Energy News Digest for January 4, 2016

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for January 4, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1RbyaO6

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

FBI Seeks Peaceful End to Occupation at Oregon Wildlife Refuge (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-militia-idUSKBN0UI1DC20160104

Current Mt. Hood Snowpack Shreds Last Year’s Levels (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/12/current-mt-hood-snowpack-shreds-last-years-levels.html

Montana Mine Lays Off Workers as Coal Industry Slumps (Associated Press)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160101/BIZ02/160109940

Editorial: Unlocking Carbon Gridlock in Washington a Matter of Inclusion, Not Exclusion (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/matt-driscoll/article52587685.html

AP Source: Washington State Democratic Rep. McDermott to Announce Retirement (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-source-democratic-rep-mcdermott-announce-retirement-144650014--politics.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Montana Mine Lays Off Workers as Coal Industry Slumps
• Union at Eugene Water & Electric Board Will Vote Third Time Tuesday on Proposed Pact with Utility
• Editorial: Threading the Needle – Cheaply – To Meet Pacific Northwest Power Demands
• Alaska Railbelt Utilities Progress on Forming Single Transmission Operator
• Colorado Regulators Affirm Decision Rejecting Part of Boulder’s Public Power Plan
• California: Did Wayward Drone Knock Out Power in Bernal Heights?
• Maine: PUC Data at Center of Bias Allegations to Remain Secret Indefinitely
• Puget Sound Salmon Restoration Efforts Focus on Private Property
• In OTHER Malheur National Wildlife Refuge News: Biologists Hope Fishing Will End Carp Invasion
• Environmental Disaster: Using Bombs for Fishing
• To Save a Rare Forest, Farmers Try a New Crop – Butterflies
• Current Mt. Hood Snowpack Shreds Last Year’s Levels
• Editorial: Picking Up the Pieces in Klamath
• California: Solar Is In, Biomass Energy Is Out – Farmers Are Struggling to Dispose of Woody Waste
• California: Ratepayers Face Unknown Costs for Renewable Power
• Op/Ed: Montana – NorthWestern Rebuts Renewables Criticism
• Google Helps Analyze If Rooftop Solar Panels Are Good Deal
• Hawaii Court Upholds PUC Order Ending Retail Rate Net Metering
• Electrifying India, With the Sun & Small Loans
• Oregon Opens Application Process for Marijuana Licenses
• Cowlitz County: Local Marijuana Retailers Contend with Falling Prices
• Portland Cannabis Cultivator Raises $2.8 Million for a 50-Acre Farm
• Tech Mavericks See Green in Burgeoning Marijuana Industry
• Editorial: Unlocking Carbon Gridlock in Washington a Matter of Inclusion, Not Exclusion
• At the Centers for Disease Control, a Debate behind Recommendations on Cellphone Risk
• Why Cities Need Trees: The Science behind a 30 Percent Canopy
• Can You Download Me Now? NY Payphones Become Wi-Fi Hot Spots
• Group Says BBC Website Hack Was a Test for Attack on ISIS
• Op/Ed: India Deserves Better than Mark Zuckerberg’s Watered-Down Internet
• AP Source: Washington State Democratic Rep. McDermott to Announce Retirement
• Mayor: Records Requests Add to Problems in Gold Bar Audit
• FBI Seeks Peaceful End to Occupation at Oregon Wildlife Refuge
• Another Round of Winter Weather Causes Delays at 60+ Schools in Western Washington State
• 4-H Clubs Booted from Kitsap Co. Buildings after Dispute
• Periodic Table’s Seventh Row Filled; Four Elements Added
• No, That Crazy Viral Snoqualmie Pass Snow Photo Isn’t Real

WORD OF THE DAY

Boycott • \BOY-kaht\ • verb – To engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (as a person, store, or organization) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions

Ambrose’s global warming protest was less than successful. It seems that his idea to boycott his own carbon dioxide emissions by not breathing was a fatal mistake.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Montana Mine Lays Off Workers as Coal Industry Slumps (Associated Press)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160101/BIZ02/160109940

