cloud (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2015/01/31/an-led-lighting-platform-in-the-cloud/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

San Juan Pot Farmers Face Fear, Loathing & Property Values – In San Juan County, where 68 percent of residents voted to approve legalized recreational marijuana, conflicts are cropping up over legal marijuana-grow operations. (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025538901_sanjuanpot1xml.html?syndication=rss

Scott Kveton, Portland Tech Entrepreneur, Says He’s Going into the Pot Business (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/01/scott_kveton_urban_airships_fo.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State Representative Pike at Odds with Governor over Cap & Trade (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/02/pike-at-odds-with-inslee/

Wenatchee-Area Lawmakers Push for Carbon Tax Break for Alcoa (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.kpq.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=24221

Oregon: Legislators Prepare for Showdown over Gas Taxes, Low-Carbon Fuels (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/politics/Legislators-prepare-for-showdown-over-gas-taxes-low-carbon-fuels-290479821.html

Op/Ed: California Should Stay on Track with Standard on Cleaner Fuels (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article8839505.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Clallam Slowly Gains Electric-Car Charging Stations from Hoebuck to Sequim (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150202/news/302029976/clallam-slowly-gains-electric-car-charging-stations-from-hoebuck-to

Colorado: Goats Offered as Alternative for Clearing Area of Plutonium (Associated Press)

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

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

In Net Neutrality Push, FCC Is Expected to Propose Regulating the Internet as a Utility (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/technology/in-net-neutrality-push-fcc-is-expected-to-propose-regulating-the-internet-as-a-utility.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

The FCC Is Moving to Preempt State Broadband Limits (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/02/the-fcc-is-moving-to-preempt-state-broadband-limits/

APPA Op/Ed: Why Community Broadband Makes Sense (Morning Consult)

http://themorningconsult.com/2015/02/community-broadband-makes-sense/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Which Brands Proved Their Social Skills on Twitter During Last Night’s Super Bowl? (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/which-brands-proved-their-social-skills-twitter-during-last-nights-super-bowl-162709

Super Bowl Ads That Scored – And Bored (NY Post)

http://nypost.com/2015/02/02/super-bowl-commercials-that-scored-and-bored/

GENERAL NEWS

Fans in Seattle Reeling after Jaw-Dropping Super Bowl Loss (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Fans-in-Seattle-reeling-after-jaw-dropping-Super-Bowl-loss.html

Super Bowl Matchup Has Record Overnight Ratings (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/02/02/record-overnight-ratings-for-game

Shelton Man Assaulted, Robbed with a Crow Bar; Suspect Found in Casino (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/local-news/339120

Washington State Funds New Signage for Fourteen Mason County Rail Crossings (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21110-state-funds-new-signage-for-county-rail-crossings

From Texas to California, Union Asks Refinery Workers to Strike after Talks Break Down (Associated Press)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27441751/from-texas-california-union-asks-refinery-workers-strike

Balloon Pilots Welcomed in New Mexico after Historic Flight (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/02/balloon-pilots-welcomed-in-new-mexico-after/

Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil ‘Forecasts’ Six More Weeks of Winter (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_27441736/groundhog-punxsutawney-phil-forecasts-6-more-weeks-winter

DIVERSIONS

Time IS Money: Canadian Man Loses Appeal on Missing Lotto Jackpot by Seven Seconds

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/29/us-canada-court-lottery-idUSKBN0L223T20150129

This May Be the Best Official Portrait Ever

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/may-be-best-official-portrait-ever/njzyS/

The Theft & Half-Century Journey of Einstein’s Brain

http://gizmodo.com/the-theft-and-half-century-journey-of-einstein-s-brain-1682738696

Texas Boy Suspended for Saying He Could Make Classmate ‘Disappear’ with ‘Lord of the Rings’ Sorcery

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/texas-boy-suspended-bringing-ring-power-school-article-1.2099103

SONG OF THE DAY

Gordon Lightfoot - Song for a Winter’s Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yQc-wGeYvk

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 January 30, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 30, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/mot8dqs

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

Washington State Lands Commissioner Loses PUD Right-Of-Way Battle (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/washington-lands-commissioner-loses-pud-right-way-battle

