The Energy News Digest

Monday, February 24, 2025

The Energy News Digest for February 24, 2025

The Northwest Public Power Association sponsors the Energy News Digest.

The News Digest on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter) will bring breaking news throughout the week.

Hotshots – Today’s Top Five Stories

‘Unleash American Blackouts’: Experts Warn Bonneville Job Cuts Bring Immediate & Long-Term Risks to Pacific Northwest (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/20/bonneville-job-cuts-immediate-risks/

Bonneville Power Administration Layoffs Could Impact Data Centers, Union Leader Says (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR – Via Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/bonneville-power-administration-layoffs-could-001849375.html

California Lawmakers Aim to Lower Electricity Bills, but They’ll Face Tough Choices (KQED Radio, San Francisco, CA)

https://www.kqed.org/news/12027878/california-lawmakers-aim-lower-electricity-bills-but-theyll-face-tough-choices

Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Rein in Utility Bills (KPTV-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/oregon-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to-reign-in-utility-bills/ar-AA1ztMuj

Wind Gusts Up to 55 Mph: Wind Advisory Issued for Western Washington (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/pacific-northwest-weather/wind-advisory-washington/4051805

News Highlights (See Stories Below)

1. California Lawmakers Aim to Lower Electricity Bills, but They’ll Face Tough Choices

2. Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Rein in Utility Bills

3. California: Pacific Gas & Electric Launches Projects to Curb Intentional Power Outages in San Jose

4. California: Trump Tariffs Could Cost LMUD Ratepayers $2.5 Million

5. Ashland Becomes the First City in Oregon to Impose a Fee on New Natural Gas Hookups

6. Dams, Power Lines & Statistics: What the Bonneville Power Administration Is & Does

7. U.S. Energy Council Chief Says Power Plants to Produce 15% More Electricity

8. FERC Complies with Major Portions of Trump Order on Independent Agencies: Christie

9. Montana’s Electric Co-Op Linemen: ‘Welcome to the Jungle’

10. ‘Unleash American Blackouts’: Experts Warn Bonneville Job Cuts Bring Immediate & Long-Term Risks to Pacific Northwest

11. Bonneville Power Administration Layoffs Could Impact Data Centers, Union Leader Says

12. Word of Firings at Grand Coulee Dam Remains Uncertain

13. Two Top BPA Execs to Depart Following Trump Resignation Offer

14. Trump & Musk Slash 13.5% of Bonneville Power’s Jobs While Protecting the Tennessee Valley Authority

15. WA State: 80-Megawatt Yakima County Solar Project Construction to Begin Soon

16. Solar Developers Worry New Conservation Tax Would Render Renewables Unsustainable in Utah

17. WA State: Snohomish County Becomes Haven for Green Energy

18. Rural Ohioans Oppose Solar Farms, Right? Not So, Developer Finds

19. California: Pilot Project Returns Spring-Run Chinook Salmon to North Yuba River

20. 2025 Columbia River Spring Chinook Seasons Announced

21. Pacific Lamprey Struggle to Migrate Past the Bonneville Dam. A New Fish Ladder Will Help

22. Newest Orca Brings Girl Power to Endangered Whales

23. Bill Would Bar Some Private, For-Profit Companies from WA Grants for Broadband Expansion

24. NRECA Urges Trump Administration to Support & Fix Rural Broadband Programs

25. Southwest Washington Officials Say Data Centers Use Too Much Power, Employ Too Few People to Make Economic Sense

26. Tesla Recalling More Than 375,000 Vehicles Due to Power Steering Issue

27. WA State: Electric Vehicle Fire Risks Prompt Urgent Safety Warnings by Pierce County Officials

28. GSA Says Workers Who Took ‘Fork’ Won’t Get a Full Payout — Then Reverses Itself

29. ‘I Have Concerns.’ GOP Rep. Newhouse Weighs in on Job Cuts at Nuclear Site & More

30. Oregon Lawmakers Agree Fighting Wildfires Requires More Money. The Hard Question: How to Pay for It

31. Wind Gusts Up to 55 Mph: Wind Advisory Issued for Western Washington

32. Data Centers Are Overwhelming the Grid. Could They Help It Instead?

Word of the Day

Prehensile \pre-HEN-sill\ Adjective – 1: adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around 2: gifted with the mental grasp or moral or aesthetic perception.

