Energy News Digest for April 27, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for April 27, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/lvs6o7p

Small Craft Advisory in effect for Puget Sound & Hood Canal

http://tinyurl.com/m3peulr

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

Western Drought Steals Clean Energy Along with Fresh Water at Power Plants (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-hoover-dam-the-drought-is-stealing-clean-energy-along-with-fresh-water/2015/04/26/8ce2740a-e93d-11e4-9767-6276fc9b0ada_story.html

Power Needs of Marijuana: Industry’s Use of Electricity Sparks Concerns (The Daily Astorian, OR)

http://www.dailyastorian.com/da/capital-bureau/20150426/power-needs-of-pot-industry-raise-issues-with-energy-dept-utilities

Responding to De-List Petition, NOAA Fisheries Announces Status Review for Snake River Fall Chinook (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433798.aspx

Audit: Hanford Failed To Take Advantage of Energy Incentive Payments (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/04/25/3529338_audit-hanford-failed-to-take-advantage.html?rh=1

Nevada’s Lake Mead on Track to Reach Record Low Water Level amid Drought (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/nevadas-lake-mead-track-reach-record-low-water-212101707.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Western Drought Steals Clean Energy Along with Fresh Water at Power Plants
• Power Needs of Marijuana: Industry’s Use of Electricity Sparks Concerns
• Cowlitz PUD Looking at Refinancing Bonds to Cut Debt
• Taking the Power Back: Public Power Utilities Empower Customers
• Editorial: New England Energy Infrastructure to Blame for High Electricity Rates
• Viridian in the Hot Seat: Fluctuating Electricity Rates, My Foot
• Week Ahead: Moniz Takes Energy Infrastructure Pitch to Congress
• Responding to De-List Petition, NOAA Fisheries Announces Status Review for Snake River Fall Chinook
• Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, Sea Lions Raise Concerns on the Columbia River
• Complex – And Expensive - System Transports Lewis River Fish
• Tri-Cities: Biologists Say West Fork of Amon Wasteway is Poor Habitat for Salmon, Trout
• Oregon Officials Discover Zebra Mussel Infestation on Boat Being Hauled from Ohio
• Nevada’s Lake Mead on Track to Reach Record Low Water Level amid Drought
• Kitsap PUD Wins State Water Quality Award
• Below-Average Snowpack in Clearwater Basin Calls for Early Fill of Dworshak Reservoir
• Drought Frames Economic Divide of Californians
• How Much Water Does a Water Leak Waste?
• How a Portland-Area Company is Powering Washington D-C’s Biggest Solar (energy) System
• Solar Oven: 3,500 Birds Died at Ivanpah ‘Power Towers’ in First Year
• More, Bigger Co-op Solar Coming
• Thirsty for Clean Power, California Taps Winds in Mexico
• Audit: Hanford Failed To Take Advantage of Energy Incentive Payments
• Bonneville Power Administration Testing Conservation Measures to Brace for High Demand, Low Supply
• With Legalization, Lawyers Turn to the Business of Marijuana
• Washington State House Democrats See Carbon Emissions Tax as Educational Funding Fix
• Op/Ed: Higher Taxes Not the Best Way to Reduce Emissions
• EPA’s McCarthy Tells Industry to Ignore ‘Doomsday’ Talk, Focus on Innovation
• Pope Francis Poised to Weigh in on Climate Change with Major Document
• How to Get More Electric Cars on the Roads
• Conspicuous Consumption for the Smug Environmentalist
• Rays from Exploding Stars May Help Measure Strength of Thunderstorms
• Comcast’s Deal Is Dead, So Now Charter Wants to Buy Time Warner Cable
• Comcast-Time Warner Cable Deal’s Collapse Leaves Frustrated Customers Out in the Cold
• With Amazon atop the Cloud, Big Tech Rivals Are Giving Chase
• Minnesota: Rural Broadband Download Disrupted by Politics
• The Kind of Hacker Your City Wants
• Pinterest Opens Up to Brands with New Ways to Plan Posts & Buy Ads
• Top Nine Facebook Marketing Questions Answered
• Wimbledon Bans Selfie Sticks at the Tournament Because of Contraption’s ‘Nuisance Value’
• Washington State Auditor: Troy Kelley Recall Petition Advances to Pierce County Court
• Gunman Who Fired Shots at North Thurston High School Tackled by Teacher (Shelton Alum)
• Nepal: Earthquake Death Toll Passes 4,000 & Climbing; Basic Goods in Short Supply
• Western Washington Couple Missing in Nepal
• Rafter Dies in Sultan River
• Low Snow Pack May be a Win for Some Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Scam Alert: Con Artists Posing as Heating, Air Conditioning Workers
• As Students Refuse Tests, Washington State Superintendent Warns of Consequences

WORD OF THE DAY

Peregrine • \PAIR-uh-grin\ • adjective – Having a tendency to wander

Walter Mitty sat immobile at his desk, his unfocused eyes betraying his peregrine mind, as it took a flight of fancy to a Renaissance Festival in Belfair, Washington…

WORD HISTORY FROM MERRIAM WEBSTER DICTIONARY – The current meaning of "peregrine" has wandered a bit from its earlier meanings. The word originally meant "foreign," as did its Latin predecessor "peregrinus." But even before "peregrine" appeared on its own in English, it was part of the name of that well-known bird of prey, the peregrine falcon. The bird's appellation derives from "falco peregrinus" -- literally, "pilgrim falcon" in Medieval Latin. Peregrine falcons typically nest in high places, such as on cliff ledges or, in modern times, city skyscrapers. Because of the nests' inaccessibility, medieval falconers who wanted young peregrine falcons to train had captured them on their first flights or migratory "pilgrimages." That practice led to a new sense of "peregrine" ("engaged in or traveling on a pilgrimage"), which was later broadened to "wandering." 