Snowpack at Record Lows: ‘Staring Climate Change Right in the Eye’ (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Snowpack-at-record-lows-Staring-climate-change-right-in-the-eye-290331471.html

Renewable Energy Mandate Revisions Resurface in Olympia (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/renewable-energy-mandate-revisions-resurface-olympia/

NRC Staff: Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Storage Poses No Safety Concerns (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/nrc-staff-yucca-mountain-nuclear-waste-storage-poses-no-safety-concerns/358641/

FCC Votes to Make 25 Mbps the New Minimum Definition of Broadband (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/01/29/fcc-votes-to-make-25-mbps-the-new-minimum-definition-of-broadband/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Washington State Lands Commissioner Loses PUD Right-Of-Way Battle
2. Washington State Supreme Court Ruling: Okanogan County Public Utility District vs State of Washington, Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands
3. NRC Staff: Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Storage Poses No Safety Concerns
4. San Bruno: Criminal Probe Widens, Pacific Gas & Electric to Release 65,000 Emails, More Commissioners Involved
5. Cowlitz PUD Rate Committee to Begin Meeting in March
6. Police: Copper Wire Thieves Turn Out Lights in Newcastle
7. Why 50 Million Smart Meters Still Haven’t Fixed America’s Energy Habits
8. Georgia Power’s Vogtle Nuclear Plant Delayed another 18 Months
9. Op/Ed: Community-Owned Energy: How Nebraska Became the Only State to Bring Everyone Power from a Public Grid
10. Mexican Residents Block U-S Backed Plan for Hydroelectric Plant near Vital Community Waterways
11. Grant PUD to Buy Three Houses to Reduce Emergency Reaction Time at Hatchery
12. Snowpack at Record Lows: ‘Staring Climate Change Right in the Eye’
13. January’s Disappearing Snowpack
14. Renewable Energy Mandate Revisions Resurface in Olympia
15. Washington State Solar Battle Heats Up, Splitting Installer Trade Groups
16. Oregon: Next Steps on Ashland Biomass Project
17. Offshore Wind Farm Leases Draw Few Bids from Wary Industry
18. Vote on Wind Production Tax Credit Extension Fails in Senate
19. Op/Ed: Allowing Wind to Thrive without the Production Tax Credit
20. Region Funds Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s 2015-2019 Strategic & Business Plans
21. Portland Developer Teams with Startup on Energy-Smart Apartments
22. California, U-S Energy Plan to Aid Apartment Dwellers
23. The First Super Bowl Played Under LEDs Will Use 75 Percent Less Power
24. Infographic: Super Energy Facts before the Big Game
25. La Center Joins Other Cities in Banning Marijuana Sales
26. Marijuana Taxes Net $22.5 Million in Six Months
27. Oregon Congressman Blumenauer to FDIC: Let Banks Work with Pot Businesses
28. The Emissions Keystone Would Give Off Are Little Compared to Just About Everything
29. Obama’s Climate Plan Could Threaten U-S Forests
30. Biofuels’ Climate Change Benefits Questioned
31. FCC Votes to Make 25 Mbps the New Minimum Definition of Broadband
32. Cablevision Sues Verizon, Claims “Fastest Wi-Fi” Ads Are Misleading
33. Rochester, Minnesota May Launch Its Own Broadband Service
34. This Wireless Carrier is Paying $40 Million Because It Put Limits on ‘Unlimited’ Data
35. Portland TV Station Website Shuts Down Reader Comments
36. Crazy Like a Fox: Marshawn Lynch Making Millions By Battling with Media
37. Can’t Say Super Bowl: Strict Trademark Gags Radio Hosts, Businesses
38. Finances: Google Stumbles Amid Mobile Ad Competition
39. Consumerist Friday Flickr Finds
40. Ninth Circuit Senior Judge Arthur Alarcón, Dies at 89
41. Mitt Romney Isn’t Running for President
42. Hey Look! It’s Jaime Herrera Beutler - The 25 Most Influential Washington Women Under 35
43. Pair File another Public Records Lawsuit against North Mason Schools
44. Central Washington State Residents Say Natural Resources Failed Them in Battling Carlton Complex Fires
45. Search for Submerged Aircraft in Hood Canal Is Suspended for Lack of Evidence
46. Feds Accuse 15 People of Stealing Yakama Nation Scholarship Funds
47. Telemarketer Helps Rescue Oregon Woman during Attack
48. Shelton Businessman on National E-Payments Board
49. Representative MacEwen Files Bill To Require Fines Levied against Pro-Athletes Go to Local Charities
50. On Leadership: Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Has Learned His Lesson
51. Washington State Lt. Governor Puts Quinault Salmon on the Line for Super Bowl