Alberto was mesmerized by his New Year’s Eve blind date. On one hand, he was repulsed by her chewing tobacco habit. On the other hand, he found her ability to toss back a mug of beer using her prehensile toes wildly attractive.

Energy & Utility Issues

1. California Lawmakers Aim to Lower Electricity Bills, but They’ll Face Tough Choices (KQED Radio, San Francisco, CA)

https://www.kqed.org/news/12027878/california-lawmakers-aim-lower-electricity-bills-but-theyll-face-tough-choices

2. Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Rein in Utility Bills (KPTV-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/oregon-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to-reign-in-utility-bills/ar-AA1ztMuj

3. California: Pacific Gas & Electric Launches Projects to Curb Intentional Power Outages in San Jose (San Jose Mercury News, CA – Via MSN)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/pg-e-launches-projects-to-curb-intentional-power-outages-in-san-jose/ar-AA1zqwnP

4. California: Trump Tariffs Could Cost LMUD Ratepayers $2.5 Million (Lassen County Times, Susanville, CA)

https://www.lassennews.com/trump-tariffs-could-cost-lmud-ratepayers-2-5-million

5. Ashland Becomes the First City in Oregon to Impose a Fee on New Natural Gas Hookups (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/20/ashland-fee-natural-gas-hookups/

6. Dams, Power Lines & Statistics: What the Bonneville Power Administration Is & Does (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/21/dams-power-statistics-bonneville-power-administration-electricity/

7. U.S. Energy Council Chief Says Power Plants to Produce 15% More Electricity (Reuters)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-energy-council-chief-says-220558026.html

8. FERC Complies with Major Portions of Trump Order on Independent Agencies: Christie (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-trump-eo-executive-order-independent-agencies/740597/

9. Montana’s Electric Co-Op Linemen: ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ (KMMS Radio, Boseman, MT)

https://kmmsam.com/ixp/990/p/montanas-electric-co-op-linemen-welcome-to-the-jungle/

As the World Turns

10. ‘Unleash American Blackouts’: Experts Warn Bonneville Job Cuts Bring Immediate & Long-Term Risks to Pacific Northwest (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/20/bonneville-job-cuts-immediate-risks/

11. Bonneville Power Administration Layoffs Could Impact Data Centers, Union Leader Says (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR – Via Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/bonneville-power-administration-layoffs-could-001849375.html

12. Word of Firings at Grand Coulee Dam Remains Uncertain (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/feb/21/firings-at-coulee-dam-remain-unclear/

13. Two Top BPA Execs to Depart Following Trump Resignation Offer (RTO Insider – Subscription Required)

https://www.rtoinsider.com/98842-top-bpa-execs-depart-trump-resignation-offer/

14. Trump & Musk Slash 13.5% of Bonneville Power’s Jobs While Protecting the Tennessee Valley Authority (Malcontent News)

https://malcontentment.com/trump-and-musk-slash-13-5-of-bonneville-powers-jobs-while-protecting-the-tennessee-valley-authority/

Renewable Energy & Self Storage

15. WA State: 80-Megawatt Yakima County Solar Project Construction to Begin Soon (KIMA-TV, Yakima, WA)

https://kimatv.com/news/local/yakima-county-solar-project-construction-to-begin-soon

16. Solar Developers Worry New Conservation Tax Would Render Renewables Unsustainable in Utah (Utah News Dispatch)

https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/02/21/solar-developers-worry-new-conservation-tax-would-render-renewables-unsustainable-in-utah/