Union at Eugene Water & Electric Board Will Vote Third Time Tuesday on Proposed Pact with Utility (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33901516-75/union-at-eweb-will-vote-third-time-tuesday-on-proposed-pact-with-utility.html.csp

Editorial: Threading the Needle – Cheaply – To Meet Pacific Northwest Power Demands (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/12/threading_the_needle_cheaply_t.html

Alaska Railbelt Utilities Progress on Forming Single Transmission Operator (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/alaska-railbelt-utilities-progress-on-forming-single-transmission-operator/411436/

Colorado Regulators Affirm Decision Rejecting Part of Boulder’s Public Power Plan (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/colorado-regulators-affirm-decision-rejecting-part-of-boulders-muni-plan/411444/

California: Did Wayward Drone Knock Out Power in Bernal Heights? (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Did-wayward-drone-knock-out-power-in-Bernal-6734651.php

Maine: PUC Data at Center of Bias Allegations to Remain Secret Indefinitely (Portland Press-Herald, ME)

http://www.pressherald.com/2016/01/03/puc-data-at-center-of-bias-allegations-to-remain-secret-indefinitely/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Puget Sound Salmon Restoration Efforts Focus on Private Property (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2015/12/31/king-conservation-district-salmon-habitat-restoration-urban-shorelines-program/78158964/

In OTHER Malheur National Wildlife Refuge News: Biologists Hope Fishing Will End Carp Invasion (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2016/01/02/biologists-hope-fishing-will-end-carp-invasion/

Environmental Disaster: Using Bombs for Fishing (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/01/03/bombs-fishing-tanzania-newser/78228698/

To Save a Rare Forest, Farmers Try a New Crop – Butterflies (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2015/1231/To-save-a-rare-forest-farmers-try-a-new-crop-butterflies

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Current Mt. Hood Snowpack Shreds Last Year’s Levels (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/12/current-mt-hood-snowpack-shreds-last-years-levels.html

Editorial: Picking Up the Pieces in Klamath (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/01/picking_up_the_pieces_in_klama.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

California: Solar Is In, Biomass Energy Is Out – Farmers Are Struggling to Dispose of Woody Waste (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-biomass-closing-20160101-story.html

California: Ratepayers Face Unknown Costs for Renewable Power (Modesto Bee, CA)

http://www.modbee.com/news/business/energy/article52845920.html

Op/Ed: Montana – NorthWestern Rebuts Renewables Criticism (Billings Gazette, MT)

http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/guest/northwestern-rebuts-renewables-criticism/article_66b97385-ef91-5c50-b89d-75feddeb60c4.html

Google Helps Analyze If Rooftop Solar Panels Are Good Deal (Associated Press)

http://www.theheraldbusinessjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20160104/BIZ02/160109721

Hawaii Court Upholds PUC Order Ending Retail Rate Net Metering (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/hawaii-court-upholds-puc-order-ending-retail-rate-net-metering/411414/

Electrifying India, With the Sun & Small Loans (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/business/energy-environment/electrifying-india-with-the-sun-and-small-loans.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Oregon Opens Application Process for Marijuana Licenses (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2016/01/oregon_opens_its_application_p.html

Cowlitz County: Local Marijuana Retailers Contend with Falling Prices (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/local-marijuana-retailers-contend-with-falling-prices/article_72268328-fef1-5905-b2cd-e965add7a149.html

Portland Cannabis Cultivator Raises $2.8 Million for a 50-Acre Farm (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/12/portland-cannabis-cultivator-raises-2-8m-for-a-50.html

Tech Mavericks See Green in Burgeoning Marijuana Industry (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/marijuana/article52749005.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Editorial: Unlocking Carbon Gridlock in Washington a Matter of Inclusion, Not Exclusion (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/matt-driscoll/article52587685.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