WORD OF THE DAY

Sanctimonious • \sank-tuh-MOE-nee-us\ • adjective – hypocritically pious or devout

Garner was growing restless. The droning speech of the sanctimonious energy trader grated on his ears. At the words “the market will cure all ills” the audience at the public power conference started laughing and tittering until the trader stalked out of the room.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Washington State Lands Commissioner Loses PUD Right-Of-Way Battle (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/washington-lands-commissioner-loses-pud-right-way-battle

Washington State Supreme Court Ruling: Okanogan County Public Utility District vs State of Washington, Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands

http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=889490MAJ

NRC Staff: Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Storage Poses No Safety Concerns (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/nrc-staff-yucca-mountain-nuclear-waste-storage-poses-no-safety-concerns/358641/

San Bruno: Criminal Probe Widens, Pacific Gas & Electric to Release 65,000 Emails, More Commissioners Involved (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27422435/san-bruno-criminal-probe-widens-pg-e-release

Cowlitz PUD Rate Committee to Begin Meeting in March (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-rate-committee-to-begin-meeting-in-march/article_cc4a2304-a83d-11e4-a926-cb8228b3c5d4.html

Police: Copper Wire Thieves Turn Out Lights in Newcastle (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/police-copper-wire-thieves-turn-out-lights-newcast/njzkz/

Why 50 Million Smart Meters Still Haven’t Fixed America’s Energy Habits (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/01/29/americans-are-this-close-to-finally-understanding-their-electricity-bills/

Georgia Power’s Vogtle Nuclear Plant Delayed another 18 Months (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/georgia-powers-vogtle-nuclear-plant-delayed-another-18-months/358785/

Op/Ed: Community-Owned Energy: How Nebraska Became the Only State to Bring Everyone Power from a Public Grid (TruthOut)

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/28833-community-owned-energy-how-nebraska-became-the-only-state-to-bring-everyone-power-from-a-public-grid

Mexican Residents Block U-S Backed Plan for Hydroelectric Plant near Vital Community Waterways (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/01/30/us-backed-mexico-dam-project-triggered-protest-rare-defeat

FISH & WILDLIFE

Grant PUD to Buy Three Houses to Reduce Emergency Reaction Time at Hatchery (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-to-buy-three-houses-to-reduce-emergency-reaction/article_2d018f0e-a800-11e4-96ff-4fa01f7614e1.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Snowpack at Record Lows: ‘Staring Climate Change Right in the Eye’ (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Snowpack-at-record-lows-Staring-climate-change-right-in-the-eye-290331471.html

January’s Disappearing Snowpack (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/01/januarys-disappearing-snowpack.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Renewable Energy Mandate Revisions Resurface in Olympia (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/renewable-energy-mandate-revisions-resurface-olympia/

Washington State Solar Battle Heats Up, Splitting Installer Trade Groups (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-state-solar-battle-heats-up-splitting-installer-trade-groups/358661/

Oregon: Next Steps on Ashland Biomass Project (Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR)

http://ijpr.org/post/next-steps-ashland-biomass-project

Offshore Wind Farm Leases Draw Few Bids from Wary Industry (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/business/energy-environment/offshore-wind-farm-leases-draw-few-bids-from-wary-industry.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Vote on Wind Production Tax Credit Extension Fails in Senate (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/vote-on-wind-ptc-extension-fails-in-senate/358640/

Op/Ed: Allowing Wind to Thrive without the Production Tax Credit (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/231077-allowing-wind-to-thrive-without-the-ptc

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Region Funds Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s 2015-2019 Strategic & Business Plans (Business Wire)

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2454366

Portland Developer Teams with Startup on Energy-Smart Apartments (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/01/meet-the-portland-investment-firm-thats-eying-the.html

California, U-S Energy Plan to Aid Apartment Dwellers (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27420757/california-u-s-energy-plan-aid-apartment-dwellers