17. WA State: Snohomish County Becomes Haven for Green Energy (Everett Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-becomes-haven-for-green-energy/

18. Rural Ohioans Oppose Solar Farms, Right? Not So, Developer Finds (Canary Media)

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/rural-ohioans-oppose-solar-farms-right-not-so-developer-finds

Fish & Wildlife

19. California: Pilot Project Returns Spring-Run Chinook Salmon to North Yuba River (YubaNet, Nevada City, CA)

https://yubanet.com/regional/pilot-project-returns-spring-run-chinook-salmon-to-north-yuba-river/

20. 2025 Columbia River Spring Chinook Seasons Announced (Big Country News, Clarkston, WA)

https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/2025-columbia-river-spring-chinook-seasons-announced/article_45d4b8c4-ef55-11ef-9bd3-0b52b744d4c5.html

21. Pacific Lamprey Struggle to Migrate Past the Bonneville Dam. A New Fish Ladder Will Help (The Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2025/02/pacific-lamprey-struggle-to-migrate-past-the-bonneville-dam-a-new-fish-ladder-will-help.html

22. Newest Orca Brings Girl Power to Endangered Whales (Axios Seattle)

https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/21/southern-resident-orca-killer-whale-baby

London Calling –Telecommunications

23. Bill Would Bar Some Private, For-Profit Companies from WA Grants for Broadband Expansion (The Center Square)

https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_8af288d6-e99d-11ef-8132-dbe4a2a31165.html

24. NRECA Urges Trump Administration to Support & Fix Rural Broadband Programs (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)

https://www.electric.coop/nreca-urges-trump-administration-to-support-and-fix-rural-broadband-programs

The Wizarding World of Technology & Cybersecurity

25. Southwest Washington Officials Say Data Centers Use Too Much Power, Employ Too Few People to Make Economic Sense (Vancouver Columbian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/feb/24/southwest-washington-officials-say-data-centers-use-too-much-power-employ-too-few-people-to-make-economic-sense/

I Sing the Car Electric

26. Tesla Recalling More Than 375,000 Vehicles Due to Power Steering Issue (Associated Press)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-recalling-more-375-000-130908897.html

27. WA State: Electric Vehicle Fire Risks Prompt Urgent Safety Warnings by Pierce County Officials (KOMO News, Seattle, WA)

https://komonews.com/news/local/lithium-batteries-pierce-county-sheriffs-department-pcsd-tesla-crash-explosion-deputy-spokesperson-washington-state-extrication-cause-of-death-medical-examiner

Politics, Governance, and Management

28. GSA Says Workers Who Took ‘Fork’ Won’t Get a Full Payout — Then Reverses Itself (Washington Post, DC – Via MSN)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gsa-says-workers-who-took-fork-won-t-get-a-full-payout-then-reverses-itself/ar-AA1zxOzN

29. ‘I Have Concerns.’ GOP Rep. Newhouse Weighs in on Job Cuts at Nuclear Site & More (Tri-City Herald, WA – Via MSN)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/i-have-concerns-gop-rep-newhouse-weighs-in-on-job-cuts-at-nuclear-site-and-more/ar-AA1zt5dY

30. Oregon Lawmakers Agree Fighting Wildfires Requires More Money. The Hard Question: How to Pay for It (The Oregonian, Portland, OR – Via MSN)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/oregon-lawmakers-agree-fighting-wildfires-requires-more-money-the-hard-question-how-to-pay-for-it/ar-AA1zsmCs

Other Things to Know About Today

31. Wind Gusts Up to 55 Mph: Wind Advisory Issued for Western Washington (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/pacific-northwest-weather/wind-advisory-washington/4051805

Soapbox Serenade – Vox Populi

32. Data Centers Are Overwhelming the Grid. Could They Help It Instead? (Canary Media)

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/utilities/data-centers-are-overwhelming-the-grid-could-they-help-it-instead

Diversions - Alligators in the Sewer

Roberta Flack, Timeless R&B Singer-Songwriter Behind ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song,’ Dies at 88