At the Centers for Disease Control, a Debate behind Recommendations on Cellphone Risk (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/02/technology/at-cdc-a-debate-behind-recommendations-on-cellphone-risk.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Why Cities Need Trees: The Science behind a 30 Percent Canopy (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article52357620.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Can You Download Me Now? NY Payphones Become Wi-Fi Hot Spots (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Can-you-download-me-now-NY-payphones-become-6731664.php

Group Says BBC Website Hack Was a Test for Attack on ISIS (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2016/01/02/bbc-website-hack-isis/

Op/Ed: India Deserves Better than Mark Zuckerberg’s Watered-Down Internet (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2016/01/04/india-deserves-better-than-mark-zuckerbergs-watered-down-internet/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

AP Source: Washington State Democratic Rep. McDermott to Announce Retirement (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-source-democratic-rep-mcdermott-announce-retirement-144650014--politics.html

Mayor: Records Requests Add to Problems in Gold Bar Audit (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160103/NEWS01/160109791

GENERAL NEWS

FBI Seeks Peaceful End to Occupation at Oregon Wildlife Refuge (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-militia-idUSKBN0UI1DC20160104

Another Round of Winter Weather Causes Delays at 60+ Schools in Western Washington State (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2016/01/04/another-round-of-winter-weather-causes-delays-at-60-schools-in-western-washington/

4-H Clubs Booted from Kitsap Co. Buildings after Dispute (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/31/4h-clubs-booted-kitsap-county-buildings/78155984/

Periodic Table’s Seventh Row Filled; Four Elements Added (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/nation-now/2016/01/04/periodic-tables-seventh-row-filled-four-elements-added/78253188/

No, That Crazy Viral Snoqualmie Pass Snow Photo Isn’t Real (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/geek/2016/01/snoqualmie_photo_snow_hoax_don.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Cheers! Portland Leads Oregon to ‘Booziest State in Country’ Title

http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/01/cheers_portland_leads_oregon_t.html

Someone Made a Google Chrome Filter to Block Donald Trump from Your Internet

http://time.com/4164800/donald-trump-filter-google-chrome-extension/

Majestic Clydesdale Horse Masterfully Photobombs Little Girl

http://mashable.com/2016/01/04/horse-photobomb/

This Is What Happens When You Try to Take a Stealthy Picture of Elton John

http://mashable.com/2015/12/31/elton-john-photobomb/

SONG OF THE DAY

Elton John – Song for Guy

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

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

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

Energy News Digest for December 31, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 31, 2015

http://1.usa.gov/1SonACn

Air Stagnation Advisory

http://1.usa.gov/1OsEzxj

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/30/initiative-732-carbon-tax-washington/78106628/

California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016 (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/PG-E-details-how-much-your-bill-will-rise-in-2016-6728373.php

Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond (Associated Press)

http://www.ktvz.com/news/canadian-company-plans-solar-farm-near-redmond/37193852

Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/1230/Number-of-species-awaiting-endangered-protection-drops-to-all-time-low

Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/proposal-could-help-economy-and-ecosystem-of-yakima-basin/article_85b7fa40-af8c-11e5-881b-2f6254ac370f.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016
• Northern Wasco PUD Names New Manager
• Skagit PUD Interim General Manager Told to Step Down
• Grant PUD receives clean audit from the state for 2014
• FERC Rejects Permit for 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Project in Kentucky – Et tu Klickitat
• Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low
• California: Coho Salmon Benefit from Dam Removal on San Mateo County Coastal Creek
• Editorial: Salmon Forecasts Matter Less Than Responsive Management
• Canada: ‘Trap & Kill’ Starlings Program Approved in Abbotsford
• Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin
• Is the Drought Over? No – But December Snow Survey is Good News for California
• Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond
• Hydroelectric Power Could Grow in Kentucky with Interest in Renewable Energy
• Wood & Pellet Heating
• Emerging from the Shadows, Pot Industry Tries to Build Brands
• Oregon: Warm Springs Tribes Work Out Pot Regulations, Taxes
• Oregon: Scappoose Weighs New Vote to Ban Pot Businesses
• Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes
• Forests Face More Fire, Insects, Disease as Climate Warms
• Climate Chaos, Across the Map
• The Future of Architecture is Already Happening in Portland – And It’s Wood
• EPA Chief: Light Pollution ‘In Our Portfolio’
• Comcast Gets Most FCC Complaints by Wide Margin
• Microsoft to Warn of Nation-State Hacks
• Six Tips for Writing Headlines That Drive Traffic
• Amazon Says It Is Donating Its Revenues from a Song by a German Anti-Islam Group to Refugees
• Let Me Google That for You: Here’s What Washingtonians Searched for Most in 2015
• Editorial: Washington State Senate Inches toward Remote Access in Testimony
• Puerto Rico Says It Will Default on Some Bonds
• Body Found near North Mason County Home as Police Investigate Elderly Kitsap Man’s Disappearance
• Idaho: Commissioners Declare Disaster in Kootenai County
• Washington State Gets No Raise in 2016, Loses Distinction of Highest Minimum Wage
• Troopers on Lookout for Intoxicated Drivers Tonight

WORD OF THE DAY

Lachrymose • \ LACK-rim-mose\ • adjective – 1: given to tears or weeping: tearful 2: tending to cause tears: mournful

Tad’s ad campaign for a new variety of onion was not going over so well. After having sold the DeBarto Onion Company on the popular theme “An Onion a Day Keeps Your Spouse Away” he embarked on a new campaign for “Lachrymose Free Onions, They’re All Wet”. The executives were not amused.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016 (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/PG-E-details-how-much-your-bill-will-rise-in-2016-6728373.php

Northern Wasco PUD Names New Manager (The Dalles Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2015/dec/30/pud-names-new-manager/

Skagit PUD Interim General Manager Told to Step Down (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA)

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/pud-interim-general-manager-told-to-step-down/article_0024b1ca-0093-561f-8ca7-b3bf78351583.html

Grant PUD receives clean audit from the state for 2014 (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-receives-clean-audit-from-the-state-for/article_f18e8332-af4c-11e5-ba8c-fb6329cb7db0.html

FERC Rejects Permit for 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Project in Kentucky – Et tu Klickitat (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/ferc-rejects-permit-for-1-000-mw-pumped-storage-project-in-kentucky.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/1230/Number-of-species-awaiting-endangered-protection-drops-to-all-time-low

California: Coho Salmon Benefit from Dam Removal on San Mateo County Coastal Creek (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_29322478/coho-salmon-benefit-from-dam-removal-san-mateo?source=rss

Editorial: Salmon forecasts matter less than responsive management (Daily Astorian, OR)

http://www.dailyastorian.com/editorials/20151231/editorial-salmon-forecasts-matter-less-than-responsive-management

Canada: ‘Trap & Kill’ Starlings Program Approved in Abbotsford (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/abbotsford-farms-starlings-1.3382431?cmp=rss

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/proposal-could-help-economy-and-ecosystem-of-yakima-basin/article_85b7fa40-af8c-11e5-881b-2f6254ac370f.html

Is the Drought Over? No – But December Snow Survey is Good News for California (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article52304910.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond (Associated Press)

http://www.ktvz.com/news/canadian-company-plans-solar-farm-near-redmond/37193852

Hydroelectric Power Could Grow in Kentucky with Interest in Renewable Energy (Lexington Herald-Leader, KY)

http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article52308185.html

Wood & Pellet Heating (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/12/29/wood-and-pellet-heating-2/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Emerging from the Shadows, Pot Industry Tries to Build Brands (Associated Press)

http://www.kpbj.com/newsletter/Emerging-from-shadows-pot-industry-tries-to-build-brands--363831471.html

Oregon: Warm Springs Tribes Work Out Pot Regulations, Taxes (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/warm-springs-works-out-pot-regulations-taxes-/