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Western Drought Steals Clean Energy Along with Fresh Water at Power Plants (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-hoover-dam-the-drought-is-stealing-clean-energy-along-with-fresh-water/2015/04/26/8ce2740a-e93d-11e4-9767-6276fc9b0ada_story.html

Power Needs of Marijuana: Industry’s Use of Electricity Sparks Concerns (The Daily Astorian, OR)

http://www.dailyastorian.com/da/capital-bureau/20150426/power-needs-of-pot-industry-raise-issues-with-energy-dept-utilities

Cowlitz PUD Looking at Refinancing Bonds to Cut Debt (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-looking-at-refinancing-bonds-to-cut-debt/article_d632c46c-ba33-5a37-a31d-c1e00f9446f9.html

Taking the Power Back: Public Power Utilities Empower Customers (American Public Power Association)

http://blog.publicpower.org/sme/?p=524#sthash.ArPUOgkj.dpuf

Editorial: New England Energy Infrastructure to Blame for High Electricity Rates (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/239804-energy-infrastructure-to-blame-for-high-electricity

Viridian in the Hot Seat: Fluctuating Electricity Rates, My Foot (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/04/24/fluctuating-electricity-rates-my-foot.htm

Week Ahead: Moniz Takes Energy Infrastructure Pitch to Congress (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/240008-week-ahead-moniz-takes-energy-infrastructure-pitch-to-congress

FISH & WILDLIFE

Responding to De-List Petition, NOAA Fisheries Announces Status Review for Snake River Fall Chinook (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433798.aspx

Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, Sea Lions Raise Concerns on the Columbia River (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/sea-lions-columbia/

Complex – And Expensive - System Transports Lewis River Fish (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/567016c0-dc2f-5531-a80f-e87fd1d0f7f8.html

Tri-Cities: Biologists Say West Fork of Amon Wasteway is Poor Habitat for Salmon, Trout (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/04/26/3530851_biologists-say-west-fork-of-amon.html?rh=1

Oregon Officials Discover Zebra Mussel Infestation on Boat Being Hauled from Ohio (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/04/oregon_officials_discover_zebr.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Nevada’s Lake Mead on Track to Reach Record Low Water Level amid Drought (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/nevadas-lake-mead-track-reach-record-low-water-212101707.html

Kitsap PUD Wins State Water Quality Award (Central Kitsap Reporter, WA)

http://www.centralkitsapreporter.com/news/301239631.html

Below-Average Snowpack in Clearwater Basin Calls for Early Fill of Dworshak Reservoir (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/433793.aspx

Drought Frames Economic Divide of Californians (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/27/us/drought-widens-economic-divide-for-californians.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

How Much Water Does a Water Leak Waste? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/wegowise/2221046/how-much-water-does-water-leak-waste

RENEWABLE ENERGY

How a Portland-Area Company is Powering Washington D-C’s Biggest Solar (energy) System (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2015/04/how-a-portland-area-company-is-powering-d-c-s.html

Solar Oven: 3,500 Birds Died at Ivanpah ‘Power Towers’ in First Year (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060017406

More, Bigger Co-op Solar Coming (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/power-supply/renewable-energy/electric-cooperatives-developing-more-solar-projects/80294

Thirsty for Clean Power, California Taps Winds in Mexico (San Diego Union-Tribune, CA)

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/26/cross-border-currents/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Audit: Hanford Failed To Take Advantage of Energy Incentive Payments (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/04/25/3529338_audit-hanford-failed-to-take-advantage.html?rh=1

Bonneville Power Administration Testing Conservation Measures to Brace for High Demand, Low Supply (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/bpa-testing-conservation-measures-to-brace-for-high-demand-low/article_fc64ace5-2d2f-573d-b5b6-7857b38ab959.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

With Legalization, Lawyers Turn to the Business of Marijuana (Associated Press)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article19457370.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State House Democrats See Carbon Emissions Tax as Educational Funding Fix (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/26/3760068_house-democrats-see-carbon-emissions.html?rh=1

Op/Ed: Higher Taxes Not the Best Way to Reduce Emissions (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/24/3757628/higher-taxes-not-the-best-way.html

EPA’s McCarthy Tells Industry to Ignore ‘Doomsday’ Talk, Focus on Innovation (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060017378

Pope Francis Poised to Weigh in on Climate Change with Major Document (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pope-francis-poised-to-weigh-in-on-climate-change-with-major-document/2015/04/27/d5c268b2-df81-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html?wprss=rss_national

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

How to Get More Electric Cars on the Roads (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2015/0427/How-to-get-more-electric-cars-on-the-roads

Conspicuous Consumption for the Smug Environmentalist (Slate Magazine)

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/04/bmw_i8_vs_tesla_model_s_which_electric_car_is_best.html

