Energy News Digest for February 23, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 23, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/m499yfq

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

More Big Numbers Expected for 2015 Fall Chinook Return to Columbia; Third Highest Since 1938 (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433202.aspx

Bonneville Power Administration Requests 100MW of External Reserves (Argus Media)

http://www.argusmedia.com/News/Article?id=996306

Bills in Washington State Legislature Hit First Do-Or-Die Deadline (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/bills-washington-legislature-hit-first-do-or-die-deadline

As U-S Offshore Wind Power Sinks, Backers Seek Regional Rescue (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/20/as-us-offshore-wind-power-sinks-backers-seek-regional-rescue/

Car Drives into Case Inlet Friday; One Person Dead (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21497-car-drives-into-case-inlet-1-dead

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Bonneville Power Administration Requests 100MW of External Reserves
2. Clean Hydro Campaign Opens another Round in Education Outreach
3. BC Hydro Shuffles Executive Deck – Promotes Key Vice-President, Opens Senior Internal Positions
4. Delivery of Big Transformer to Cause Wenatchee-Area Traffic Delays
5. Michigan: Cheap Natural Gas Might Doom New Fermi Nuke Plant
6. Areva, French Nuclear Giant, Warns of $5.6 Billion Loss
7. Into the Black Box: Utility Rates Going Way of Phone Plans?
8. More Big Numbers Expected for 2015 Fall Chinook Return to Columbia; Third Highest Since 1938
9. Idaho Puts Forward Plan to Protect Sage Grouse Habitat
10. Klamaths: Timberland Sale Jeopardizes Water Pacts
11. Oregon: Long-Planned Seismic & Capacity Fixes at Scoggins Dam in Western Washington County May Finally Become Reality
12. Quinaults Seek Dismissal in Lake Lawsuit
13. As U-S Offshore Wind Power Sinks, Backers Seek Regional Rescue
14. World’s Would-Be Largest Offshore Wind Farm Takes another Step Forward
15. Grays Harbor PUD Meets I-937 Obligations
16. Facing Protests, SRP Proposes Changes to Rate Hikes for Solar Customers
17. Rooftop Solar: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them
18. How to Fix That High Electric Bill – Or Just Nibbling Around the Edges?
19. Retail Marijuana Store’s Sign of Contention
20. Budding Marijuana Market Is a Tough Biz
21. Green Rush: One Man’s Move to Spokane for Marijuana
22. California Attorney General Says State Recreational Sales Inevitable
23. Iowa Governor’s Cannabis Oil Idea Faces Roadblocks
24. Here’s Where Ocean Acidification Will Hit the U-S Hardest
25. The Race for the Electric Car’s Future Is On
26. Apple to Spend $1.9 Billion on New European Data Centers
27. Google & Apple Fight for the Car Dashboard
28. Twitter Wants Aggressive Net Neutrality Rules
29. Six Tips on Talking to the Post Generation – How the Under-14 Crowd Views Media & Content
30. Christopher Guest Channels Best in Show for Brilliantly Bizarre PetSmart Ads
31. Bills in Washington State Legislature Hit First Do-Or-Die Deadline
32. No Surprises on Deadline Day as Policy Bills Live & Die, but Senate Democrats Raise a Ruckus
33. Public Would Pay More for Records Requests under State House Bill
34. Car Drives into Case Inlet Friday; One Person Dead
35. Small Earthquake near Allyn
36. Ports Increasingly Bustling Again after Tentative Labor Deal
37. Showdown Looming Between Northwest States, Feds over Driver’s Licenses
38. Most of Great Lakes Surface Frozen for Second Straight Year

WORD OF THE DAY

Eyas • \EYE-us\ • noun - An unfledged bird; specifically: a nestling hawk

“Ah, my little eyas, the time has come for you to fly,” fluttered the high school counselor to her students. “While most of you will find work in the biggest employer in town, the tiddlywinks factory, some will have to settle for work in investment banking. Please remember me on bonus day,” she twittered as the class dully marched from the classroom.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Bonneville Power Administration Requests 100MW of External Reserves (Argus Media)

http://www.argusmedia.com/News/Article?id=996306

Clean Hydro Campaign Opens another Round in Education Outreach (Clean Hydro)

http://cleanhydro.com/

BC Hydro Shuffles Executive Deck – Promotes Key Vice-President, Opens Senior Internal Positions (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/energy/Hydro+shuffles+executive+deck/10830990/story.html?__lsa=828a-d75f