Oregon: Scappoose Weighs New Vote to Ban Pot Businesses (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://cni.pmgnews.com/scs/83-news/287214-163421-scappoose-weighs-new-vote-to-ban-pot-businesses

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/30/initiative-732-carbon-tax-washington/78106628/

Forests Face More Fire, Insects, Disease as Climate Warms (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/forests-face-more-fire-insects-disease-as-climate-warms/article_6bb65ba5-732d-5c94-9330-f35d21c08a1b.html

Climate Chaos, Across the Map (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/science/climate-chaos-across-the-map.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

The Future of Architecture is Already Happening in Portland – And It’s Wood (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/the-future-of-architecture-is-already-happening-in-port-1750319689

EPA Chief: Light Pollution ‘In Our Portfolio’ (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/epa-chief-light-pollution-in-our-portfolio/article/2579307

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Comcast Gets Most FCC Complaints by Wide Margin (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2015/12/comcast-most-fcc-internet-service-complaints.html

Microsoft to Warn of Nation-State Hacks (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35204917

MARKETING & MEDIA

Six Tips for Writing Headlines That Drive Traffic (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-tips-for-writing-headlines-that-drive-traffic/

Amazon Says It Is Donating Its Revenues from a Song by a German Anti-Islam Group to Refugees (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015-12-31/amazon-gives-revenue-from-anti-islam-group-song-to-refugees

Let Me Google That for You: Here’s What Washingtonians Searched for Most in 2015 (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2015/12/let-me-google-that-for-you-heres-what.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Editorial: Washington State Senate Inches toward Remote Access in Testimony (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article51585560.html

Puerto Rico Says It Will Default on Some Bonds (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-says-it-will-default-on-some-bonds.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

GENERAL NEWS

Body Found near North Mason County Home as Police Investigate Elderly Kitsap Man’s Disappearance (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/body-found-as-police-investigate-elderly-kitsap-mans-disappearance

Idaho: Commissioners Declare Disaster in Kootenai County (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/commissioners-declare-disaster-in-kootenai-county/37202466

Washington State Gets No Raise in 2016, Loses Distinction of Highest Minimum Wage (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/washington-gets-no-raise-wont-have-the-highest-state-minimum-wage-in-2016/

Troopers on Lookout for Intoxicated Drivers Tonight (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/31/troopers-on-lookout-for-intoxicated-drivers-tonight/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Corpse Comes Back to Life at Russian Morgue, Then Goes to Drink Vodka

http://mashable.com/2015/12/30/dead-russian-man-comes-back-to-life/#hjzh7pl4e8q5

Potent Joint Wrapped In 24-Karat Gold Creates a Buzz

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/marijuana/a-joint-wrapped-in-24-karat-gold-its-the-gift-for-new-years-eve/

Attack Owl Returns in Oregon, Targeting Government Workers

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-attackowl-idUSKBN0UD1Y620151230

Some Dude Sent His Fiancé’s Engagement Ring into Space on a Spatula

http://mashable.com/2015/12/31/ring-in-space/

SONG OF THE DAY

Manhattan Transfer - Spice of Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6wI4wYxk5Q

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

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

Energy News Digest for December 30, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 30, 2015

http://1.usa.gov/1YOycPV

Air Stagnation Advisory for Mason County

http://1.usa.gov/1OsEzxj

El Nino Weather ‘Could be as Bad as 1998’, Says NASA (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-35197887

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/lower_valley/feds-say-no-to-klickitat-energy-project/article_64298b20-aec7-11e5-b221-6732a6a1e1f9.html

Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/power-line-impact-statement-delayed/

‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article52077085.html

Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/northwest-snow-piles-up-ahead-of-schedule/

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/12/29/460812946/tax-breaks-falling-costs-are-boosting-wind-and-solar