Rays from Exploding Stars May Help Measure Strength of Thunderstorms (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/28/science/rays-from-exploding-stars-may-help-measure-strength-of-thunderstorms.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Comcast’s Deal Is Dead, So Now Charter Wants to Buy Time Warner Cable (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/04/comcasts_deal_is_dead_so_now_c.html

Comcast-Time Warner Cable Deal’s Collapse Leaves Frustrated Customers Out in the Cold (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/27/business/media/mergers-collapse-leaves-frustrated-cable-customers-out-in-the-cold.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

With Amazon atop the Cloud, Big Tech Rivals Are Giving Chase (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/technology/amazon-reports-big-profits-in-its-cloud-computing-business.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Minnesota: Rural Broadband Download Disrupted by Politics (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)

http://www.startribune.com/local/yourvoices/301062901.html

The Kind of Hacker Your City Wants (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/04/26/ozy-civic-hacker-city-wants/26301435/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Pinterest Opens Up to Brands with New Ways to Plan Posts & Buy Ads (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/pinterest-opens-brands-new-ways-plan-posts-and-buy-ads-164321

Top Nine Facebook Marketing Questions Answered (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/top-9-facebook-marketing-questions-answered/

Wimbledon Bans Selfie Sticks at the Tournament Because of Contraption’s ‘Nuisance Value’ (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2015/04/27/leave-your-selfie-sticks-at-home-say-wimbledon-organizers

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Auditor: Troy Kelley Recall Petition Advances to Pierce County Court (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/troy-kelley-recall-petition-advances-pierce-county-court

GENERAL NEWS

Gunman Who Fired Shots at North Thurston High School Tackled by Teacher (Shelton Alum) (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Gunman-at-North-Thurston-High-School-apprehended-by-staff-301426921.html

Nepal: Earthquake Death Toll Passes 4,000 & Climbing; Basic Goods in Short Supply (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2015/04/nepal_earthquake_death_toll_at.html

Western Washington Couple Missing in Nepal (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/komo/article/W-Washington-couple-missing-in-Nepal-6226019.php

Rafter Dies in Sultan River (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/rafter-dies-Sultan-River/nk3tS/

Low Snow Pack May be a Win for Some Outdoor Enthusiasts (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Low-snow-pack-may-be-a-win-for-some-outdoor-enthusiasts-301362001.html

Scam Alert: Con Artists Posing as Heating, Air Conditioning Workers (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/scam-alert-con-artists-posing-heating-air-conditio/nk4Kn/

As Students Refuse Tests, Washington State Superintendent Warns of Consequences (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/students-refuse-tests-washington-superintendent-warns-consequences

DIVERSIONS

How the Tea Bag Was Invented

http://gizmodo.com/how-the-tea-bag-was-invented-1700351584

Man Sidetracked by Tater Tots during Suspected Robbery Burglary Attempt

http://time.com/3836003/man-falls-asleep-during-robbery/

This Sneaky Turtle Just Photobombed a Group Picture in the Philippines

http://time.com/3835615/turtle-photobomb-philppines/

Quacking Duck Ringtone Helps Firefighter Rescue Ducklings

http://news.yahoo.com/quacking-duck-ringtone-helps-firefighter-rescue-ducklings-220325434.html

SONG OF THE DAY

The Doobie Brothers – Black Water

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

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 April 24, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for April 24, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/odo4me9

Small Craft Advisory for Puget Sound & Hood Canal

http://tinyurl.com/oqw8l2t

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

Let’s Talk Incremental Hydro: McNary Dam Hits the Rewind “…The new stators contain about 35 percent more copper, which will lift the capacity of each generator to 100 megawatts from its historic 84.7 MW after turbine upgrades…” (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/McNary-Dam-hits-the-rewind.aspx

Tacoma’s Rainier Connect Makes Bid for Click (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/22/3754054_tacomas-rainier-connect-makes.html?rh=1

Comcast Abandons $45 Billion Time Warner Cable Merger (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/24/us-comcast-timewarnercable-idUSKBN0NE2D220150424

Pacific Northwest, New England: Energy Efficiency Progress – A Tale of Two Regions (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/2218721/energy-efficiency-progress-tale-two-regions

