The Energy News Digest for March 13, 2023

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Threatens Climate Start-Ups (NY Times – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/12/climate/silicon-valley-bank-climate.html

Attacks on Power Stations in Oregon City & Tumwater, Wash., Remain Unsolved; FBI Offers $25,000 Reward (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2023/03/attacks-on-power-stations-in-oregon-city-and-tumwater-wash-remain-unsolved-fbi-offers-25000-reward.html

Heavy Winter Snowpack Prompting Releases from Salt River Project Reservoirs (Arizona Department of Water Resources)

https://new.azwater.gov/news/articles/2023-09-03

Idaho: Lava Ridge Wind Farm Resolution Advances in House (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

https://magicvalley.com/news/local/lava-ridge-resolution-advances-in-house/article_12e55132-be09-11ed-ab3d-b3c4391fdfda.html

Challenges Spawning Rapidly in SE Alaska Salmon Lawsuit (Juneau Empire, AK)

https://www.juneauempire.com/news/challenges-spawning-rapidly-in-salmon-lawsuit/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Attacks on Power Stations in Oregon City & Tumwater, Wash., Remain Unsolved; FBI Offers $25,000 Reward

2.      How the U.S. Power Grid Is a Target for Far-Right Groups

3.      Eastern Oregon Residents Oppose Energy Transmission Line Project: ‘Absolute Disaster for Ecosystem’

4.      Underwater Columbia River Power Line Considered

5.      Oregon: Utility-Funded Effort to Overturn Eugene’s Natural Gas Ordinance Turns in Signatures

6.      WA Gov. Inslee Demands Feds Reject Gas Pipeline Expansion

7.      ‘Definitely Not Cheap’: WA House Passes ‘First in the Nation’ Natural Gas Bill

8.      Oregon’s Uncertain Electric Future

9.      Avista Seeks More Money from Its Idaho Utility Customers – Company Is Asking for 14.7% Boost This Year

10.   Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk Through Utilities Passes WA House

11.   There’s a Stunning New Way to View Niagara Falls – Walk Through a Decommissioned Hydropower Station

12.   Editorial: California Should Tap Its Growing Fleet of Electric Vehicles to Prevent Blackouts

13.   Guest Essay: Lawsuit Threatens Washington’s Commercial Fishing Families

14.   Guest Essay: Allow Sale of Credits for Carbon Stored in WA-Owned Lands

15.   Idaho: Lava Ridge Wind Farm Resolution Advances in House

16.   Idaho: Japanese-Americans Protest a Wind Power Project Near the Minidoka Detention Site

17.   Planet-Saving Wind Farms Fall Victim to Global Inflation Fight

18.   The Fight to Define ‘Green Hydrogen’ Could Determine America’s Emissions Future

19.   Nearly 5% of U.S. Households Did Not Use Space Heating in 2020, Especially in Warm Regions

20.   Heat Pumps Key to Reducing Emissions and Energy Costs

21.   Challenges Spawning Rapidly in SE Alaska Salmon Lawsuit

22.   Chinook Catches Off Washington Likely to Bump Up in 2023

23.   What Researchers Learned Studying Pacific Northwest Orcas Hunting for Salmon

24.   Washington Bill Shielding Private Fish Groups from Suits Draws Opposition

25.   Oregon DOT Touts Progress Reducing Emissions, Says Effort Is Still Falling Short

26.   Heavy Winter Snowpack Prompting Releases from Salt River Project Reservoirs

27.   Will the Pacific Northwest Have Enough Water This Summer & Fall?

28.   Feds Finalizing $250 Million in Water-Saving Measures to Help Drought-Stricken Lake Mead

29.   In the Once-Cool Forests of the Pacific Northwest, Heat Poses a New Threat

30.   Oregon Eyes Mandate for Climate Change Lessons in Schools

31.   What Washington, DC, Can Learn from the Other Washington About Climate Policy

32.   Out-of-Towners Head to ‘Climate-Proof Duluth’

33.   Montana: Blackfeet Tribe Preliminarily Settle Class Action Lawsuit with Telecom Company

34.   AT&T Informs 9 Million Customers About Data Breach

35.   WA State: Leading the Charge for Electric Vehicles in Clark County

36.   Washington U.S. Rep. McMorris Rodgers Pushing for More Hydropower, Questioning ‘Big Tech’

37.   Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Threatens Climate Start-Ups

38.   U.S. Government Moves to Stop Potential Banking Crisis

39.   As Atmospheric River Exits, Another Awaits to Hit California

40.   Several More Weeks of Winter Despite La Niña’s End

WORDS OF THE DAY – GIBE, JIBE, OR JIVE

To gibe means to taunt or sneer: They gibed him about his mistakes.