The First Super Bowl Played Under LEDs Will Use 75 Percent Less Power (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/the-first-super-bowl-played-under-leds-will-use-75-perc-1682559078

Infographic: Super Energy Facts before the Big Game (Pacific Gas & Electric Currents)

http://www.pgecurrents.com/2015/01/28/infographic-super-energy-facts-before-the-big-game/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

La Center Joins Other Cities in Banning Marijuana Sales (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/jan/29/la-center-joins-other-cities-in-banning-marijuana/

Marijuana Taxes Net $22.5 Million in Six Months (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150130/BIZ/150139951

Oregon Congressman Blumenauer to FDIC: Let Banks Work with Pot Businesses (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/2015/01/blumenauer-to-fdic-let-banks-work-with-pot.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

The Emissions Keystone Would Give Off Are Little Compared to Just About Everything (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy/the-emissions-keystone-would-give-off-are-little-compared-to-just-about-everything-20150129

Obama’s Climate Plan Could Threaten U-S Forests (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/obama-climate-plan-threatens-us-forests-114718.html#.VMutKEfF98E

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Biofuels’ Climate Change Benefits Questioned (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/2831595-151/biofuels-climate-change-benefits-questioned#

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

FCC Votes to Make 25 Mbps the New Minimum Definition of Broadband (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/01/29/fcc-votes-to-make-25-mbps-the-new-minimum-definition-of-broadband/

Cablevision Sues Verizon, Claims “Fastest Wi-Fi” Ads Are Misleading (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/01/29/cablevision-sues-verizon-claims-fastest-wifi-ads-are-misleading/

Rochester, Minnesota May Launch Its Own Broadband Service (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, MN)

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/morning_roundup/2015/01/rochester-minn-may-launch-its-own-broadband.html

This Wireless Carrier is Paying $40 Million Because It Put Limits on ‘Unlimited’ Data (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/01/28/this-wireless-carrier-is-paying-40-million-because-it-put-limits-on-unlimited-data/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Portland TV Station Website Shuts Down Reader Comments “…It’s time to be honest about what comment boards have morphed into over the years…” (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/jan/29/portland-tv-station-website-shuts-down-reader-comm/

Crazy Like a Fox: Marshawn Lynch Making Millions By Battling with Media (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2699954/Marshawn-Lynch-making-millions-by-battling-with-media

Can’t Say Super Bowl: Strict Trademark Gags Radio Hosts, Businesses (Associated Press)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27425439/cant-say-super-bowl-strict-trademark-gags-radio?source=rss

Finances: Google Stumbles Amid Mobile Ad Competition (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/01/google_stumbles_amid_mobile_ad.html

Consumerist Friday Flickr Finds (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/01/30/consumerist-friday-flickr-finds-274/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Ninth Circuit Senior Judge Arthur Alarcón, Dies at 89 (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/01/30/9th-circuit-senior-judge-arthur-alarc-243-n-89.htm

Mitt Romney Isn’t Running for President (U-S News & World Report)

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/30/mitt-romney-isnt-running-for-president

Hey Look! It’s Jaime Herrera Beutler - The 25 Most Influential Washington Women Under 35 (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/pictures-video/the-25-most-influential-washington-women-under-35-20130711

GENERAL NEWS

Pair File another Public Records Lawsuit against North Mason Schools (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/local-news/north-mason/pair-file-another-public-records-lawsuit-against-nmsd

Central Washington State Residents Say Natural Resources Failed Them in Battling Carlton Complex Fires (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jan/30/central-washington-residents-say-natural/

Search for Submerged Aircraft in Hood Canal Is Suspended for Lack of Evidence (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150130/news/301309977/search-for-submerged-aircraft-in-hood-canal-is-suspended-for-lack-of

Feds Accuse 15 People of Stealing Yakama Nation Scholarship Funds (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2867520-8/fbi-dozen-arrested-in-yakama-nation-scholarship-theft

Telemarketer Helps Rescue Oregon Woman during Attack (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/crime/2015/01/30/sales-call-leads-to-rescue-of-beaten-oregon-woman/22580775/