Oregon Pilots Contend Proposed Troutdale Energy Plant Poses Safety Risk (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-pilots-contend-proposed-troutdale-energy-plant-poses-safety-risk/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Let’s Talk Incremental Hydro: McNary Dam Hits the Rewind
• Oregon Pilots Contend Proposed Troutdale Energy Plant Poses Safety Risk
• Bonneville Power Administration & EnerNOC Will Test Demand Response for Non-Wires & Peak Load Shaving
• Editorial: Apple Draws On Wind Power Big Time, But Touts Hydro Project
• Oregon: Steve Eldrige to Retire in 2016 as Umatilla Electric CEO
• Oregon: No Plans to Search for New Columbia River PUD Manager Yet
• Arbor Day - With Great Trees Come Great Responsibility
• Smart Rates for Smart Utilities Will Require the Adoption of Unbundling
• U-S Senate Bill Would Allow FERC to Overrule State Siting Decisions on Power Lines
• Baker Signals Support for Expanded Natural Gas Pipeline in New England
• New England Governors Change Course on Paying for Energy Projects
• Greens Get Legal Fees in California Salmon Case
• Editorial: California Can Keep Its Mitts Off the Columbia River
• 11-Ton ‘Fatberg’ Breaks London Sewer
• Umatilla Electric Cooperative Plans 1-Megawatt Solar Array
• Price Check: Why SolarCity’s University Solar Projects Cost Oregon Taxpayers $12 Million
• Groups Warns British Columbia Wind Farm Threatens Trout Spawning
• There’s a Fight Brewing over Who Profits from Solar Power
• Pacific Northwest, New England: Energy Efficiency Progress – A Tale of Two Regions
• BC Hydro Won’t Meet Energy Conservation Targets
• Small Cities Remain Fertile Ground for Efficiency Projects
• Philips’ Insane 2-For-$5 LED Bulb Sale Just Went Live
• Oregon Expects 2,000 Applicants for Recreational Marijuana Licenses
• Legal Pot: Oregon Expects Far Less Tax Revenue than Colorado, Washington
• Poll: Northwest Voters Have Few Regrets after Legalizing Marinuana
• Bill Would Prevent Feds from Targeting Compliant Marijuana Companies
• Can Stock Photos Depicting ‘Normal People’ Using Marijuana Break the Stereotypes?
• A Challenge from Climate Change Regulations
• Carbon Tax Could Replace Obama’s Climate Rules, Democrat Says
• Why Energy Storage Is Suddenly Such a Big Deal
• Energy Quote of the Day: Electric Vehicles as Grid Saviors
• Finding Easier Ways to Charge Electric Vehicles
• Seattle’s Mayor Postpones Fines for Food Scraps – The ‘Pizza Box Penalty’
• Tacoma’s Rainier Connect Makes Bid for Click
• Rainier Connect Makes Bid for City of Tacoma’s Click! Network
• Cooler Heads Prevail At Second Click Town Hall Meeting
• Comcast Abandons $45 Billion Time Warner Cable Merger
• Once Comcast’s Deal Shifted to a Focus on Broadband, Its Ambitions Were Sunk
• Facebook’s Focus on the Future of Communication Continues to Grow
• As YouTube Marks Tenth Year, Facebook Emerges as Video Threat
• Google’s ‘Mobilegeddon’ Shows Tech’s Focus on Forced Progress
• Here’s a Fascinating Breakdown of Emoji Use by Country
• Washington State Governor Calls Special Legislative Session with Budget, Transportation Work Undone
• Washington Governor’s Office: Troy Kelley’s Pay Can Be Withheld
• Tourism to Olympic National Park Creates over $365 Million in Economic Benefits
• Three Earthquakes Rattle Northern Idaho
• U-S Maps Pinpoint Earthquakes Linked to Quest for Oil & Gas

WORD OF THE DAY

Redoubt • \ri-ˈDOW-T\ • Noun - 1a: a small usually temporary enclosed defensive work b: a defended position: protective barrier 2: a secure retreat: stronghold

A snow fort, a blue woolen blanket draped over a folding card table, barriers made out of couch cushions. Seems like the redoubts we made as children were much more comforting and safe than the cubicle walls that now enclose our daily lives.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Let’s Talk Incremental Hydro: McNary Dam Hits the Rewind “…The new stators contain about 35 percent more copper, which will lift the capacity of each generator to 100 megawatts from its historic 84.7 MW after turbine upgrades…” (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/McNary-Dam-hits-the-rewind.aspx

Oregon Pilots Contend Proposed Troutdale Energy Plant Poses Safety Risk (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-pilots-contend-proposed-troutdale-energy-plant-poses-safety-risk/

Bonneville Power Administration & EnerNOC Will Test Demand Response for Non-Wires & Peak Load Shaving (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2015/04/bonneville-power-administration-enernoc.html

Editorial: Apple Draws On Wind Power Big Time, But Touts Hydro Project (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/apr/23/apple-draws-on-wind-power-big-time-but-touts-hydro/

Oregon: Steve Eldrige to Retire in 2016 as Umatilla Electric CEO (Hermiston Herald, OR)

http://www.hermistonherald.com/hh/local-news/20150423/eldrige-to-retire-in-2016-as-umatilla-electric-ceo

Oregon: No Plans to Search for New Columbia River PUD Manager Yet (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/scs/83-news/258054-129187-no-plans-to-search-for-new-pud-manager-yet-

Arbor Day - With Great Trees Come Great Responsibility (Mason PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=1508

Smart Rates for Smart Utilities Will Require the Adoption of Unbundling (Breaking Energy – “…Luke, I am your battery…”)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/04/23/smart-rates-for-smart-utilities-will-require-the-adoption-of-unbundling/

U-S Senate Bill Would Allow FERC to Overrule State Siting Decisions on Power Lines (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/senate-bill-would-allow-ferc-to-overrule-state-siting-decisions-on-power-li/390253/

Baker Signals Support for Expanded Natural Gas Pipeline in New England (Boston Globe, MA)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/04/23/energy/uOR8a4XhH9VM4N1a7YbBYN/story.html

New England Governors Change Course on Paying for Energy Projects “…Investments in the billions of dollars are needed…to reduce electricity prices, which, outside of Hawaii, are the highest in the U-S…” (Hartford Courant, CT)

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-new-england-governors-energy-meeting-hartford-20150423-story.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Greens Get Legal Fees in California Salmon Case (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/04/24/greens-get-legal-fees-in-salmon-case.htm