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/roberta-flack-timeless-r-b-153909765.html

Thieves Used a Stolen Card to Buy A $523,000 Lottery Ticket. The Victim Wants to Share the Winnings

https://apnews.com/article/france-lottery-ticket-stolen-card-thieves-50a0fa5a3fb22baac08899e5100dc1db

How a 24-Year-Old Surfer Rode a Wave the Size of 10-Story Building, Potentially Setting World Record

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/24-old-surfer-rode-wave-163856229.html

Micro-Artist Creates Lego Sculpture the Size of a Blood Cell

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2025/02/20/Guinness-World-Records-tiny-Lego/5391740080162/

Song of the Day

Roberta Flack - Angel Eyes

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

Links & Paywall Advisory

Links in The Energy News Digest are for current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links.

Although I choose stories that are accessible without paying a subscription, individual experiences may vary. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions. Regularly clearing your browser’s history and cookie files may help you access some paywall sites.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

The Energy News Digest for February 19, 2025

The Northwest Public Power Association sponsors the Energy News Digest.

The News Digest on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter) will bring breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

Hotshots – Today’s Top Five Stories

Bonneville Power Administration Warns of Possible Rate Increase Due to Low Cash Reserves (Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, WA)

https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/5884-bpa-warns-of-possible-rate-increase-due-to-low-cash-reserves

30 Bonneville Power Administration Workers Get Jobs Back Amid Hundreds of Layoffs & Buyouts (Washington State Standard)

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/18/30-bonneville-power-workers-get-jobs-back-amid-hundreds-of-layoffs-and-buyouts/

‘Wild West’: Montana Regulators Want Answers on Huge Power Requests from Data Centers (Energy Central News)

https://energycentral.com/news/wild-west-montana-regulators-want-answers-huge-power-requests-data-centers

Developers Put Brakes on Multiple Solar Energy Projects in Southcentral Alaska, Citing Costs & Federal Politics (Anchorage Daily News, AK)

https://www.adn.com/business-economy/energy/2025/02/18/developers-put-brakes-on-multiple-solar-energy-projects-as-southcentral-alaska-faces-gas-shortage/

It’s a Girl! Researchers Confirm Newest Southern Resident J Pod Calf Is Female (KOMO News, Seattle, WA)

https://komonews.com/news/local/its-a-girl-new-member-of-southern-resident-killer-whale-pod-calf-j62-confirmed-female-orca-dolphin-nature-ocean-pacific-pnw-conservation-research-environment-san-juan-island-j35-j61

News Highlights (See Stories Below)

1. Bonneville Power Administration Warns of Possible Rate Increase Due to Low Cash Reserves

2. Energy Northwest, Amazon Ask Richland to Buy Into $4 Billion Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

3. Pacific Gas & Electric Tries to Reassure Investors Amid Growing Wildfire Concerns

4. Pressure Builds on Army Corps to Produce Years-Late Reports on Willamette River Basin Dams

5. California: Pacific Gas & Electric Evaluating Plans for Eel River Dam Removal Project

6. California Lawmaker Proposes New Law to Limit Rate Increases for Investor-Owned Utilities

7. Pend Oreille PUD’s Box Canyon Power Obligated Through 2042

8. Kennewick-Based Cascade Natural Gas May Face $1 Million Penalty for Alleged Pipeline Violations

9. Vandals Cause Large Power Outage on Washington Coast

10. Grant County PUD Responds to ‘Misinformation’ and Explains Route Selection for Quincy Transmission Line Project

11. Backers of WA Natural Gas Initiative Plan to Refile Lawsuit to Force Compliance

12. Energy Demand Soared in British Columbia During Last Week’s Cold Snap

13. SW Power Pool Details Commitments from Public Power Utilities, Others for Financing Tied to New Market – Includes Bonneville Power Administration, Chelan PUD, Grant PUD, Powerex, Salt River Project, and Tacoma Power