Shelton Businessman on National E-Payments Board (South Sound Business Examiner, WA)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/January-2015/Shelton-rep-on-natl-e-payments-board/

Representative MacEwen Files Bill To Require Fines Levied against Pro-Athletes Go to Local Charities (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14218

On Leadership: Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Has Learned His Lesson (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2015/01/30/seattle-seahawks-coach-pete-carroll-has-learned-his-lesson/

Washington State Lt. Governor Puts Quinault Salmon on the Line for Super Bowl (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/lt-gov-owen-puts-quinault-salmon-line-super-bowl

DIVERSIONS

Pitbull-Dachshund Mix With Tiny Feet & a Huge Head Sparks Adoption Frenzy

http://mashable.com/2015/01/29/pitbull-dachshund-puppy/

Dozens of Bats Cause Mayhem in Arkansas Courtroom; Official Says Hundreds Roost in Elevator Shaft

http://www.usnews.com/news/offbeat/articles/2015/01/30/bats-cause-mayhem-send-people-screaming-from-arkansas-court

Alabama Troopers Say Interstate Crash Caused by Tractor-Trailer Driver Pulling His Own Tooth

http://www.usnews.com/news/offbeat/articles/2015/01/30/crash-on-interstate-caused-by-trucker-pulling-his-tooth

These Balloonists Just Broke a Decades-Old Distance Record

http://gizmodo.com/these-balloonists-just-broke-a-decades-old-distance-rec-1682687707

SONG OF THE DAY

Glen Campbell - By the Time I Get to Phoenix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vflqJOp_0Wk

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 January 29, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 29, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/pkt9gjw

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

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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

Proposed Klickitat PUD Pumped Storage Hydro Project Holds Meetings - Five-year plan to build hydroelectric project could bring new jobs (Goldendale Sentinel, WA)

http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/story/2015/01/28/news/proposed-pud-project-holds-meetings/5379.html

Washington State Fishery Managers Set Smelt, Spring Chinook Seasons (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/state-fishery-managers-set-smelt-spring-chinook-seasons/article_38ec3142-a76b-11e4-8e75-7f70ae85fc3e.html

Now That Growing Pot Is Legal, Can It Also Be More Energy Efficient? (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/now-that-growing-pot-is-legal-can-it-also-be-more-energy-efficient/

Washington‐Made Solar Products Power Award-Winning Bainbridge Island Development (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/kpbj/washingtonmade-solar-products-power-award-winning-development

Survey: Trust Is Key to Utility-Customer Relationship (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/survey-trust-is-key-to-utility-customer-relationship/358096/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Proposed Klickitat PUD Pumped Storage Hydro Project Holds Meetings - Five-year plan to build hydroelectric project could bring new jobs
2. Survey: Trust Is Key to Utility-Customer Relationship
3. Grant PUD to Sell Dozen Homes at Wanapum Village
4. 2014: A High-Visibility Year for Bonneville Power Administration’s Synchrophasor Program
5. Texas: Energy Company Stands behind High Electricity Bills
6. Former EPA Administrator Browner Pushes for More Nuclear Power
7. Oklahoma Worries about Swarm of Earthquakes & Connection to Oil Industry
8. Washington State Fishery Managers Set Smelt, Spring Chinook Seasons
9. U-S Senate Votes to Keep Lesser Prairie Chicken on ‘Threatened’ List
10. Where Rhinos Once Roamed, A Habitat for Sensitive Willamette Valley Species Emerges in Oregon Wine Country – Thanks to some Bonneville Power Administration Money
11. California: Measuring Sierra Snowpack Is a Lot More Complex than It Looks
12. Washington‐Made Solar Products Power Award-Winning Bainbridge Island Development
13. Solar Panels Get Heat from Beaverton Residents
14. Solar Parking Lots Sound Like a Great Idea. Why Aren’t They Catching On?
15. Consumers’ Bureau & FTC Say They Understand Concerns about Solar Leasing Practices
16. Buffalo Jump? Is Surging U-S Wind Power Headed Off a Cliff?
17. Energy Smart Industrial: Five Years of Enormous Savings - Program has saved industries more than 647 million kWh of electricity
18. Energy Adviser: Incentives, Loans Help Conserve Energy
19. Why People Use Less Energy on Super Bowl Sunday
20. Now That Growing Pot Is Legal, Can It Also Be More Energy Efficient?
21. Marijuana News: U-S Attorney General Nominee Opposes Legal Pot
22. Dude! Legal Marijuana America’s Fastest-Growing Industry – Report
23. Prominent Investment Firm Pumps Money into Cannabis Tech Company
24. 12,000 Joints Rolled for Super Bowl ‘12th Pack’
25. Can We Harvest Lightning for the Power Grid?
26. Grant PUD Expands Wireless Broadband Network
27. Google Fiber in Portland, Apple Data Center in Prineville Could Both Hinge on Obscure Oregon Tax Law
28. Google Says Net Neutrality Won’t Curb Expansion of Google Fiber
29. Oregon Official: As Comcast Critics Pounce, Kate Brown Doesn’t Want to Talk about Her Letter Supporting Cable Giant
30. Amazon Starts Cloud Email Service for Businesses
31. Facebook Tops Wall Street Revenue Target in Fourth
32. Tips on Shooting Slo-Mo Video with iPhone
33. Tri-City Legislators Propose Bill to Explore Eastern Washington Seceding from State
34. Comcast Customer Service Renames Spokane Couple with Profanity on Billing Address
35. Video: Students Use Seahawks to Learn Leadership