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Editorial: California Can Keep Its Mitts Off the Columbia River “…CA: “Each day, the Columbia River dumps in the Pacific Ocean 90 billion gallons of fresh water…That is wasteful & sinful…” (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/22/3753519/california-can-keep-its-mitts.html

11-Ton ‘Fatberg’ Breaks London Sewer (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/22/london-sewer-fatberg/26174469/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Umatilla Electric Cooperative Plans 1-Megawatt Solar Array (Eastern Oregonian, Pendleton, OR)

http://www.eastoregonian.com/eo/local-news/20150422/uec-plans-1-megawatt-solar-array

Price Check: Why SolarCity’s University Solar Projects Cost Oregon Taxpayers $12 Million (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/04/solarcity_arrays_garner_big_ta.html

Groups Warns British Columbia Wind Farm Threatens Trout Spawning – “…could pollute waters (during construction) with acidic run-off & heavy metals…” (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/groups-warns-bc-wind-farm-threatens-trout-spawning/article24088323/

There’s a Fight Brewing over Who Profits from Solar Power (Mother Jones)

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/04/new-front-solar-wars-who-owns-panels-your-roof

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Pacific Northwest, New England: Energy Efficiency Progress – A Tale of Two Regions (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/2218721/energy-efficiency-progress-tale-two-regions

BC Hydro Won’t Meet Energy Conservation Targets (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-hydro-wont-meet-energy-conservation-targets/article24094714/

Small Cities Remain Fertile Ground for Efficiency Projects (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2015/04/23/the-low-hanging-fruit-myth-municipalities-seek-help-with-efficiency/

Philips’ Insane 2-For-$5 LED Bulb Sale Just Went Live (Kinja Deals)

http://deals.kinja.com/philips-insane-2-for-1-led-bulb-sale-just-went-live-1699695293

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Oregon Expects 2,000 Applicants for Recreational Marijuana Licenses (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/oregon-expects-2000-applicants-for-recreational-mj-licenses/

Legal Pot: Oregon Expects Far Less Tax Revenue than Colorado, Washington (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/2015/04/legal-pot-oregon-expects-far-less-tax-revenue-than.html

Poll: Northwest Voters Have Few Regrets after Legalizing Marinuana (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/poll-finds-northwest-voters-have-few-regrets-after-legalizing-pot/

Bill Would Prevent Feds from Targeting Compliant Marijuana Companies (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/bill-would-minimize-chances-of-federal-prosecution-for-cannabis-companies/

Can Stock Photos Depicting ‘Normal People’ Using Marijuana Break the Stereotypes? (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2015/04/23/can-stock-photos-depicting-normal-people-using-marijuana-break-the-stereotypes/#32401101=0

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

A Challenge from Climate Change Regulations (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/23/business/energy-environment/a-challenge-from-climate-change-regulations.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Carbon Tax Could Replace Obama’s Climate Rules, Democrat Says (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060017290

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Why Energy Storage Is Suddenly Such a Big Deal (American Public Power Association)

http://publicpower.org/Media/magazine/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43283

Energy Quote of the Day: Electric Vehicles as Grid Saviors (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/04/21/energy-quote-of-the-day-electric-vehicles-as-grid-saviors/

Finding Easier Ways to Charge Electric Vehicles (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/business/finding-easier-ways-to-charge-electric-vehicles.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Seattle’s Mayor Postpones Fines for Food Scraps – The ‘Pizza Box Penalty’ (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2015/04/23/mayor-murray-postpones-fines-for-food-scraps-the-pizza-box-penalty/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Tacoma’s Rainier Connect Makes Bid for Click (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/22/3754054_tacomas-rainier-connect-makes.html?rh=1

Rainier Connect Makes Bid for City of Tacoma’s Click! Network (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/April-2015/Rainier-Connect-makes-bid-for-Click/

Cooler Heads Prevail At Second Click Town Hall Meeting (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/23/3756246_cooler-heads-prevail-at-second.html?rh=1

Comcast Abandons $45 Billion Time Warner Cable Merger (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/24/us-comcast-timewarnercable-idUSKBN0NE2D220150424

Once Comcast’s Deal Shifted to a Focus on Broadband, Its Ambitions Were Sunk (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/business/media/once-comcasts-deal-shifted-to-a-focus-on-broadband-its-ambitions-were-sunk.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook’s Focus on the Future of Communication Continues to Grow (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/04/23/facebooks-focus-on-the-future-of-communciation-continues-to-grow/?wprss=rss_technology

As YouTube Marks Tenth Year, Facebook Emerges as Video Threat (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/23/us-facebook-video-idUSKBN0NE1N520150423

Google’s ‘Mobilegeddon’ Shows Tech’s Focus on Forced Progress (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2015/0422/Google-s-Mobilegeddon-shows-tech-s-focus-on-forced-progress

Here’s a Fascinating Breakdown of Emoji Use by Country (TIME Magazine)

http://time.com/3831060/emoji-use-by-country/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Governor Calls Special Legislative Session with Budget, Transportation Work Undone (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2015/04/23/inslee-calls-special-legislative-session-with-budget-transportation-work-undone/

Washington Governor’s Office: Troy Kelley’s Pay Can Be Withheld (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/washington-governors-office-troy-kelleys-pay-can-be-withheld