Delivery of Big Transformer to Cause Wenatchee-Area Traffic Delays (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=24831

Michigan: Cheap Natural Gas Might Doom New Fermi Nuke Plant (Detroit Free Press, MI)
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/02/22/third-fermi-reactor-doomed-gas/23776681/

Areva, French Nuclear Giant, Warns of $5.6 Billion Loss (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/business/international/areva-nuclear-results.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Into the Black Box: Utility Rates Going Way of Phone Plans? (Triad Business Journal, NC)

http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2015/02/23/utility-rates-going-way-of-phone-plans.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

More Big Numbers Expected for 2015 Fall Chinook Return to Columbia; Third Highest Since 1938 (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433202.aspx

Idaho Puts Forward Plan to Protect Sage Grouse Habitat (Associated Press)

http://www.kxly.com/news/northwest/idaho-puts-forward-plan-to-protect-sage-grouse-habitat/31415394

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Klamaths: Timberland Sale Jeopardizes Water Pacts (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/22/klamath-tribe-leader-says-timberland-sale-jeopardi/

Oregon: Long-Planned Seismic & Capacity Fixes at Scoggins Dam in Western Washington County May Finally Become Reality (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2015/02/long-planned_seismic_and_capac.html

Quinaults Seek Dismissal in Lake Lawsuit (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/22/quinaults-seek-dismissal-in-lake-lawsuit/

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

As U-S Offshore Wind Power Sinks, Backers Seek Regional Rescue (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/20/as-us-offshore-wind-power-sinks-backers-seek-regional-rescue/

World’s Would-Be Largest Offshore Wind Farm Takes another Step Forward (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2015/02/21/worlds-would-be-largest-offshore-wind-farm-takes-another-forward/

Grays Harbor PUD Meets I-937 Obligations (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://www.kxro.com/grays-harbor-pud-meets-i-937-obligations/

Facing Protests, SRP Proposes Changes to Rate Hikes for Solar Customers (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/facing-protests-srp-proposes-changes-to-rate-hikes-for-solar-customers/366838/

Rooftop Solar: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/20/if-you-cannot-beat-them-join-them/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

How to Fix That High Electric Bill – Or Just Nibbling Around the Edges? (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2015/02/21/high-electric-bill/23823999/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Retail Marijuana Store’s Sign of Contention (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/retail-marijuana-store-s-sign-contention

Budding Marijuana Market Is a Tough Biz (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150222/BIZ/150229735

Green Rush: One Man’s Move to Spokane for Marijuana (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/28161272/green-rush-one-mans-move-to-spokane-for-marijuana

California Attorney General Says State Recreational Sales Inevitable (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/california-ag-says-state-recreational-sales-inevitable/

Iowa Governor’s Cannabis Oil Idea Faces Roadblocks (Associated Press)

http://www.qconline.com/news/illinois/iowa-gov-branstad-s-cannabis-oil-idea-faces-roadblocks/article_f7cb3aee-53bb-53a5-b949-516286a449cf.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Here’s Where Ocean Acidification Will Hit the U-S Hardest (Climate Central)

http://www.climatecentral.org/news/ocean-acidification-in-us-18693

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

The Race for the Electric Car’s Future Is On (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy/2015/0223/The-race-for-the-electric-car-s-future-is-on-Recharge

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Apple to Spend $1.9 Billion on New European Data Centers (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/apple-spend-1-7-billion-euros-european-data-083627304--finance.html

Google & Apple Fight for the Car Dashboard (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/technology/rivals-google-and-apple-fight-for-the-dashboard.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Wants Aggressive Net Neutrality Rules (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/23/twitter-wants-aggressive-net-neutrality-rules/

Six Tips on Talking to the Post Generation – How the Under-14 Crowd Views Media & Content (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/six-tips-talking-post-generation-163046

Christopher Guest Channels Best in Show for Brilliantly Bizarre PetSmart Ads (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/christopher-guest-channels-best-show-brilliantly-bizarre-petsmart-ads-163096

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Bills in Washington State Legislature Hit First Do-Or-Die Deadline (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/bills-washington-legislature-hit-first-do-or-die-deadline

No Surprises on Deadline Day as Policy Bills Live & Die, but Senate Democrats Raise a Ruckus (Washington State Wire)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/no-surprises-on-deadline-day-as-policy-bills-live-and-die-but-senate-democrats-raise-a-ruckus/