Jibe means to shift direction or, colloquially, to agree: They jibed their ship across the wind. Their stories didn’t jibe.

Jive means to speak (to) in a way that is exaggerated, insincere, flippant, etc.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Attacks on Power Stations in Oregon City & Tumwater, Wash., Remain Unsolved; FBI Offers $25,000 Reward (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2023/03/attacks-on-power-stations-in-oregon-city-and-tumwater-wash-remain-unsolved-fbi-offers-25000-reward.html

2.      How the U.S. Power Grid Is a Target for Far-Right Groups (British Broadcasting Corporation)

https://news.yahoo.com/us-power-grid-target-far-000414232.html

3.      Eastern Oregon Residents Oppose Energy Transmission Line Project: ‘Absolute Disaster for Ecosystem’ (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.kgw.com/article/tech/science/climate-change/eastern-oregon-residents-against-energy-transmission-line/283-49c4e65f-0be5-4ba7-9e61-5f67863e85ed

4.      Underwater Columbia River Power Line Considered (Columbia Gorge News, Hood River, OR)

https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/underwater-power-line-considered/article_59668d80-bd35-11ed-b3bd-23b95e496ed8.html

5.      Oregon: Utility-Funded Effort to Overturn Eugene’s Natural Gas Ordinance Turns in Signatures (KLCC Radio, Eugene, OR)

https://www.klcc.org/politics-government/2023-03-09/utility-funded-effort-to-overturn-natural-gas-ordinance-turns-in-signatures

6.      WA Gov. Inslee Demands Feds Reject Gas Pipeline Expansion (KONA Radio, Tri-Cities, WA)

https://610kona.com/inslee-demands-feds-reject-gas-pipeline-expansion/

7.      ‘Definitely Not Cheap’: WA House Passes ‘First in the Nation’ Natural Gas Bill (The Center Square)

https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_24f7f388-bddd-11ed-b9bc-67ac4eb3e34f.html

8.      Oregon’s Uncertain Electric Future (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2023/03/oregons-uncertain-electric-future.html

9.      Avista Seeks More Money from Its Idaho Utility Customers – Company Is Asking for 14.7% Boost This Year (Lewiston Morning Tribune, ID – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.lmtribune.com/northwest/avista-seeks-more-money-from-its-idaho-utility-customers/article_17dcc7ed-fa6e-59f3-a9b8-faf39d908ed7.html

10.   Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk Through Utilities Passes WA House (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://kpq.com/bill-to-reduce-wildfire-risk-through-utilities-passes-wa-house/

11.   There’s a Stunning New Way to View Niagara Falls – Walk Through a Decommissioned Hydropower Station (Denver Post, CO)

https://www.denverpost.com/2023/03/08/theres-a-stunning-new-way-to-view-niagara-falls/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

12.   Editorial: California Should Tap Its Growing Fleet of Electric Vehicles to Prevent Blackouts (Los Angeles Times, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-03-12/vehicle-to-grid-car-batteries

13.   Guest Essay: Lawsuit Threatens Washington’s Commercial Fishing Families (Bellingham Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article272821135.html

14.   Guest Essay: Allow Sale of Credits for Carbon Stored in WA-Owned Lands (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/allow-sale-of-credits-for-carbon-stored-in-wa-owned-lands/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

15.   Idaho: Lava Ridge Wind Farm Resolution Advances in House (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

https://magicvalley.com/news/local/lava-ridge-resolution-advances-in-house/article_12e55132-be09-11ed-ab3d-b3c4391fdfda.html

16.   Idaho: Japanese-Americans Protest a Wind Power Project Near the Minidoka Detention Site (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/news/2023/03/japanese-americans-protest-wind-project-near-minidoka-site

17.   Planet-Saving Wind Farms Fall Victim to Global Inflation Fight (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bendbulletin.com/business/planet-saving-wind-farms-fall-victim-to-global-inflation-fight/article_4bac7a06-bf74-11ed-abc0-8bf697bb7621.html

18.   The Fight to Define ‘Green Hydrogen’ Could Determine America’s Emissions Future (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/energy/green-hydrogen-tax-credit-ira/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

19.   Nearly 5% of U.S. Households Did Not Use Space Heating in 2020, Especially in Warm Regions (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=55760

20.   Heat Pumps Key to Reducing Emissions and Energy Costs (Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/heat-pumps-key-reducing-emissions-213700269.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