GENERAL NEWS

Tourism to Olympic National Park Creates over $365 Million in Economic Benefits (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/local-news/367446/

Three Earthquakes Rattle Northern Idaho (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/28889116/3-earthquakes-rattle-northern-idaho

U-S Maps Pinpoint Earthquakes Linked to Quest for Oil & Gas (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/us-maps-areas-of-increased-earthquakes-from-human-activity.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

DIVERSIONS

Americans Are Forgetting How to Write Checks, Google Data Show

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/22/americans-are-forgetting-how-to-write-checks-google-data-show/?wprss=rss_business

Have You Eaten Your Last Avocado?

http://www.grubstreet.com/2015/04/end-of-avocados.html

Police Arrest Utah Man Who Lit Brush Fire ‘To Signal for Help’

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/23/us-usa-utah-arson-idUSKBN0NE01J20150423

Hubble Space Telescope Still Dazzles after 25 Years

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/hubble-space-telescope-still-dazzles-25-years-late/nk25Y/

SONG OF THE DAY

Stardust – Nat King Cole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjU6ZjrQulc

Cannonball Adderley – Stardust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HSFhixO-uo

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 April 23, 2015 – Hot Shots Edition

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for April 23, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/p8nq2bf

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

Benton PUD Celebrates Earth Day with Solar Energy Project Groundbreaking (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Benton-PUD-celebrates-Earth-Day-with-solar-energy-project-ground-breaking-300996001.html

Island Power to Host Public Forum (Bainbridge Island Review, WA)

http://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/300949911.html

Portland May Dodge Parching Drought (Portland Tribune, OR)
http://pamplinmediagroup.com/pt/9-news/257443-127214-portland-may-dodge-parching-drought-

Video: Copper Thief's Advice: 'Get a Real Job' (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/04/23/copper-thief-lee-skelly-sound-transit-wire-whittenberg-king-5/26230871/

Bellingham Pipeline Blast Remembered: 'Pipelines Blow Up And People Die' – After a series of deadly accidents, Congress created an office to oversee the nation’s oil and gas pipelines. A decade later, it’s become the can’t-do agency (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/the-little-pipeline-agency-that-couldnt-117147.html#ixzz3Y2TNL2kJ

As Special Session Looms, Five Things to Know about Washington Legislature (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/special-session-looms-5-things-know-about-washington-legislature

Catching Waves and Turning Them into Electricity (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/23/business/energy-environment/catching-waves-and-turning-them-into-electricity.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Model for Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter Painting Dies (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/04/22/model-rosie-the-riveter-painting-norman-rockwell/26211389/

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 April 22, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for April 22, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/nthmcdq

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

Failed Insulator Causes Four-Hour Power Outage Monday in Several Jefferson County Communities (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150422/news/304229979/failed-insulator-causes-four-hour-power-outage-in-several-jefferson

New California Proposal: Use Less Electricity, Pay More (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/New-California-proposal-Use-less-electricity-6215308.php

SolarCity Raises $1 Billion, Will Steer Businesses toward Solar (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/SolarCity-raises-1-billion-will-steer-6214866.php

Northwest Pool Slows Imbalance Market Progress (Argus Media)

http://www.argusmedia.com/News/Article?id=1027055

Earth Day’s Importance & Evolution since 1970 (Huffington Post)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-cohen/earth-days-importance-and_b_7099522.html?utm_hp_ref=green

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Failed Insulator Causes Four-Hour Power Outage Monday in Several Jefferson County Communities
• New California Proposal: Use Less Electricity, Pay More
• Northwest Pool Slows Imbalance Market Progress
• British Columbia: Conflicts Mar BC Hydro Transmission Line Completion, Cost Still Unknown
• British Columbia Argues Peace River Dam Environmental Approval Process Was Above Board
• Former Idaho Nuke Executive Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud
• Longview Man Facing $5,000 Water Bill Due to Possible Pirate Plumbing
• NERC: EPA Should Ease Clean Power Plan Timeline to Ensure Reliability
• White House Calls for Billions in New Grid Infrastructure Spending in Quadrennial Energy Review
• Japan Moves Nearer To Restarting Nuclear Reactors after Court Gives Go-Ahead
• Illinois: Chicago Will End Power Pact with Constellation, Return Customers to ComEd
• Nebraska Public Power District to Convert a Unit from Coal to Hydrogen Power
• Public Comment Sought on Proposed Makah Whale Hunt
• Fisher Possibly Threatened by Marijuana Grow Operations
• Video: Warm ‘Blob’ Causes Early Maturing of Oregon Oysters
• Cowlitz River Fishery & Hatchery Program Meeting
• Clark, Skamania Counties in Drought Emergency
• Yakima Basin Drought Forces Early Use of Stored Water
• SolarCity Raises $1 Billion, Will Steer Businesses toward Solar
• Increased Wind Energy versus Increased Canadian Hydro Energy in New England
• Five Ways to Celebrate Earth Day & Save Energy
• Congress Preserves Large Water Heater Production
• Marijuana Dispensaries, Recreational Shops Struggle to Find Homes in Rental Market
• Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s Marijuana Program Budget for First 2 Years: $10.5 Million
• Some Environmental Advocates Not Helping the Cause, Climate Scientist Says
• Earth Day’s Importance & Evolution since 1970
• Op/Ed: Want To Save The Planet? Say Bye-Bye To Nature
• Earth Day, Bah! Hybrid, EV Owners Shift to SUVs
• Green Energy Hiring Outpaces Coal Job Losses
• Ten U-S Cities That Are Going Green
• Lack of Broadband in Some Areas Limits Telemedicine
• Google Prepares to Launch U-S Wireless Service as Europe Circles the Wagons
• Comcast’s Track Record in Past Deals May Be Hitch for Merger with Time Warner Cable
• Top Cable Lobbyist Confused Why People Like Google Better
• Twitter’s Trying to Muzzle Its Worst Trolls with New Rules on Violent Threats
• Facebook Tweaks Cause Concern among Marketers, but Not Necessarily Panic
• How to Grow Your Facebook Audience: Eight Success Tips
• Facebook Earnings: Great Expectations
• Washington State Treasurer Proposes Income Tax to Fund Education
• Editorial: No Excuse for Failing to Preserve Text Message Records
• Editorial: Troy Kelley Should Do Us a Favor & Resign
• Washington State Woman, from Allyn, Found Dead in Waters Off Maui
• Mason County Unemployment Down in March
• Belfair Sewer Project – The Plan to Step Forward
• A Timely Look at Washington State’s Deteriorating Bridges & Clogged Highways
• Farmer Convicted of Killing Men, Feeding to Pigs
• Boeing First-Quarter Profit Jumps 38 Percent on Higher Jet Deliveries
• Experts Again See Conditions Ripe for El Niño in Fall
• Family Sues Chehalis Funeral Home – Cremation & Wrong Body in Casket