Public Would Pay More for Records Requests under State House Bill (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2902718-8/public-would-pay-more-for-records-requests-under

GENERAL NEWS

Car Drives into Case Inlet Friday; One Person Dead (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21497-car-drives-into-case-inlet-1-dead

Small Earthquake near Allyn (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14479

Ports Increasingly Bustling Again after Tentative Labor Deal (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Ports-increasingly-bustling-again-after-tentative-6096008.php

Showdown Looming Between Northwest States, Feds over Driver’s Licenses (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/showdown-looming-between-northwest-states-feds-over-drivers-licenses

Most of Great Lakes Surface Frozen for Second Straight Year (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Most-of-Great-Lakes-surface-frozen-for-second-6092379.php

DIVERSIONS

Before Bill Murray Was a Star, He Played Baseball in Grays Harbor

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2715800/Before-Bill-Murray-was-a-star-he-played-baseball-in-Grays-Harbor

Akamai Awards Roundup: ‘Birdman’ Captures Best Picture Oscar

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/arts/birdman-wins-best-picture-at-oscars-2015.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Police: Man Unhappy with Price of $50 Haircut Flew into Rage at Salon

http://news.yahoo.com/police-man-unhappy-50-haircut-flew-rage-salon-204545007.html

NY Tourism Site that Urged Visitors to Go to Florida Crashes

http://news.yahoo.com/ny-tourism-urged-visitors-florida-crashes-161636275.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Sarah Vaughan – Key Largo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kUqnUv8Fu8

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 February 20, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 20, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/nqlrs5k

Whatever Happened to El Nino? (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

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 STORIES

John Kitzhaber Saga Fuels Conservatives’ Fight on Clean Energy (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/john-kitzhaber-oregon-clean-energy-115287.html#ixzz3S8sSOpxv

‘Poison Pill’ in Washington State Gas Tax Plan Worry Enviros (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/02/poison-pill-gas-tax-plan-worry-enviros/

Last Year is Now Warmest Year on Record for Washington State (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Last-year-is-warmest-year-on-record-for-Washington-state-292462111.html

How the West's New Energy Imbalance Market is Building a Smarter Energy System (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-the-wests-new-energy-imbalance-market-is-building-a-smarter-energy-sys/364883/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. How the West's New Energy Imbalance Market is Building a Smarter Energy System
2. Pacific Gas & Electric Welcomes the Year of the Goat with Asian-American Communities
3. Wyoming Bill Would Help Finance Coal Ports in the Northwest
4. Inside a TVA Power Plant on the Busiest February Day on Record
5. Natural Gas Inventory Exceeds Five-Year Average for First Time since November 2013
6. Threatened Smelt Touches Off Battles in California’s Endless Water Wars
7. Longview: Ecology Opts for $28 Million Cleanup Option for Former Reynolds Aluminum Plant
8. 'Jaw-Dropping' Changes to the Elwha River Shoreline, Nearshore to be Presented Saturday at Annual Forum, Tour
9. Colorado's Mountain Snowpack is a Bright Spot in Severe Drought Gripping Much of West
10. How Do You Know Your Solar Panels Are Working Correctly? You Probably Don’t
11. Bonneville Power Administration Changing Energy Conservation Program
12. Oregon Medical Marijuana Growers Worried about Proximity of Hemp Farms
13. CannaCon, ‘World’s Largest’ Cannabis Expo, Kicks Off in Seattle
14. Last Year is Now Warmest Year on Record for Washington State
15. Oil Industry Takes Aim at California’s War on Carbon
16. Internet Taxes, Another Window into the Net Neutrality Debate
17. Facebook ‘Likes’ Seattle in a Big Way with New South Lake Union Digs
18. Comcast Rep Lies, Tells Customer That Data Cap is “Mandated by Law”
19. Social Media Overload Causing Anxiety for Many Teens
20. How to Handle an Employee’s Offensive Social Media Post
21. How to Diplomatically Get Out of Horrible Meetings
22. Everything You Never Want to Hear in a Radio Ad, in Two Very Funny Videos
23. John Kitzhaber Saga Fuels Conservatives’ Fight on Clean Energy
24. Ex-Governor Kitzhaber is Clean Energy Critics' New 'Poster Child'
25. Can Kate Brown Restore Oregonians’ Confidence in the Governor’s Office?
26. ‘Poison Pill’ in Washington State Gas Tax Plan Worry Enviros
27. Tsunami Surge Could Push Far Up Columbia River
28. Time Expires on Bill to Abolish Daylight Saving Time in Washington State
29. Attendance Climbs Washington State’s Three National Parks
30. Seattle's Crippled Bertha Tunneler Drills into Rescue Pit
31. Police: Homeless Man Steals Box of Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires

WORD OF THE DAY

Doyen • \DOY-un\ • Noun – 1: the senior or most experienced member of a group 2: the oldest example of a category

“Man, at 98 years old you’re the oldest employee here,” shouted Biff at handsome Buck Mulligan. “The thing is you don’t look a day over 30. I’ll bet there’s a picture of Doyen Gray somewhere in your attic!” (Sorry, the best I could do this morning)

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

How the West's New Energy Imbalance Market is Building a Smarter Energy System (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-the-wests-new-energy-imbalance-market-is-building-a-smarter-energy-sys/364883/

Pacific Gas & Electric Welcomes the Year of the Goat with Asian-American Communities (PG&E Currents)

http://www.pgecurrents.com/2015/02/19/pge-welcomes-the-year-of-the-goat-with-asian-american-communities/

Wyoming Bill Would Help Finance Coal Ports in the Northwest (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/02/18/4139862_wyoming-bill-would-help-finance.html?rh=1

Inside a TVA Power Plant on the Busiest February Day on Record (WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN)

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/28151010/power-plants-running-at-capacity

Natural Gas Inventory Exceeds Five-Year Average for First Time since November 2013 (Energy Information Administration)

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=20052

FISH & WILDLIFE

Threatened Smelt Touches Off Battles in California’s Endless Water Wars (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/us/threatened-smelt-touches-off-battles-in-californias-endless-water-wars.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Longview: Ecology Opts for $28 Million Cleanup Option for Former Reynolds Aluminum Plant (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/ecology-opts-for-million-cleanup-option-for-former-reynolds-plant/article_438e19d6-b7eb-11e4-96c7-97b5e3e0a6aa.html

'Jaw-Dropping' Changes to the Elwha River Shoreline, Nearshore to be Presented Saturday at Annual Forum, Tour (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150220/NEWS/302209976/jaw-dropping-changes-to-the-elwha-river-shoreline-nearshore-to-be

Colorado's Mountain Snowpack is a Bright Spot in Severe Drought Gripping Much of West (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/science/news/articles/2015/02/18/colorado-mountain-snow-is-bright-spot-during-drought-in-west

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

How Do You Know Your Solar Panels Are Working Correctly? You Probably Don’t (GreenTech Media)

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-do-you-know-your-solar-panels-are-working-correctly-you-probably-dont

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Bonneville Power Administration Changing Energy Conservation Program (Wahkiakum Eagle, Cathlamet, WA)

http://www.waheagle.com/story/2015/02/19/news/bonneville-changing-energy-conservation-program/9459.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Oregon Medical Marijuana Growers Worried about Proximity of Hemp Farms (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/oregon-mmj-growers-worried-about-proximity-of-hemp-farms/

CannaCon, ‘World’s Largest’ Cannabis Expo, Kicks Off in Seattle (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2015/02/19/cannacon-worlds-largest-cannabis-expo-kicks-off-in-seattle/#30696101=0

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Last Year is Now Warmest Year on Record for Washington State (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Last-year-is-warmest-year-on-record-for-Washington-state-292462111.html

Oil Industry Takes Aim at California’s War on Carbon (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article10703354.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Internet Taxes, Another Window into the Net Neutrality Debate (NY Times)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/internet-taxes-another-window-into-the-net-neutrality-debate/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Facebook ‘Likes’ Seattle in a Big Way with New South Lake Union Digs (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/facebook-likes-seattle-in-a-big-way-with-new-south-lake-union-digs-2/

Comcast Rep Lies, Tells Customer That Data Cap is “Mandated by Law” (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/02/20/comcast-rep-lies-tells-customer-that-data-cap-is-mandated-by-law/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Overload Causing Anxiety for Many Teens (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Social-media-overload-causing-anxiety-for-many-teens-292673531.html

How to Handle an Employee’s Offensive Social Media Post (Associated Press)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/How-to-handle-an-employee-s-offensive-social-6090236.php

How to Diplomatically Get Out of Horrible Meetings (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2015/02/19/how-to-diplomatically-get-out-of-horrible-meetings/

Everything You Never Want to Hear in a Radio Ad, in Two Very Funny Videos (AdWeek – Note: Some PG-13 Language)