21.   Challenges Spawning Rapidly in SE Alaska Salmon Lawsuit (Juneau Empire, AK)

https://www.juneauempire.com/news/challenges-spawning-rapidly-in-salmon-lawsuit/

22.   Chinook Catches Off Washington Likely to Bump Up in 2023 (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/chinook-catches-off-washington-likely-to-bump-up-in-2023/

23.   What Researchers Learned Studying Pacific Northwest Orcas Hunting for Salmon (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/what-researchers-learned-studying-pnw-orcas-hunting-for-salmon/

24.   Washington Bill Shielding Private Fish Groups from Suits Draws Opposition (Capital Press)

https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/rurallife/washington-bill-shielding-private-fish-groups-from-suits-draws-opposition/article_fb3e358a-bf75-11ed-8b6a-bf3cbfd66ea9.html

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

25.   Oregon DOT Touts Progress Reducing Emissions, Says Effort Is Still Falling Short (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.koin.com/news/environment/oregon-dot-touts-progress-reducing-emissions-says-effort-is-still-falling-short/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

26.   Heavy Winter Snowpack Prompting Releases from Salt River Project Reservoirs (Arizona Department of Water Resources)

https://new.azwater.gov/news/articles/2023-09-03

27.   Will the Pacific Northwest Have Enough Water This Summer & Fall? (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

https://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2023/03/will-northwest-have-enough-water-this.html

28.   Feds Finalizing $250 Million in Water-Saving Measures to Help Drought-Stricken Lake Mead (Yahoo! News)

https://news.yahoo.com/feds-finalizing-250m-water-saving-004534289.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

29.   In the Once-Cool Forests of the Pacific Northwest, Heat Poses a New Threat (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/extreme-weather/in-the-once-cool-forests-of-the-pacific-northwest-heat-poses-a-new-threat/

30.   Oregon Eyes Mandate for Climate Change Lessons in Schools (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-education-school-oregon-united-states-376bed4c1b916bcf038ca9e89302401e

31.   What Washington, DC, Can Learn from the Other Washington About Climate Policy (Sightline Institute)

https://www.sightline.org/2023/03/09/what-washington-dc-can-learn-from-the-other-washington-about-climate-policy/

32.   Out-of-Towners Head to ‘Climate-Proof Duluth’ (NY Times – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/10/realestate/duluth-minnesota-climate-change.html

LONDON CALLING –TELECOMMUNICATIONS

33.   Montana: Blackfeet Tribe Preliminarily Settle Class Action Lawsuit with Telecom Company (The Missoulian, MT)

https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/state/blackfeet-preliminarily-settle-class-action-lawsuit-with-telecom-company/article_09b708da-b120-5f01-812c-94904ce10b33.html

BEAM ME UP, SCOTTY - THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY & CYBERSECURITY

34.   AT&T Informs 9 Million Customers About Data Breach (CSO)

https://www.csoonline.com/article/3690609/att-informs-9m-customers-about-data-breach.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

35.   WA State: Leading the Charge for Electric Vehicles in Clark County (Vancouver Columbian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/mar/12/leading-the-charge-for-evs-in-clark-county/

MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE

36.   Washington U.S. Rep. McMorris Rodgers Pushing for More Hydropower, Questioning ‘Big Tech’ (Northwest Public Broadcasting)

https://www.nwpb.org/2023/03/07/washingtons-mcmorris-rodgers-pushing-for-more-hydropower-questioning-big-tech/

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

37.   Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Threatens Climate Start-Ups (NY Times – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/12/climate/silicon-valley-bank-climate.html

38.   U.S. Government Moves to Stop Potential Banking Crisis (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-bailout-yellen-deposits-failure-94f2185742981daf337c4691bbb9ec1e

39.   As Atmospheric River Exits, Another Awaits to Hit California (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/12/as-atmospheric-river-exits-another-awaits-to-hit-california/

40.   Several More Weeks of Winter Despite La Niña’s End (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/3856707/several-weeks-winter-la-ninas-end/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

It’s National Napping Day – Day After Return of Daylight Saving Time

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-napping-day-day-after-return-of-daylight-saving-time/

In the End, It Was an ‘Everything Everywhere’ Night at the Oscars

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/13/in-the-end-it-was-an-everything-everywhere-night-at-the-oscars/

Overdue Book Returned to Oregon Library After 44 Years

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/03/09/Deschutes-Public-Library-overdue-44-years/7091678399105/

Vutomi the 3-Legged Elephant Adapts, Survives Amid Caring Herd

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/03/10/safrica-three-legged-lion-africa/9661678470063/

SONG OF THE DAY

Roy Orbison - In Dreams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSeIh9rmEUs

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest are for current stories. I try to choose stories that are accessible without paying a subscription. Individual experiences may vary. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions. Regular clearing of your browser’s history and cookie files may help in accessing some paywall sites.

Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links.

The Energy News Digest for March 8, 2023

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

‘The Highest Snowpack We’ve Had in 30 Years’: Winter Storms Benefit AZ Water Systems (KPNX-TV, Mesa, AZ)

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/water-wars/srp-this-is-the-best-winter-arizona-30-years/75-75f371f2-1933-47c0-b86c-e90f99c3d25a

California: SoCalGas’ Proposed $4.9-Billion Revenue Hike Plan Sparks Outrage Amid Soaring Bills (Los Angeles Times, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-06/socal-gas-proposed-4-9-billion-rate-sparks-outrage-amid-soaring-bills?utm_medium=email

WA Carbon Emission Auction Nets Nearly $300 Million from Oil, Gas Companies (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/3853631/wa-first-carbon-emission-auction-300-million-oil-gas-companies/

Pineapple Express Takes Aim at Snow & Rain Logged California (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/pineapple-express-takes-aim-at-snow-and-rain-logged-california/

Richland Landfill & Potato Waste Will Soon Generate Natural Gas for WA Homes (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article272856625.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      California: SoCalGas’ Proposed $4.9-Billion Revenue Hike Plan Sparks Outrage Amid Soaring Bills

2.      A Gas Utility’s Astroturf Campaign Threatens Oregon’s First Electrification Ordinance

3.      EIA Expects First-Quarter 2023 Natural Gas Consumption to Be Lower Than Any First Quarter Since 2018

4.      DOE Urged to Provide More Flexibility, Fund Eligible Hydro Projects Under Incentive Programs

5.      In Washington, DC, Focus on Fish, Pacific Northwest Energy Grid

6.      Georgia Nuclear Plant Begins Splitting Atoms for First Time

7.      Rural Electric Groups Are Gathered in Music City to Discuss the Big Issues

8.      Richland Landfill & Potato Waste Will Soon Generate Natural Gas for WA Homes

9.      Major Pumped-Hydro Storage Project Moves Forward in Nevada

10.   British Columbia: Coastal First Nation’s Cutting-Edge Ocean Wave Energy Project Just Got a Million-Dollar Boost

11.   WDFW Predicts 2023 Salmon Returns to the Columbia River

12.   Hunting Group Sues WA Wildlife Commissioner in Attempt to Oust Her

13.   ‘The Highest Snowpack We’ve Had in 30 Years’: Winter Storms Benefit AZ Water Systems

14.   Washington Snowpack Ho-Hum for Early March

15.   WA Carbon Emission Auction Nets Nearly $300 Million from Oil, Gas Companies

16.   Washington Lawmaker: Broadband Spending Freezes Out Rural Residents

17.   U.S. Investigates Tesla for Steering Wheels That Can Fall Off

18.   News Release: Energy Northwest Breaks Ground on U.S. Route 12 Electric Vehicle Charging Network

19.   Court Of Appeals Sides with Sauk-Suiattle Tribe in ‘Greenwashing’ Case Against Seattle City Light

20.   Pineapple Express Takes Aim at Snow & Rain Logged California

21.   Bill to Limit Zoning for Single-Family Housing in Washington Picks Up Steam with House Passage

WORD OF THE DAY

Horripilation \haw-rip-uh-LAY-shuhn\ Noun – The act or process of the hair bristling on the skin, as from cold or fear; goose flesh.

Although he was unaware of its meaning, Fredo was the victim on an instant onset of horripilation at the Cuban New Year’s Eve party. It all started with an innocent kiss from his younger brother…followed by the chilling “I know it was you Fredo…” Everything after that - except for the little hairs on the back of his neck standing up - was a blur.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      California: SoCalGas’ Proposed $4.9-Billion Revenue Hike Plan Sparks Outrage Amid Soaring Bills (Los Angeles Times, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-06/socal-gas-proposed-4-9-billion-rate-sparks-outrage-amid-soaring-bills?utm_medium=email

2.      A Gas Utility’s Astroturf Campaign Threatens Oregon’s First Electrification Ordinance (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/accountability/a-gas-utilitys-astroturf-campaign-threatens-oregons-first-electrification-ordinance/