WORD OF THE DAY

Garniture • \GARR-nit-churr\ • Noun - 1: embellishment, trimming 2: a set of decorative objects (as vases, urns, or clocks)

The ticking of the grandfather clock in the gloomy parlor made it seem spookier than it was. The red velvet wallpaper, lamps with their wicks lowered to a feeble glow, silk handkerchiefs draped seductively over their shades. “This garniture is directly from the ‘Miss Kitty” school of décor,” mused the dusty cowhand to himself, his spurs jangling across the creaky wooden floor as he made his way to the low divan, where the hostess impatiently waited, the weathered copy of “Wuthering Heights” gripped in her hands.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Failed Insulator Causes Four-Hour Power Outage Monday in Several Jefferson County Communities (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150422/news/304229979/failed-insulator-causes-four-hour-power-outage-in-several-jefferson

New California Proposal: Use Less Electricity, Pay More (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/New-California-proposal-Use-less-electricity-6215308.php

Northwest Pool Slows Imbalance Market Progress (Argus Media)

http://www.argusmedia.com/News/Article?id=1027055

British Columbia: Conflicts Mar BC Hydro Transmission Line Completion, Cost Still Unknown (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/conflicts-mar-transmission-line-project-as-completion-and-cost-still-unknown/article24057530/?cmpid=rss1

British Columbia Argues Peace River Dam Environmental Approval Process Was Above Board (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/argues+Site+environmental+approval+process+above+board/10991268/story.html

Former Idaho Nuke Executive Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/04/21/3764133_former-idaho-nuke-executive-pleads.html?rh=1

Longview Man Facing $5,000 Water Bill Due to Possible Pirate Plumbing (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/longview-man-facing-water-bill-due-to-possible-pirate-plumbing/article_c3b75025-b403-5f46-bf65-7104d651e7c1.html

NERC: EPA Should Ease Clean Power Plan Timeline to Ensure Reliability (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/nerc-epa-should-ease-clean-power-plan-timeline-to-ensure-reliability/389440/

White House Calls for Billions in New Grid Infrastructure Spending in Quadrennial Energy Review (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/white-house-calls-for-billions-in-new-grid-infrastructure-spending-in-qer/389490/

Japan Moves Nearer To Restarting Nuclear Reactors after Court Gives Go-Ahead (The Guardian, UK)

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/22/japan-moves-nearer-to-restarting-nuclear-reactors-after-court-gives-go-ahead

Illinois: Chicago Will End Power Pact with Constellation, Return Customers to ComEd (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/chicago-will-end-power-pact-with-constellation-return-customers-to-comed/389502/

Nebraska Public Power District to Convert a Unit from Coal to Hydrogen Power (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43655

FISH & WILDLIFE

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Makah Whale Hunt – Meeting Set Next Wednesday in Port Angeles (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150422/NEWS/304229988/public-comment-sought-on-proposed-makah-whale-hunt-with-meeting-set

Fisher Possibly Threatened by Marijuana Grow Operations (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/radio/programs/thinkoutloud/segment/fisher-possibly-threatened-by-marijuana-grow-operations/

Video: Warm ‘Blob’ Causes Early Maturing of Oregon Oysters (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/green/2015/04/21/blob-actually-proving-good-for-pacific-northwest-oysters/26157297/

Cowlitz River Fishery & Hatchery Program Meeting (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2015/04/cowlitz-river-fishery-and-hatchery.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Clark, Skamania Counties in Drought Emergency (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2015/04/18/clark-skamania-counties-in-drought-emergency/

Yakima Basin Drought Forces Early Use of Stored Water (Associated Press)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/yakima-basin-drought-forces-early-use-stored-water/nkzKn/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SolarCity Raises $1 Billion, Will Steer Businesses toward Solar (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/SolarCity-raises-1-billion-will-steer-6214866.php