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project
• Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed
• Columbia River PUD Outages: “It Was the Worst I’ve Ever Seen…”
• Kootenai Electric Linemen Humble as People Send Thanks
• Move Over, Fixed Fees – Utilities See Demand Charges as Revenue Cure
• LA’s Gas Leak Is a Global Disaster
• Climate Change: Idaho Could Be Safe Haven for Native Fish
• Songbird Study Shows River Ecosystem Recovery after Dam Removal, Return of Salmon Nutrients
• SeaWorld to Sue over Ban on Orca Breeding
• This Giant Squid Looks Like a Robot Missile Lurking in the Ocean
• Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule
• Environmental Groups Oppose Yakima River Basin Water Plan
• Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar
• Biomass Power Could Help California’s Dying Forests
• Ohio: Local Prison Wants Help Conserving Energy
• ‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million
• Editorial: Carbon Tax May Well Be in Our Future
• California U-S House Rep Rolls Out Carbon Pricing Bill
• A Secret Weapon to Fight Climate Change: Soil
• Oregon: CenturyLink Complaints Spike as New Services Arrive
• America’s Internet Speed Tripled Since 2011 – Still Sucks Compared to the Rest of the World
• Making Strong Wi-Fi Available to All
• Facebook’s Free Internet Service for Egyptians Shuts Down
• Twitter Updates Cyberbullying Restrictions
• How to Extend the Life of Your Social Media Content
• Scientists Have Uncovered Exactly What Makes a Photo Memorable
• Bellevue Man Sues Washington State Auditor, Claims Being Ripped Off
• Epicenter near Victoria, B-C: Overnight Earthquake Felt across Western Washington
• Police: Teens’ Game of ‘Chicken’ Causes Train to Derail in Montesano
• Washington State Officials: Early Prisoner Release Fix Delayed 16 Times
• Washington State Officials Hope Repairs to U-S 12 Will Be Completed by the Summer
• City of Shelton Offers a HandUp to Mason County
• Legal ID? TSA May Ban Washington Driver’s Licenses

WORD OF THE DAY

Sylvan • \SILL-vun\ • Adjective – 1a: living or located in the woods or forest b: of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest 2a: made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees b: abounding in woods, groves, or trees: wooded

Chirping birds, a babbling brook, and the earthy, mossy smell of the forest…lit by filtered sunshine welcomed visitors to Bambi’s sylvan paradise.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/lower_valley/feds-say-no-to-klickitat-energy-project/article_64298b20-aec7-11e5-b221-6732a6a1e1f9.html

Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/power-line-impact-statement-delayed/

Columbia River PUD Outages: “It Was the Worst I’ve Ever Seen…” (St Helens Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thechronicleonline.com/news/it-was-the-worst-i-ve-ever-seen/article_7a6e5052-ae89-11e5-b0f3-731f53b2af2f.html

Kootenai Electric Linemen Humble as People Send Thanks (KREM-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.krem.com/story/news/local/kootenai-county/2015/12/29/kootenai-electric-linemen-humble-as-people-send-thanks/78015532/

Move Over, Fixed Fees – Utilities See Demand Charges as Revenue Cure (Midwest Energy News)

http://midwestenergynews.com/2015/12/02/move-over-fixed-fees-utilities-see-demand-charges-as-revenue-cure/

LA’s Gas Leak Is a Global Disaster (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/las-gas-leak-disaster-is-a-bigger-problem-than-you-real-1750035270

FISH & WILDLIFE

Climate Change: Idaho Could Be Safe Haven for Native Fish (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/climate-change-idaho-could-be-safe-haven-for-native-fish/article_c3a50cd5-450c-50be-befe-324970cf4221.html

Songbird Study Shows River Ecosystem Recovery after Dam Removal, Return of Salmon Nutrients (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/435773.aspx

SeaWorld to Sue over Ban on Orca Breeding (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/seaworld-to-sue-over-ban-on-orca-breeding/

This Giant Squid Looks Like a Robot Missile Lurking in the Ocean (Gizmodo)