14. 30 Bonneville Power Administration Workers Get Jobs Back Amid Hundreds of Layoffs & Buyouts

15. Haphazardness of Federal Layoffs Causes Concern with U.S. Sen. Murray (WA), Public Power Council

16. Former Leaders of Bonneville Power Say Federal Staffing Cuts Threaten Stability & Safety of Pacific NW Power Grid

17. Rural Oregonians Are Already Choking on Utility Bills. Trump’s Executive Orders Could Make Matters Worse.

18. APPA Urges Members to Contact Lawmakers on Federal Funding Freeze Impacts, Seeks Details on Member Awards

19. Developers Put Brakes on Multiple Solar Energy Projects in Southcentral Alaska, Citing Costs & Federal Politics

20. WA State: Plans in the Works for 80-Acre Solar Farm Near Connell

21. Is Burning Trash Worth the Cash? Spokane to Use $650,000 in Grant Funds to Study Incinerator as State Cracks Down on Emissions

22. Montana: Trump DOE OKs First Loan Programs Office Disbursement — After GOP Senator Voices Support

23. California: A Futuristic-Looking Solar Energy Plant Is Doomed

24. It’s a Girl! Researchers Confirm Newest Southern Resident J Pod Calf Is Female

25. The Push Is on to Return Sea Otters to Oregon, Northern California Coasts

26. WA’s UTC expected to complete investigation into CenturyLink landline issues

27. ‘Wild West’: Montana Regulators Want Answers on Huge Power Requests from Data Centers

28. There Are No Data Centers in Southwest Washington: Is That Good, or Bad?

29. Why Weather Forecast Accuracy Makes or Breaks Power Suppliers in Today’s Market

30. Oregon: Sen. Wyden Addresses Packed Town Hall in Hillsboro as Political Uncertainty Brews in D.C.

31. WA Commerce Department ‘Not in Compliance with State Law’ on Grant Funding, Audit Finds – Digital Navigators Program Cited

32. Trump & Musk Are Playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with the Pacific Northwest Power Grid

33. News Release: Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers from Trump on Bonneville Power Administration Cuts, Impact on Electric Grid Reliability

34. News Release: U.S. Reps. Pallone (NJ), Huffman (CA), Hoyle (OR), Castor (FL) Demand Answers on Trump-Musk Layoff Spree of Grid Workers, Risk to Electricity Supply

Word of the Day

Copacetic \coe-puh-SET-tick\ Adjective – Very satisfactory.

Relaxing gulf breeze

Tall, frosty peach daiquiri

Copacetic? Yes!

Energy & Utility Issues

1. Bonneville Power Administration Warns of Possible Rate Increase Due to Low Cash Reserves (Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, WA)

https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/5884-bpa-warns-of-possible-rate-increase-due-to-low-cash-reserves

2. Energy Northwest, Amazon Ask Richland to Buy Into $4 Billion Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (Tri-City Herald, WA – Via MSN)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/energy-northwest-amazon-ask-richland-to-buy-into-4b-small-modular-nuclear-reactors/ar-AA1ziIGV

3. Pacific Gas & Electric Tries to Reassure Investors Amid Growing Wildfire Concerns (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/Pacific-Gas-Electric-pcg-wildfires-state-insurance-fund/740159/

4. Pressure Builds on Army Corps to Produce Years-Late Reports on Willamette River Basin Dams (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/16/army-corps-willamette-river-dams/

5. California: Pacific Gas & Electric Evaluating Plans for Eel River Dam Removal Project (KRCR-TV, Redding, CA)

https://krcrtv.com/north-coast-news/eureka-local-news/pge-evaluating-plans-for-eel-river-dam-removal-project

6. California Lawmaker Proposes New Law to Limit Rate Increases for Investor-Owned Utilities (KRCA-TV, Sacramento, CA)

https://www.kcra.com/article/california-lawmaker-limit-rate-increases-investor-owned-utilities/63790696