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/everything-you-never-want-hear-radio-ad-two-very-funny-videos-163063

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

John Kitzhaber Saga Fuels Conservatives’ Fight on Clean Energy (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/john-kitzhaber-oregon-clean-energy-115287.html#ixzz3S8sSOpxv

Ex-Governor Kitzhaber is Clean Energy Critics' New 'Poster Child' (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/report-kitzhaber-is-clean-energy-critics-new.html

Can Kate Brown Restore Oregonians’ Confidence in the Governor’s Office? (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2015/02/20/can-kate-brown-restore-oregonians-confidence-in-the-governors-office/

GENERAL NEWS

‘Poison Pill’ in Washington State Gas Tax Plan Worry Enviros (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/02/poison-pill-gas-tax-plan-worry-enviros/

Tsunami Surge Could Push Far Up Columbia River (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/19/tsunami-surge-could-push-far-up-columbia/

Time Expires on Bill to Abolish Daylight Saving Time in Washington State (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/time-expires-bill-abolish-daylight-saving-time-washington

Attendance Climbs Washington State’s Three National Parks (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attendance-climbs-at-3-national-parks-in-Wash-state-292946961.html

Seattle's Crippled Bertha Tunneler Drills into Rescue Pit (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattles-Bertha-tunneler-breaks-through-into-rescue-pit-292717181.html

Police: Homeless Man Steals Box of Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Police-Homeless-man-steals-diamonds-rubies-sapphires-from-dealer-292967981.html

DIVERSIONS

Beautiful Inland Pacific Northwest Cloud Formation Continues to Impress

http://www.khq.com/story/28150840/beautiful-inland-northwest-cloud-formation-continues-to-impress

Furious Owners Claim Delta Lost Their Show Dogs at Airport

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Furious-owners-claim-Delta-lost-their-show-dogs-at-airport--292816431.html

Overly Tight, Cheap Underpants Force Canada MP Out of His Seat

http://news.yahoo.com/overly-tight-cheap-underpants-force-canada-mp-seat-222657903.html

After Years of Protests, Hong Kong Leader Tells People to be 'Like Sheep'

http://news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-leader-tells-people-sheep-protests-130435339.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides, Now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbn6a0AFfnM

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 February 18, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 18, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/kdd44fh

What Is a ‘Sky River,’ And Why Is Miss Piggy Flying in It? (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/news/what-is-a-sky-river-and-why-is-miss-piggy-flying-in-it/

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

Kate Brown Sworn In as Oregon Governor, Replacing John Kitzhaber (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/us/kate-brown-replacing-john-kitzhaber-as-oregon-governor.html?_r=0

Washington State Legislature: Spat over Solar Power Leaves Tangle of Bills Needing to Move before Cutoff (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/spat-solar-power-leaves-tangle-bills-needing-move-cutoff/

Salmon, Steelhead Spawning, Rearing In New White Salmon River Habitat above Removed Condit Dam Site (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433156.aspx

Atomic Balm: Some Prominent Environmental Veterans Are Talking Up Nuclear Power as a Climate Change Solution (The Energy C9ollective)

http://theenergycollective.com/peterdykstra/2195356/atomic-balm-some-prominent-environmental-veterans-are-talking-nuclear-power-cli

Oregon Senate Approves Clean-Fuels Extension despite Tie to Cylvia Hayes (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/02/oregon_senate_votes_to_extend_1.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below) 