WORD OF THE DAY

Myrmidon • \MURR-muh-don\ • noun – 1: A member of a warlike Thessalian people who followed Achilles on the expedition against Troy 2: A loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question, protest, or pity.

Alfonse was chosen to meet with the irritated customers over how they had been treated. It wasn’t so much that he was the paragon of human strength or struck fear in the hearts of anyone. It was that Alfonse was considered the ultimate myrmidon, or “good soldier”. He would bleat the company’s party line regardless of logic, precedence or legality until all in the room were exhausted by his efforts.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Proposed Klickitat PUD Pumped Storage Hydro Project Holds Meetings - Five-year plan to build hydroelectric project could bring new jobs (Goldendale Sentinel, WA)

http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/story/2015/01/28/news/proposed-pud-project-holds-meetings/5379.html

Survey: Trust Is Key to Utility-Customer Relationship (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/survey-trust-is-key-to-utility-customer-relationship/358096/

Grant PUD to Sell Dozen Homes at Wanapum Village (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-to-sell-dozen-homes-at-wanapum-village/article_934af74c-a750-11e4-b9fd-23799675c5ad.html

2014: A High-Visibility Year for Bonneville Power Administration’s Synchrophasor Program (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/2014-A-high-visibility-year-for-BPAs-synchrophasor-program.aspx

Texas: Energy Company Stands behind High Electricity Bills (KTRK-TV, Houston, TX)

http://abc13.com/news/energy-company-stands-behind-high-electricity-bills/494921/

Former EPA Administrator Browner Pushes for More Nuclear Power (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/former-epa-admin-browner-pushes-for-more-nuclear-power/358086/

Oklahoma Worries about Swarm of Earthquakes & Connection to Oil Industry (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/oklahoma-worries-over-swarm-of-earthquakes-and-connection-to-oil-industry/2015/01/28/eca21234-a71a-11e4-a2b2-776095f393b2_story.html?wprss=rss_business

FISH & WILDLIFE

Washington State Fishery Managers Set Smelt, Spring Chinook Seasons (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/state-fishery-managers-set-smelt-spring-chinook-seasons/article_38ec3142-a76b-11e4-8e75-7f70ae85fc3e.html

U-S Senate Votes to Keep Lesser Prairie Chicken on ‘Threatened’ List (Associated Press)

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article8555249.html

Where Rhinos Once Roamed, A Habitat for Sensitive Willamette Valley Species Emerges in Oregon Wine Country – Thanks to some Bonneville Power Administration Money (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/01/where_rhinos_once_roamed_a_hab.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

California: Measuring Sierra Snowpack Is a Lot More Complex than It Looks (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_27413525/california-drought-measuring-sierra-snowpack-is-lot-more

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Washington‐Made Solar Products Power Award-Winning Bainbridge Island Development (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/kpbj/washingtonmade-solar-products-power-award-winning-development

Solar Panels Get Heat from Beaverton Residents (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2015/01/28/solar-panels-get-heat-from-beaverton-residents/