3.      EIA Expects First-Quarter 2023 Natural Gas Consumption to Be Lower Than Any First Quarter Since 2018 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/pressroom/releases/press527.php

4.      DOE Urged to Provide More Flexibility, Fund Eligible Hydro Projects Under Incentive Programs (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/doe-urged-provide-more-flexibility-fund-eligible-hydro-projects-under-incentive-programs

5.      In Washington, DC, Focus on Fish, Pacific Northwest Energy Grid (Public News Service)

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-03-07/energy-policy/in-dc-focus-on-fish-nw-energy-grid/a83322-1

6.      Georgia Nuclear Plant Begins Splitting Atoms for First Time (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/georgia-power-nuclear-reactor-electricity-voglte-startup-305145dc46cc1752c2d9371fa70aea35

7.      Rural Electric Groups Are Gathered in Music City to Discuss the Big Issues (RFD-TV)

https://www.rfdtv.com/rural-electric-groups-are-gathered-in-music-city-to-discuss-the-big-issues

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

8.      Richland Landfill & Potato Waste Will Soon Generate Natural Gas for WA Homes (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article272856625.html

9.      Major Pumped-Hydro Storage Project Moves Forward in Nevada (Power Magazine)

https://www.powermag.com/major-pumped-hydro-storage-project-moves-forward-in-nevada/

10.   British Columbia: Coastal First Nation’s Cutting-Edge Ocean Wave Energy Project Just Got a Million-Dollar Boost (The National Observer, Canada)

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/03/06/news/coastal-first-nations-cutting-edge-ocean-wave-energy-project-million-dollar-boost

FISH & WILDLIFE

11.   WDFW Predicts 2023 Salmon Returns to the Columbia River (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/state/wdfw-predicts-2023-salmon-returns-to-the-columbia-river/article_817f3226-bcff-11ed-a0ae-637bce634d29.html?block_id=774208

12.   Hunting Group Sues WA Wildlife Commissioner in Attempt to Oust Her (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hunting-group-sues-wa-wildlife-commissioner-in-attempt-to-oust-them/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

13.   ‘The Highest Snowpack We’ve Had in 30 Years’: Winter Storms Benefit AZ Water Systems (KPNX-TV, Mesa, AZ)

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/water-wars/srp-this-is-the-best-winter-arizona-30-years/75-75f371f2-1933-47c0-b86c-e90f99c3d25a

14.   Washington Snowpack Ho-Hum for Early March (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://kpq.com/washington-snowpack-ho-hum-for-early-march/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

15.   WA Carbon Emission Auction Nets Nearly $300 Million from Oil, Gas Companies (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/3853631/wa-first-carbon-emission-auction-300-million-oil-gas-companies/

LONDON CALLING –TELECOMMUNICATIONS

16.   Washington Lawmaker: Broadband Spending Freezes Out Rural Residents (Capital Press)

https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/rurallife/washington-lawmaker-broadband-spending-freezes-out-rural-residents/article_b21cec62-bc54-11ed-93c8-bb10fba56b34.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

17.   U.S. Investigates Tesla for Steering Wheels That Can Fall Off (Associated Press)

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/national/us-investigates-tesla-for-steering-wheels-that-can-fall-off/article_b858d73e-bdc2-11ed-b75d-0b503d3115db.html

18.   News Release: Energy Northwest Breaks Ground on U.S. Route 12 Electric Vehicle Charging Network (Energy Northwest)

https://www.energy-northwest.com/whoweare/news-and-info/Pages/Energy-Northwest-breaks-ground-on-U-S--Route-12-electric-vehicle-charging-network.aspx

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

19.   Court Of Appeals Sides with Sauk-Suiattle Tribe in ‘Greenwashing’ Case Against Seattle City Light (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/sauk-suiattle-tribe-greenwashing-case-seattle-city-light/281-b7ac816f-0615-4fe8-9975-13ac477c098d

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

20.   Pineapple Express Takes Aim at Snow & Rain Logged California (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/pineapple-express-takes-aim-at-snow-and-rain-logged-california/

21.   Bill to Limit Zoning for Single-Family Housing in Washington Picks Up Steam with House Passage (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/07/bill-to-limit-single-family-housing-in-washington-/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Texas Teacher, Art Students Create 58-Foot Paper Snowflake

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/03/08/Guinness-World-Records-largest-paper-snowflake/8141678297730/

Girl Scout Cookie Boxes of Limited Raspberry Rally Flavor Selling for Hundreds of Dollars on eBay

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/girl-scout-cookie-boxes-limited-160252910.html

Couple Discovers a Trove of 2,000 Vintage Cameras in Abandoned Storage Unit

https://mymodernmet.com/2000-cameras-storage-unit/

Florida Man, 60, Does 3,264 Pushups in 1 Hour to Break World Record

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/03/06/Guinness-World-Records-most-pushups-one-hour/5721678131485/

SONG OF THE DAY

Chaka Khan – I'm Every Woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzUIpOr1ssM

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest are for current stories. I try to choose stories that are accessible without paying a subscription. Individual experiences may vary. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions. Regular clearing of your browser’s history and cookie files may help in accessing some paywall sites.

Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links.

The Energy News Digest for March 6, 2023

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

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HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Man Charged with Blowing Up Pacific Gas & Electric Transformers in California (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/california-bay-area-pge-transformer-explosions-blasts-utility-arrest-peter-karasev-4b444819a49803c11044a2b69eac6fc7

California Nuclear Reactors Win Exemption in Fight to Keep Running (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/nuclear-reactors-california-diablo-canyon-d66323cfe3743063c9446dd372652658

Eastern Washington Won’t Get Nation’s First Advanced Nuclear Reactor (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article272641457.html

California: Homeowners, Rooftop Solar Companies Rush to Meet Upcoming Deadline (Bakersfield Californian, CA)

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/homeowners-rooftop-solar-companies-rush-to-meet-upcoming-deadline/article_c772023a-bacb-11ed-8101-3f7e0c64e34b.html

Snowy Winter Helps Pacific Northwest, But Drought Still Strong Influence in the Region (Spokane Public Radio, WA)

https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-02-28/snowy-winter-helps-pnw-but-drought-still-strong-influence-in-the-region

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Man Charged with Blowing Up Pacific Gas & Electric Transformers in California

2.      California Nuclear Reactors Win Exemption in Fight to Keep Running

3.      Eastern Washington Won’t Get Nation’s First Advanced Nuclear Reactor

4.      Will the Feds Approve Any of the New Small Modular Nuclear Reactors?

5.      Northwest Hydro Outlook Trending Below Normal on Drier February; Prices Climb

6.      Avista Seeks Increased Natural Gas Base Rates for Oregon

7.      Lawsuit Challenges WA State Over Natural Gas Restrictions

8.      Protestors Take to the Streets to Support Eugene’s Natural Gas Ban

9.      California: Nevada County Residents Prepare for Another Week without Power

10.   DOE Finds ‘Pressing’ Transmission Needs, With Interregional Links Offering the Biggest Benefits

11.   Former WA Gov. Christine Gregoire Joins Puget Sound Energy Board of Directors

12.   Guest Essay: Idaho Incentivizes ‘Renewable Energy.’ It Should Focus Instead on ‘Clean Energy’

13.   California: High Utility Bills? It’s Time to Hold Sacramento Politicians Accountable

14.   California: Homeowners, Rooftop Solar Companies Rush to Meet Upcoming Deadline

15.   West Warms to Geothermal Energy as a Path to Clean Power Goals

16.   Panel Discusses Impact of Offshore Wind Power on West Coast Fisheries

17.   California: Calaveras Amador Mokelumne River Authority Mulls Pumped Storage Battery Project

18.   Why Britain Is Suddenly Blowing Cold on a Wind Power Revolution

19.   What You Should Know About Heat Pumps in the Pacific Northwest

20.   America’s Great Home Heating Divide, Visualized

21.   We Still Use Appliances Like It’s 1970. There’s a Better Way.

22.   Oregon: Bowman Dam Hydropower Backers Seek Ways Around Denial of Fish Passage Waiver

23.   Feds Still on the Hook for Endangering California Coast Salmon

24.   Judge Lifts Block on Road Construction Along California’s Last Undammed River

25.   Snowy Winter Helps Pacific Northwest, But Drought Still Strong Influence in the Region

26.   In Dry West, Farmers Balk at Idling Land to Save Water

27.   New Clean Energy Charging Feature on iPhones Raising Eyebrows Among Some Users

28.   Global Race to Boost Electric Vehicle Range in Cold Weather

29.   E-Bikes Are an Environmental Dream — Except Out in Nature

30.   Twitter Glitches as Links, Images Fail to Load

31.   Betting on Social Media as a News Destination for the Young

32.   Mountain View Wins 31st Annual Bonneville Power Administration Regional Science Bowl

33.   Central Washington Airport Hosts First Test Flight of Hydrogen-Powered Airliner

34.   SEL Opposes Plans for Biodiesel Plant in Pullman

35.   WA Law Would Protect Residents with Unpaid Utility Bills During Heat Advisory. Here’s How

36.   Congress Pushes Bill That Would Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

37.   Iditarod Sees Smallest Field of Competitors on Trek to Nome

WORD OF THE DAY

Exoteric \ek-suh-TAIR-ik\ Adjective – *1: suitable to be imparted to the public 2: belonging to the outer or less initiate circle 3: external.