1. Atomic Balm: Some Prominent Environmental Veterans Are Talking Up Nuclear Power as a Climate Change Solution
2. NRC Will Complete Environmental Review of Yucca Project
3. Jefferson PUD Commissioner, Burke Elected Vice-President of Energy Northwest Board of Directors
4. Klickitat PUD Wants to Build $2.5 Billion Power Storage System near Goldendale
5. Cowlitz PUD Recall Fallout Working Its Way to State’s Highest Court
6. DOE Inspector General Report Looks at Disclosure of Information Tied to FERC Grid Analysis
7. New York: Ratepayers Will Subsidize Operation of Ginna Plant
8. New Tools in Copper Theft War
9. Electrical Wiring Gives History Lesson
10. Salmon, Steelhead Spawning, Rearing In New White Salmon River Habitat above Removed Condit Dam Site
11. Silt, Sediment & Change: Federal Government Releases Scientific Studies on Elwha River Dam Removal
12. British Columbia’s Only Land-Based Salmon Farm on Target
13. Op/Ed: Kitzhaber Can Be Proud of His Fisheries & Habitat Legacy
14. Pacific Northwest Snowpack – Water Storage – Severely Sparse: Warm, Wet Winter Means Bounty of Rain Mostly Ran Off
15. California: State’s Population Growth Expected to Outstrip Water Conservation in Coming Years
16. Washington State Legislature: Spat over Solar Power Leaves Tangle of Bills Needing to Move before Cutoff
17. “Green Energy” Requirements Could Be Lightened for Rural Counties
18. Trash-Burning Plant Protected in California Climate Fights
19. United Kingdom: The Truth behind the Wind Power Subsidies Row
20. Energy Efficiency Improvements Have Largely Offset Effect of More, Larger Homes
21. Dryers: Homes’ Energy Guzzlers Just Got Greener
22. California: If Energy Demand Were High, Would You Unplug Your Car?
23. After String of Acquisitions, Energy-Efficiency Consultant CLEAResult Leases Big Office in Downtown Portland
24. Elma Marijuana Farm Gets Its License
25. Millions Made In Marijuana Industry, But Where Is It?
26. Oregon Farmer Plows New Ground with Hemp
27. California: Wood Bill Seeks ‘Greener’ Pot
28. Oregon Senate Approves Clean-Fuels Extension despite Tie to Cylvia Hayes
29. Climate: Pope’s Visit to the Hill Could Make Naysayers Squirm
30. Tesla to Offer Batteries for Home Energy Storage
31. Idaho: Finance Committee Passes Funding Patch for School Broadband; Sunday End Date for Existing Service
32. How the Internet May Be Shifting Innovation Away from Big Cities
33. U-S Senator Greg Walden: In Fight over Net Neutrality Rules, Gets Major Donations from Big Internet Service Providers
34. Smaller Cable Companies Hint They’ll Sue the FCC on Net Neutrality, Too
35. Editorial: Let Cities Compete for Broadband
36. Customer Service Incidents Jeopardize Comcast Merger
37. AT&T Aims to Match Google Broadband in Kansas City – But There’s a Catch
38. Your Boss May Want to Know If You Can Recognize Phishing E-Mails
39. TweetDeck: Twitter’s New Tool Should Help Curb Those Embarrassing Social Media Hacks
40. Is Snapchat Really Worth $19 Billion?
41. Convergence: When Is an LED Not Just a Light? When It’s Trying To Sell You Something
42. Kate Brown Sworn In as Oregon Governor, Replacing John Kitzhaber
43. Why Kate Brown Will Probably Be Governor of Oregon for Quite Some Time
44. Washington Lieutenant Governor Admonishes State Senator Pam Roach for ‘Abusive Behavior’
45. Federal Judge Rules against City of Yakima in Voting Rights Challenge
46. Belfair Bypass Makes Washington State Transportation List
47. Armed Naked Man Arrested by Mason County SWAT Team
48. 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes, Wakes Town of Cle Elum
49. U-S Commerce Secretary Cites ‘Enormous’ Stakes in West Coast Port Slowdown
50. Medford, OR – Longview, WA Dispute National Crime Growth Ranking, Says Data Is Wrong
51. Why Slow Electronic Payments Can Cause Cash Flow Problems
52. Burglar Apologizes After Being Captured, Tied Up By Olympia Victims

WORD OF THE DAY

Caltrop • \KAL-trip \ • Noun – 1: a device with four metal points so arranged that when any three are on the ground the fourth projects upward as a hazard to the hooves of horses or to pneumatic tires 2: puncture vine; also: any of various related herbs (genera Tribulus and Kallstroemia) of the same family (Zygophyllaceae, the caltrop family)

Amanda stood at the second floor window, a smile playing across her face as she watched her potential fiancé dance gingerly in his bare feet across her gravel driveway. She knew that when she asked for a bouquet of roses from the garden that he would have to negotiate the sharp gravel chunks, jabbing the tender soles of his feet as if she had strewn his path with a truckload of caltrops. “Next time I’ll ask for a boquet of ‘stinging nettles’,” she thought. Her sharp cackle of laughter at the thought chased her long-haired Chihuahua from the room.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Atomic Balm: Some Prominent Environmental Veterans Are Talking Up Nuclear Power as a Climate Change Solution (The Energy C9ollective)

http://theenergycollective.com/peterdykstra/2195356/atomic-balm-some-prominent-environmental-veterans-are-talking-nuclear-power-cli