Solar Parking Lots Sound Like a Great Idea. Why Aren’t They Catching On? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Energy/2015/0128/Solar-parking-lots-sound-like-a-great-idea.-Why-aren-t-they-catching-on

Consumers’ Bureau & FTC Say They Understand Concerns about Solar Leasing Practices (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43069

Buffalo Jump? Is Surging U-S Wind Power Headed Off a Cliff? (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/01/28/is-surging-us-wind-power-headed-off-a-cliff/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Energy Smart Industrial: Five Years of Enormous Savings - Program has saved industries more than 647 million kWh of electricity (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2015/01/energy-smart-industrial-five-years-of.html

Energy Adviser: Incentives, Loans Help Conserve Energy (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/jan/29/incentives-loans-help-conserve-energy/

Why People Use Less Energy on Super Bowl Sunday (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/01/28/why-people-use-less-energy-on-super-bowl-sunday/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Now That Growing Pot Is Legal, Can It Also Be More Energy Efficient? (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/now-that-growing-pot-is-legal-can-it-also-be-more-energy-efficient/

Marijuana News: U-S Attorney General Nominee Opposes Legal Pot (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2015/01/marijuana_news_us_attorney_gen.html

Dude! Legal Marijuana America’s Fastest-Growing Industry – Report (RT)

http://rt.com/usa/226323-us-marijuana-industry-report/

Prominent Investment Firm Pumps Money into Cannabis Tech Company (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/prominent-investment-firm-pumps-money-into-cannabis-tech-company/

12,000 Joints Rolled for Super Bowl ‘12th Pack’ (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/01/28/12th-pack-marijuana-cannabis-12000-joints/22497465/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Can We Harvest Lightning for the Power Grid? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/statoil/2015/01/28/can-we-harvest-lightning-for-the-power-grid/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Grant PUD Expands Wireless Broadband Network (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=24191

Google Fiber in Portland, Apple Data Center in Prineville Could Both Hinge on Obscure Oregon Tax Law (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/01/google_fiber_in_portland_apple.html

Google Says Net Neutrality Won’t Curb Expansion of Google Fiber (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/01/29/google-says-net-neutrality-wont-curb-expansion-of-google-fiber/

Oregon Official: As Comcast Critics Pounce, Kate Brown Doesn’t Want to Talk about Her Letter Supporting Cable Giant (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2015/01/as_comcast_critics_pounce_kate.html

Amazon Starts Cloud Email Service for Businesses (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2015/01/amazon-starts-cloud-email-service-for-businesses.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook Tops Wall Street Revenue Target in Fourth Quarter (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/29/us-facebook-results-idUSKBN0L12IU20150129

Tips on Shooting Slo-Mo Video with iPhone (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/01/28/shooting-slow-motion-video-with-iphone/22462269/

GENERAL NEWS

Tri-City Legislators Propose Bill to Explore Eastern Washington Seceding from State (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/01/28/3382947_tri-city-legislators-want-eastern.html?rh=1

Comcast Customer Service Renames Spokane Couple with Profanity on Billing Address (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2699724/Comcast-customer-service-renames-couple-with-profanity-on-billing-address

Video: Students Use Seahawks to Learn Leadership (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/videos/news/local/2015/01/28/students-use-seahawks-to-learn-leadership/22499989/

DIVERSIONS

Farmer Herds His Happy Cows into Smiley-Face Formation

http://mashable.com/2015/01/28/farmer-herds-cows-smiley-face/

Simulator Runs Super Bowl Matchup 50,000 Times, And the Winner Is ...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/simulator-runs-super-bowl-matchup-50-000-times--and-winner-is-----022252004.html

“Bare Shoulders” – Teen Forced to Wear Winter Coat or Leave School Dance

http://q13fox.com/2015/01/29/teen-forced-to-wear-winter-coat-or-leave-school-dance-mother-asks-are-shoulders-now-pornographic/

Chocolate Was Once Considered a Powerful Cure-All Drug

http://factually.gizmodo.com/chocolate-was-once-considered-a-powerful-cure-all-drug-1682399613

SONG OF THE DAY

John Denver - Sunshine on My Shoulders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFPMH-Lk4v8

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.