The smoke-filled room rumbled with the low-voiced whispers of the Presidential kingmakers. “No...No…No,” uttered the head of the group. “If we position our candidate as a Washington outsider, we can’t call them an ‘exoteric candidate.’ It makes it sound as if they have some sort of weird lifestyle.”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Man Charged with Blowing Up Pacific Gas & Electric Transformers in California (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/california-bay-area-pge-transformer-explosions-blasts-utility-arrest-peter-karasev-4b444819a49803c11044a2b69eac6fc7

2.      California Nuclear Reactors Win Exemption in Fight to Keep Running (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/nuclear-reactors-california-diablo-canyon-d66323cfe3743063c9446dd372652658

3.      Eastern Washington Won’t Get Nation’s First Advanced Nuclear Reactor (Tri-City Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article272641457.html

4.      Will the Feds Approve Any of the New Small Modular Nuclear Reactors? (Canary Media)

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/nuclear/will-the-feds-approve-any-of-the-new-small-modular-nuclear-reactors

5.      Northwest Hydro Outlook Trending Below Normal on Drier February; Prices Climb (S&P Global)

https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/030223-northwest-hydro-outlook-trending-below-normal-on-drier-february-prices-climb

6.      Avista Seeks Increased Natural Gas Base Rates for Oregon (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/38774-avista-seeks-increased-natural-gas-base-rates-for-oregon/

7.      Lawsuit Challenges WA State Over Natural Gas Restrictions (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/business/lawsuit-challenges-wa-state-over-natural-gas-restrictions/article_0f4c3818-b92e-11ed-bb80-4b31ae3621be.html

8.      Protestors Take to the Streets to Support Eugene’s Natural Gas Ban (KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR)

https://www.kezi.com/news/protestors-take-to-the-streets-to-support-eugenes-natural-gas-ban/article_9cbbd39a-ba26-11ed-8b67-afbdfbac3024.html

9.      California: Nevada County Residents Prepare for Another Week without Power (KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA)

https://www.kcra.com/article/nevada-county-residents-prepare-for-another-week-without-power/43194558

10.   DOE Finds ‘Pressing’ Transmission Needs, With Interregional Links Offering the Biggest Benefits (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-transmission-needs-report-interregional-webinar/644192/

11.   Former WA Gov. Christine Gregoire Joins Puget Sound Energy Board of Directors (Thurston Talk, Olympia, WA)

https://www.thurstontalk.com/2023/03/03/christine-gregoire-joins-puget-sound-energy-board-of-directors/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

12.   Guest Essay: Idaho Incentivizes ‘Renewable Energy.’ It Should Focus Instead on ‘Clean Energy’ (Idaho Statesman, Boise, ID)

https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article272731305.html

13.   California: High Utility Bills? It’s Time to Hold Sacramento Politicians Accountable (San Bernadino Sun, CA)

https://www.sbsun.com/2023/03/05/high-utility-bills-its-time-to-hold-sacramento-politicians-accountable/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

14.   California: Homeowners, Rooftop Solar Companies Rush to Meet Upcoming Deadline (Bakersfield Californian, CA)

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/homeowners-rooftop-solar-companies-rush-to-meet-upcoming-deadline/article_c772023a-bacb-11ed-8101-3f7e0c64e34b.html

15.   West Warms to Geothermal Energy as a Path to Clean Power Goals (Alaska Beacon)

https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/03/03/west-warms-to-geothermal-energy-as-a-path-to-clean-power-goals/

16.   Panel Discusses Impact of Offshore Wind Power on West Coast Fisheries (Capital Press)

https://www.capitalpress.com/state/california/panel-discusses-impact-of-offshore-wind-on-west-coast-fisheries/article_30909302-b86b-11ed-9afe-976d6ac9b658.html

17.   California: Calaveras Amador Mokelumne River Authority Mulls Pumped Storage Battery Project (Calaveras Enterprise, CA)

http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/news/article_abeef13c-b85d-11ed-960c-c74039f671b0.html

18.   Why Britain Is Suddenly Blowing Cold on a Wind Power Revolution (Yahoo! News)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-britain-suddenly-blowing-cold-140000506.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