NRC Will Complete Environmental Review of Yucca Project (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060013577

Jefferson PUD Commissioner, Burke Elected Vice-President of Energy Northwest Board of Directors (Port Townsend Leader, WA)

http://www.ptleader.com/news/business/burke-elected-vice-president-of-energy-northwest-board-of-directors/article_24c6defc-b6ec-11e4-b09d-073d3f5058a2.html

Klickitat PUD Wants to Build $2.5 Billion Power Storage System near Goldendale (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2888284-8/klickitat-pud-wants-to-build-25-billion-power

Cowlitz PUD Recall Fallout Working Its Way to State’s Highest Court (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-recall-fallout-working-its-way-to-state-s/article_27c67032-b72c-11e4-b1f1-7b82f39726a4.html

DOE Inspector General Report Looks at Disclosure of Information Tied to FERC Grid Analysis (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43137

New York: Ratepayers Will Subsidize Operation of Ginna Plant (Capitol New York, Albany)

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/02/8562333/ratepayers-will-subsidize-operation-ginna-plant

New Tools in Copper Theft War (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/new-tools-in-copper-theft-war/77974

Electrical Wiring Gives History Lesson (Austin Daily Herald, TX)

http://www.austindailyherald.com/2015/02/electrical-wiring-gives-history-lesson/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Salmon, Steelhead Spawning, Rearing In New White Salmon River Habitat above Removed Condit Dam Site (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433156.aspx

Silt, Sediment & Change: Federal Government Releases Scientific Studies on Elwha River Dam Removal (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150218/news/302189985/silt-sediment-and-change-federal-government-releases-scientific

British Columbia’s Only Land-Based Salmon Farm on Target (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/resources/only+land+based+salmon+farm+target/10818211/story.html

Op/Ed: Kitzhaber Can Be Proud of His Fisheries & Habitat Legacy (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/bill_monroe/index.ssf/2015/02/kitzhaber_can_be_proud_of_his.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Pacific Northwest Snowpack – Water Storage – Severely Sparse: Warm, Wet Winter Means Bounty of Rain Mostly Ran Off (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/18/snowpack-water-storage-severely-sparse-weather/

California: State’s Population Growth Expected to Outstrip Water Conservation in Coming Years (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article10311635.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Washington State Legislature: Spat over Solar Power Leaves Tangle of Bills Needing to Move before Cutoff (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/spat-solar-power-leaves-tangle-bills-needing-move-cutoff/

“Green Energy” Requirements Could Be Lightened for Rural Counties (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://www.kxro.com/green-energy-requirements-could-be-lightened-for-rural-counties/

Trash-Burning Plant Protected in California Climate Fights (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article10378388.html

United Kingdom: The Truth behind the Wind Power Subsidies Row (The Guardian, UK)

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/13/truth-behind-wind-turbines-subsidies-power-row

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency Improvements Have Largely Offset Effect of More, Larger Homes (U-S Energy Information Administration)

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=20031

Dryers: Homes’ Energy Guzzlers Just Got Greener (Associated Press)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/dryers-homes-energy-guzzlers-just-got-greener/2015/02/18/ef05fdd2-b774-11e4-bc30-a4e75503948a_story.html

California: If Energy Demand Were High, Would You Unplug Your Car? (Orange County Register, Santa Ana, CA)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/demand-651510-electricity-edison.html

After String of Acquisitions, Energy-Efficiency Consultant CLEAResult Leases Big Office in Downtown Portland (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/after_string_of_acquisions_cle.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Elma Marijuana Farm Gets Its License (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/elma-pot-farm-gets-its-license

Millions Made In Marijuana Industry, But Where Is It? (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/28122970/millions-made-in-marijuana-industry-but-where-is-it

Oregon Farmer Plows New Ground with Hemp (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-farmer-plows-new-ground-with-hemp/

California: Wood Bill Seeks ‘Greener’ Pot (Eureka Times-Standard, CA)

http://www.times-standard.com/general-news/20150215/wood-bill-seeks-greener-pot

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Oregon Senate Approves Clean-Fuels Extension despite Tie to Cylvia Hayes (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/02/oregon_senate_votes_to_extend_1.html

Climate: Pope’s Visit to the Hill Could Make Naysayers Squirm (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060013494

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Tesla to Offer Batteries for Home Energy Storage (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2015/0213/Tesla-to-offer-batteries-for-home-energy-storage-video