7. Pend Oreille PUD’s Box Canyon Power Obligated Through 2042 (The Miner Newspapers, Newport, WA)

https://www.pendoreillerivervalley.com/article/2348,pud-s-box-canyon-power-obligated-through-2042

8. Kennewick-Based Cascade Natural Gas May Face $1 Million Penalty for Alleged Pipeline Violations (KNDO & KNDU-TV, Yakima/Tri-Cities, WA)

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/kennewick-based-cascade-natural-gas-may-face-1-million-penalty-for-alleged-pipeline-violations/article_56900f40-eb60-11ef-9ba3-17441293b305.html

9. Vandals Cause Large Power Outage on Washington Coast (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/vandals-cause-large-power-outage-on-washington-coast/281-75564e17-a98b-4fe3-8922-d64f32bed2b4

10. Grant County PUD Responds to ‘Misinformation’ and Explains Route Selection for Quincy Transmission Line Project (Source ONE News, Ephrata, WA)

https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/grant-county-pud-responds-to-misinformation-and-explains-route-selection-for-quincy-transmission-line-project/article_2af3697c-ee35-11ef-ad02-5f7e6ffdc4ad.html

11. Backers of WA Natural Gas Initiative Plan to Refile Lawsuit to Force Compliance (The Center Square)

https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_877e2278-eb19-11ef-b106-0fec337e278c.html

12. Energy Demand Soared in British Columbia During Last Week’s Cold Snap (Castanet, Kelowna, BC)

https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/533955/Energy-demand-soared-in-B-C-during-last-week-s-cold-snap

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/spp-details-commitments-public-power-utilities-others-financing-tied-new-market

As the World Turns

14. 30 Bonneville Power Administration Workers Get Jobs Back Amid Hundreds of Layoffs & Buyouts (Washington State Standard)

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/18/30-bonneville-power-workers-get-jobs-back-amid-hundreds-of-layoffs-and-buyouts/

15. Haphazardness of Federal Layoffs Causes Concern with U.S. Sen. Murray (WA), Public Power Council (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/local/federal-layoffs-rescinded/4047609

16. Former Leaders of Bonneville Power Say Federal Staffing Cuts Threaten Stability & Safety of Pacific NW Power Grid (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/19/former-leaders-of-bonneville-power-say-federal-staffing-cuts-threaten-stability-and-safety-of-nw-power-grid/

17. Rural Oregonians Are Already Choking on Utility Bills. Trump’s Executive Orders Could Make Matters Worse. (Willamette Week, Portland, OR)

https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/02/14/rural-oregonians-are-already-choking-on-utility-bills-trumps-executive-orders-could-make-matters-worse/

18. APPA Urges Members to Contact Lawmakers on Federal Funding Freeze Impacts, Seeks Details on Member Awards (American Public Power Association)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2025/02/appa-urges-members-to-contact-lawmakers.html

Renewable Energy & Self Storage

19. Developers Put Brakes on Multiple Solar Energy Projects in Southcentral Alaska, Citing Costs & Federal Politics (Anchorage Daily News, AK)

https://www.adn.com/business-economy/energy/2025/02/18/developers-put-brakes-on-multiple-solar-energy-projects-as-southcentral-alaska-faces-gas-shortage/

20. WA State: Plans in the Works for 80-Acre Solar Farm Near Connell (Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, WA)

https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/solar-farm

21. Is Burning Trash Worth the Cash? Spokane to Use $650,000 in Grant Funds to Study Incinerator as State Cracks Down on Emissions (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/feb/16/is-burning-trash-worth-the-cash-spokane-to-use-650/

22. Montana: Trump DOE OKs First Loan Programs Office Disbursement — After GOP Senator Voices Support (Canary Media)

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/air-travel/montana-saf-refinery-is-first-project-to-get-doe-loan-money-under-trump

23. California: A Futuristic-Looking Solar Energy Plant Is Doomed (Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/futuristic-looking-solar-energy-plant-110404592.html