19.   What You Should Know About Heat Pumps in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/what-you-should-know-about-heat-pumps-in-the-pacific-northwest/

20.   America’s Great Home Heating Divide, Visualized (Washington Post, DC – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2023/home-electrification-heat-pumps-gas-furnace/

21.   We Still Use Appliances Like It’s 1970. There’s a Better Way. (Washington Post, DC – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/01/24/home-appliance-myths-energy-saving-tips/

FISH & WILDLIFE

22.   Oregon: Bowman Dam Hydropower Backers Seek Ways Around Denial of Fish Passage Waiver (Central Oregon Daily News)

https://centraloregondaily.com/bowman-dam-hydropower-denial-fish-passage-waiver/

23.   Feds Still on the Hook for Endangering California Coast Salmon (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/feds-still-on-the-hook-for-endangering-california-coast-salmon/

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

24.   Judge Lifts Block on Road Construction Along California’s Last Undammed River (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-lifts-block-on-road-construction-along-californias-last-undammed-river/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

25.   Snowy Winter Helps Pacific Northwest, But Drought Still Strong Influence in the Region (Spokane Public Radio, WA)

https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-02-28/snowy-winter-helps-pnw-but-drought-still-strong-influence-in-the-region

26.   In Dry West, Farmers Balk at Idling Land to Save Water (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/colorado-river-drought-west-farmers-fallowing-ec8f5a4e52170d472847a6d86d09b1c8

BEAM ME UP, SCOTTY - THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY & CYBERSECURITY

27.   New Clean Energy Charging Feature on iPhones Raising Eyebrows Among Some Users (KMGH-TV, Denver, CO)

https://www.denver7.com/news/technology/new-clean-energy-charging-feature-on-iphones-raising-eyebrows-among-some-users

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

28.   Global Race to Boost Electric Vehicle Range in Cold Weather (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/electric-vehicles-cold-weather-battery-ev-6d86b7aa19e233d5dcc4d2c9abb193ed

29.   E-Bikes Are an Environmental Dream — Except Out in Nature (San Jose Mercury News, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/02/e-bikes-are-an-environmental-dream-except-out-in-nature/

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

30.   Twitter Glitches as Links, Images Fail to Load (ABC News)

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/twitter-glitches-links-images-fail-load-97660460

31.   Betting on Social Media as a News Destination for the Young (Associated Press)

https://www.courthousenews.com/betting-on-social-media-as-a-news-destination-for-the-young/

32.   Mountain View Wins 31st Annual Bonneville Power Administration Regional Science Bowl (Vancouver Columbian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/mar/04/mountain-view-wins-31st-annual-bpa-regional-science-bowl/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

33.   Central Washington Airport Hosts First Test Flight of Hydrogen-Powered Airliner (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/04/hydrogen-powered-airliner-makes-first-flight-moses-lake-washington/

34.   SEL Opposes Plans for Biodiesel Plant in Pullman (Moscow-Pullman Daily News, ID)

https://dnews.com/local/sel-opposes-plans-for-biodiesel-plant-in-pullman/article_503f7c01-e63a-586d-997d-deb762bd96c3.html

MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE

35.   WA Law Would Protect Residents with Unpaid Utility Bills During Heat Advisory. Here’s How (Tacoma News Tribune, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article272659028.html

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

36.   Congress Pushes Bill That Would Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent (NBC News)

https://www.wfmj.com/story/48491206/congress-pushes-bill-that-would-make-daylight-saving-time-permanent

37.   Iditarod Sees Smallest Field of Competitors on Trek to Nome (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/iditarod-sees-smallest-field-of-competitors-on-trek-to-nome/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Court Rules U.S.-Made Cheese Can Be Called ‘Gruyere’ (groo-YAIR), Too

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/us-made-cheese-called-gruyere-053256246.html

Alabama: Hoover Girls Denied Basketball Trophy After Winning Championship Against Boys

https://www.al.com/news/2023/03/hoover-girls-denied-basketball-trophy-after-winning-championship-against-boys-im-sorry-you-dont-count.html

Joe Montana Super Bowl Jersey Shatters Auction Record Previously Held by Tom Brady Jersey

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/03/05/joe-montana-super-bowl-jersey-tom-brady/11407669002/

Pizza Acrobatics Is an Actual Sport. This Man Has Won Seven World Championships for It.

https://sports.yahoo.com/pizza-acrobatics-actual-sport-man-175231665.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Queen - We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8JLxeFr9j0

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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