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Idaho: Finance Committee Passes Funding Patch for School Broadband; Sunday End Date for Existing Service (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/02/17/3648681_idaho-public-schools-told-that.html?rh=1

How the Internet May Be Shifting Innovation Away from Big Cities (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/18/how-the-internet-may-be-shifting-innovation-away-from-big-cities/

U-S Senator Greg Walden: In Fight over Net Neutrality Rules, Gets Major Donations from Big Internet Service Providers (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2015/02/greg_walden_in_fight_over_net.html

Smaller Cable Companies Hint They’ll Sue the FCC on Net Neutrality, Too (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/17/smaller-cable-companies-hint-theyll-sue-the-fcc-on-net-neutrality-too/

Editorial: Let Cities Compete for Broadband (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/02/16/municipal-broadband-internet-service-providers-fcc-editorials-debates/23523883/

Customer Service Incidents Jeopardize Comcast Merger (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/14/customer-service-incidents-jeopardize-comcast/

AT&T Aims to Match Google Broadband in Kansas City – But There’s a Catch (Associated Press)

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/02/16/att-aims-to-match-google-broadband-in-kansas-city-but-theres-a-catch/

Your Boss May Want to Know If You Can Recognize Phishing E-Mails (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Your-boss-may-want-to-know-if-you-can-recognize-6081899.php

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

TweetDeck: Twitter’s New Tool Should Help Curb Those Embarrassing Social Media Hacks (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/17/twitters-new-tool-should-help-curb-those-embarrassing-social-media-hacks/

Is Snapchat Really Worth $19 Billion? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2015/0218/Is-Snapchat-really-worth-19-billion

Convergence: When Is an LED Not Just a Light? When It’s Trying To Sell You Something (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2015/02/17/convergence-when-is-an-led-not-just-a-light-when-its-trying-to-sell-you-something/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Kate Brown Sworn In as Oregon Governor, Replacing John Kitzhaber (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/us/kate-brown-replacing-john-kitzhaber-as-oregon-governor.html?_r=0

Why Kate Brown Will Probably Be Governor of Oregon for Quite Some Time (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/02/18/governors-who-take-office-following-a-resignation-have-a-pretty-good-shot-of-being-reelected/

Washington Lieutenant Governor Admonishes State Senator Pam Roach for ‘Abusive Behavior’ (Associated Press)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/02/washington_lieutenant_governor_1.html

Federal Judge Rules against City of Yakima in Voting Rights Challenge (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/federal-judge-rules-against-city-yakima-voting-rights-challenge

GENERAL NEWS

Belfair Bypass Makes Washington State Transportation List (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21405-belfair-bypass-makes-transportation-list

Armed Naked Man Arrested by Mason County SWAT Team (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21420-armed-naked-man-arrested-by-swat

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes, Wakes Town of Cle Elum (Associated Press)

http://q13fox.com/2015/02/18/4-3-magnitude-earthquake-near-cle-elum/

U-S Commerce Secretary Cites ‘Enormous’ Stakes in West Coast Port Slowdown (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2015/02/17/enormous-stakes-in-resolving-west-coast-port-slowdown-sec-pritzker/

Medford, OR – Longview, WA Dispute National Crime Growth Ranking, Says Data Is Wrong (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/02/cities_at_top_of_national_crim.html

Why Slow Electronic Payments Can Cause Cash Flow Problems (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/02/18/386769503/why-slow-electronic-payments-can-cause-cash-flow-problems

Burglar Apologizes After Being Captured, Tied Up By Olympia Victims (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Olympia-burglar-apologizes-after-being-captured-tied-up-by-victims-292264621.html

DIVERSIONS

Niagara Falls Looks Gorgeous in Winter

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/02/18/niagara-falls-winter-frozen/23605805/

Who Wants to Live (Or Die) on Mars? “…people could start dying from oxygen related issues as early as 68 days…”

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/02/17/ticket-mars-red-plant-mars-one/23543053/

Mayor Urges Knucklehead Bostonians Not to Jump Out of Windows into the Snow

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/02/17/mayor-urges-knucklehead-bostonians-not-to-jump-out-of-windows-and-into-the-snow/

Angry Indian Bride Marries Wedding Guest

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-31519551

SONG OF THE DAY

The 5th Dimension - Wedding Bell Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXuyQILJ-yc

Lesley Gore - Wedding Bell Blues (RIP Lesley)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo1t6XmHcdo

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.