Fish & Wildlife

24. It’s a Girl! Researchers Confirm Newest Southern Resident J Pod Calf Is Female (KOMO News, Seattle, WA)

25. The Push Is on to Return Sea Otters to Oregon, Northern California Coasts (The Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2025/02/the-push-is-on-to-return-sea-otters-to-oregon-northern-california-coasts.html

London Calling –Telecommunications

26. WA’s UTC expected to complete investigation into CenturyLink landline issues (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/was-utc-expected-complete-investigation-into-centurylink-landline-issues-couple-months/5FXGCFB6PNAW3NC5PSZANMGSNY/

The Wizarding World of Technology & Cybersecurity

27. ‘Wild West’: Montana Regulators Want Answers on Huge Power Requests from Data Centers (Energy Central News)

https://energycentral.com/news/wild-west-montana-regulators-want-answers-huge-power-requests-data-centers

28. There Are No Data Centers in Southwest Washington: Is That Good, or Bad? (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/there-are-no-data-centers-in-southwest-washington-is-that-good-or-bad,375703

Barrel O’ Green Potpourri – Seething Stew of Science

29. Why Weather Forecast Accuracy Makes or Breaks Power Suppliers in Today’s Market (Power Magazine)

https://www.powermag.com/why-forecast-accuracy-makes-or-breaks-power-suppliers-in-todays-market/

Politics, Governance, and Management

30. Oregon: Sen. Wyden Addresses Packed Town Hall in Hillsboro as Political Uncertainty Brews in D.C. (The Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/02/sen-wyden-addresses-packed-town-hall-in-hillsboro-as-political-uncertainty-brews-in-dc.html

31. WA Commerce Department ‘Not in Compliance with State Law’ on Grant Funding, Audit Finds – Digital Navigators Program Cited (KOMO News, Seattle, WA)

https://komonews.com/news/local/audit-state-commerce-department-not-in-compliance-state-law-grant-funding-money-joe-nguyen-legislature-thousands-dollars-unverified-transactions-payments-fraud-loss-abuse

Soapbox Serenade – Vox Populi

32. Trump & Musk Are Playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with the Pacific Northwest Power Grid (Latitude Media)

https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/trump-and-musk-are-playing-russian-roulette-with-the-northwest-power-grid/

33. News Release: Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers from Trump on Bonneville Power Administration Cuts, Impact on Electric Grid Reliability (U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, OR)

https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-answers-from-trump-on-bpa-cuts-impact-on-electric-grid-reliability

34. News Release: U.S. Reps. Pallone (NJ), Huffman (CA), Hoyle (OR), Castor (FL) Demand Answers on Trump-Musk Layoff Spree of Grid Workers, Risk to Electricity Supply (Committee on Energy and Commerce, Democrats)

https://democrats-energycommerce.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-huffman-hoyle-castor-demand-answers-trump-musk-layoff-spree-grid

Diversions - Alligators in the Sewer

Oregon Middle School Teacher Is on a TikTok Quest to Name This Game the State’s Official Sport

https://www.hereisoregon.com/experiences/2025/02/oregon-middle-school-teacher-is-on-a-tiktik-quest-to-name-this-game-the-states-official-sport.html

Webb Telescope Observes Violence Around Milky Way’s Central Black Hole

https://www.reuters.com/science/webb-telescope-observes-violence-around-milky-ways-central-black-hole-2025-02-18/

Goodyear Blimp at 100: From Ronald Reagan to Ice Cube, ‘Floating Piece of Americana’ Still Thriving

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/goodyear-blimp-100-ronald-reagan-ice-cube-floating-118803821

Chinese ‘Snow Village’ Apologizes for Using Fake Snow

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2025/02/18/Chengdu-Snow-Village-fake-snow-apology/3631739903533/

Song of the Day

Cantu – She’s Leaving Home (Acapella Beatles Cover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8kPsRJEUm0