Increased Wind Energy versus Increased Canadian Hydro Energy in New England (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/willem-post/2219181/increased-wind-energy-versus-increased-canadian-hydro-energy-new-england

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Five Ways to Celebrate Earth Day & Save Energy (Mason PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=1507

Congress Preserves Large Water Heater Production (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/public-policy-watch/legislation/congress-saves-large-water-heater-production/80460

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Marijuana Dispensaries, Recreational Shops Struggle to Find Homes in Rental Market (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2015/04/marijuana-dispensaries-recreational-shops-struggle.html

Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s Marijuana Program Budget for First 2 Years: $10.5 Million (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2015/04/olccs_recreational_marijuana_p.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Some Environmental Advocates Not Helping the Cause, Climate Scientist Says (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2015/04/21/some-environmental-advocates-not-helping-the-cause-climate-scientist-says/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Earth Day’s Importance & Evolution since 1970 (Huffington Post)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-cohen/earth-days-importance-and_b_7099522.html?utm_hp_ref=green

Op/Ed: Want To Save The Planet? Say Bye-Bye To Nature (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/04/22/earth-day-climate-change-column/26073883/

Earth Day, Bah! Hybrid, EV Owners Shift to SUVs (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/04/21/earth-day-electric-ev-hybrid-dissatisfied-suv/26121125/

Green Energy Hiring Outpaces Coal Job Losses (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/apr/22/green-energy-hiring-outpaces-coal-job-losses/

Ten U-S Cities That Are Going Green (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/pictures-video/american-environmentally-friendly-green-cities-20150421

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Lack of Broadband in Some Areas Limits Telemedicine (Computerworld)

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2912877/healthcare-it/lack-of-broadband-in-some-areas-limits-telemedicine.html

Google Prepares to Launch U-S Wireless Service as Europe Circles the Wagons (Silicon Valley Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2015/04/22/google-prepares-to-launch-wireless-service-as.html

Comcast’s Track Record in Past Deals May Be Hitch for Merger with Time Warner Cable (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/22/business/media/6-senators-urge-rejection-of-comcast-time-warner-cable-deal.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Top Cable Lobbyist Confused Why People Like Google Better (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Top-Cable-Lobbyist-Confused-Why-People-Like-Google-Better-133460

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter’s Trying to Muzzle Its Worst Trolls with New Rules on Violent Threats (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/04/21/twitters-trying-to-muzzle-its-worst-trolls-with-new-rules-on-violent-threats/?wprss=rss_technology

Facebook Tweaks Cause Concern among Marketers, but Not Necessarily Panic (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/facebook-tweaks-cause-concern-among-publishers-not-necessarily-panic-164213

How to Grow Your Facebook Audience: Eight Success Tips (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/grow-your-facebook-audience-8-success-tips/

Facebook Earnings: Great Expectations (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/04/22/facebook-earnings-preview/26152073/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Treasurer Proposes Income Tax to Fund Education (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/apr/21/state-treasurer-proposes-income-tax-to-fund-educat/

Editorial: No Excuse for Failing to Preserve Text Message Records (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/20/3749996_no-excuse-for-failing-to-preserve.html?rh=1

Editorial: Troy Kelley Should Do Us a Favor & Resign (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/editorials/3099982-8/troy-kelley-should-do-us-a-favor-and

GENERAL NEWS

Washington State Woman, from Allyn, Found Dead in Waters Off of Maui (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Wash-state-woman-found-dead-in-waters-off-of-Maui-300927231.html

Mason County Unemployment Down in March (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/15068

Belfair Sewer Project – The Plan to Step Forward (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/22566-the-plan-to-step-forward

A Timely Look at Washington State’s Deteriorating Bridges & Clogged Highways (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2015/04/a-timely-look-at-washington-state-s-deteriorating.html

Farmer Convicted of Killing Men, Feeding to Pigs (Associated Press)

http://koin.com/2015/04/21/farmer-convicted-of-killing-men-feeding-to-pigs/

Boeing First-Quarter Profit Jumps 38 Percent on Higher Jet Deliveries (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/22/us-boeing-results-idUSKBN0ND1C520150422

Experts Again See Conditions Ripe for El Niño in Fall (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/El-Ni-o-builds-amid-drought-but-don-t-jinx-6214739.php

Family Sues Chehalis Funeral Home – Cremation & Wrong Body in Casket (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/family-sues-chehalis-funeral-home/nkzWt/

DIVERSIONS

Pianist Emerges from TARDIS to Play ‘Doctor Who’ Theme Song Cover

http://mashable.com/2015/04/21/doctor-who-theme-song-piano-cover/

This London Homeowner Came Up with a Genius Way of Taking Revenge on Her Neighbors

http://time.com/3826112/neighbors-revenge-candy-stripe-red-and-white-london-homeowner/

Kmart & Joe Boxer’s High-Tech Bracelet Measures Inactivity & Celebrates Your Laziness (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/kmart-celebrates-sloth-joe-boxers-inactivity-tracker-and-hourlong-ad-about-nothing-164215

100-Carat Diamond Sells for $22 Million at Auction

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/818633489c5b4ec4b7650b2994f2408d/100-carat-diamond-could-bring-25m-auction

SONG OF THE DAY

Mills Brothers – Lazy River

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIzL5IdkwAc

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.