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/this-giant-squid-looks-like-a-robot-missile-lurking-in-1750214000

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/northwest-snow-piles-up-ahead-of-schedule/

Environmental Groups Oppose Yakima River Basin Water Plan (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/28/environmental-groups-oppose-yakima-water-plan/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/12/29/460812946/tax-breaks-falling-costs-are-boosting-wind-and-solar

Biomass Power Could Help California’s Dying Forests (Capital Public Radio, Sacramento, CA)

http://www.capradio.org/63471

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Ohio: Local Prison Wants Help Conserving Energy (Columbus Business First, OH)
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/ohio-energy-inc/2015/12/local-prison-wants-help-conserving-energy.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article52077085.html

Editorial: Carbon Tax May Well Be in Our Future (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article51972650.html

California U-S House Rep Rolls Out Carbon Pricing Bill (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-us-house-rep-rolls-out-carbon-pricing-bill/411380/

A Secret Weapon to Fight Climate Change: Soil (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/business/agriculture/a-secret-weapon-to-fight-climate-change-soil/article_0b7ac7bd-a80c-59f5-9db3-d4ac08579752.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Oregon: CenturyLink Complaints Spike as New Services Arrive (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/12/centurylink_complaints_spike_a.html

America’s Internet Speed Tripled Since 2011 – Still Sucks Compared to the Rest of the World (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/americas-internet-speed-tripled-since-2011-still-sucks-1750297538

Making Strong Wi-Fi Available to All (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/making-strong-wi-fi-available-to-all/article/2579241?custom_click=rss

Facebook’s Free Internet Service for Egyptians Shuts Down (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_29325576/facebooks-free-internet-service-egyptians-shut-down?source=rss

MARKETING & MEDIA

Twitter Updates Cyberbullying Restrictions (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35198313

How to Extend the Life of Your Social Media Content (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-social-media-content/

Scientists Have Uncovered Exactly What Makes a Photo Memorable (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/12/29/forget-beautiful-sunrises-embrace-absurdity-heres-how-to-take-memorable-photos/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Bellevue Man Sues Washington State Auditor, Claims Being Ripped Off (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/12/30/troy-kelley-state-auditor-lawsuit-federal-indictment/78060334/

GENERAL NEWS

Epicenter near Victoria, B-C: Overnight Earthquake Felt across Western Washington (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2015/12/30/overnight-earthquake-felt-across-western-washington/

Police: Teens’ Game of ‘Chicken’ Causes Train to Derail in Montesano (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/police-teens-game-of-chicken-causes-train-to-derail-in-montesano

Washington State Officials: Early Prisoner Release Fix Delayed 16 Times (Associated Press)

http://tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/washington/officials-early-prisoner-release-fix-was-delayed-times/article_6ed2c6ab-7d20-5f08-abe0-a8c219a40cd0.html

Washington State Officials Hope Repairs to U-S 12 Will Be Completed by the Summer (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/officials-hope-repairs-to-u-s-will-be-completed-by/article_e6b4fade-aec7-11e5-b8a6-e7ce681d8724.html

City of Shelton Offers a HandUp to Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26103-city-offers-a-handup-to-the-county

Legal ID? TSA May Ban Washington Driver’s Licenses (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/29/tsa-ban-washington-licenses/78048104/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Woman Who Won Lottery during Divorce Can Keep It All - Dutch Court

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-lottery-court-idUSKBN0UC0Y320151229

Strong Solar Storm to Hit Earth Before New Year’s Eve – Northern Lights to Be Visible in Northern States

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/science/article/Strong-solar-storm-to-hit-Earth-before-New-Year-s-6726537.php

Star Wars’ Abandoned Tunisian Locations – In Pictures

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/03/star-wars-abandoned-tunisian-locations-in-pictures?CMP=fb_gu

On the Question of Dog Pants

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/on-the-topic-of-dog-pants/422193/

SONG OF THE DAY

Average White Band - Cut the Cake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75bYDYLSP0o

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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.