All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Whatcom County Officials Say Loss of Intalco Would Have Been Hit to Taxpayers, Governments
• California - Bill would halt high-voltage lines in Chino Hills
• Power Surges Spark Frustration
• Editorial - When it’s Cold Inside: Heating Assistance
• Snake River Region Sees Record Steelhead Run
• 2009 Salmon Fishing Gets Above-Average Grade
• Oregon - Conservation Group Wants Gill-Net Salmon Fishing Ban on Ballot
• State Considers Handing Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery to Private Operator
• Fate of Idaho Salmon Plays Out in Tiny Marsh Creek
• Earth Talk: West Coast Salmon Threatened
• Bald Eagles Arriving Home for the Holidays along Washington’s Skagit River
• Pacific Northwest Enjoying Spectacular Crab Harvest
• Op/Ed - Enjoy Puget Sound Oysters? Consumers Should Support Environmental Action
• 125 Pilot Whales Die on New Zealand Beaches, 43 Saved
• Dam Mess? Fluctuating Water Levels Cause Concern at Pend Oreille
• Filters Show Promise in Spokane River Cleanup
• As Lewis County Awaits New Flood Insurance Maps, FEMA Starts Over in Skagit County
• Grays Harbor - Environmental Groups Sue over Critical Areas Ordinance
• California - Regional Lake Study Points to Faster Warming
• New York - 187-Ton Windmill Topples in Madison County
• Small-Scale Turbines Get Praise in Alaska Villages
• Big Plans for Small Wind
• Harnessing the Sun to Store the Wind
• Energy Company to Revive California Geothermal Project
• Indiana Lawmakers Hopeful about Renewable Energy Bill
• Nevada: Renewable Energy Industry Will See Explosive Growth
• The Deal: A Novel Pre-pay Approach for a Wind Power Project
• Building More with Less - Energy Use, That Is
• Smart-Grid Rollout Fueling Revenue for Chip Makers
• Editorial - Environmental, economic concerns do not have to be mutually exclusive
• California Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics
• Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively
• Washington State Data Center Work Has Far-Reaching Effects
• Tacoma’s Click: It’s the envy of ... Seattle?
• Washington State UTC Staff Reverses Position on Frontier’s Bid for Verizon Phone Lines
• ISPs Won’t Give You Broadband, Won’t Let Anyone Else, Either
• Can Usage-based Broadband Billing Be Done Fairly?
• Cell Phone Mania Forces Scramble for More Airwaves
• New Fords Are Wi-Fi Hot Spots
• Man Found Dead in Salt Pile at Longview Chemical Plant
• Lumber Market Shows Signs of Rebound
• Congress - District 3’s Politics Promise Doozy of a Race
WORD OF THE DAY
Ergogenic • \ur-guh-JEN-ik\ • adjective - Enhancing physical performance
Dilton stared wistfully into the dimming light of the distant sunset, his jogging partners silhouetted against the orange rays of the dying sunlight. It was at that very moment that his ergogenic New Year’s resolution crystallized. “I will beat them over the horizon next year,” he muttered to himself between wheezing gasps.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Whatcom County Officials Say Loss of Intalco Would Have Been Hit to Taxpayers, Governments (The Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/1218141.html
California - Bill would halt high-voltage lines in Chino Hills (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Ontario, CA)
http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_14079149
Power Surges Spark Frustration (KNDU-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=11735757
NY Times Editorial - When it’s Cold Inside: Heating Assistance
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/opinion/28mon2.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
FISH & WILDLIFE
Snake River Region Sees Record Steelhead Run - Anglers reel in thousands; local economy gets boost (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/region-sees-record-steelhead-run/
2009 Salmon Fishing Gets Above-Average Grade (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010604237_outn27.html
Oregon - Conservation Group Wants Gill-Net Salmon Fishing Ban on Ballot (Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/conservation_group_wants_gill.html
State Considers Handing Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery to Private Operator (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/dec/25/state-considering-turning-over-hatchery-to/
Fate of Idaho Salmon Plays Out in Tiny Marsh Creek - The fish that spawn here are among the most vulnerable in the region. Will Obama’s plan help if the population plummets? (Idaho Statesman, Boise, ID)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1022016.html
Earth Talk: West Coast Salmon Threatened (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/home-garden/ci_14050487
Bald Eagles Arriving Home for the Holidays along Washington’s Skagit River
http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2009/12/bald_eagles_arriving_home_for.html
Pacific Northwest Enjoying Spectacular Crab Harvest (Northwest Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6589
Seattle Times Op/Ed - Enjoy Puget Sound Oysters? Consumers Should Support Environmental Action
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010587705_guest26huang.html
125 Pilot Whales Die on New Zealand Beaches, 43 Saved (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010611321_whale28.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Dam Mess? Fluctuating Water Levels Cause Concern at Pend Oreille (Idaho Business Review)
http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/12/28/Dam-Mess-Fluctuating-water-levels-cause-concern-at-Pend-Oreille
Filters Show Promise in Spokane River Cleanup (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/filters-show-promise-in-river-cleanup/
As Lewis County Awaits New Flood Insurance Maps, FEMA Starts Over in Skagit County (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?As-Lewis-County-Awaits-New-Flood-Insuran=1&blockID=107567&feedID=410
Grays Harbor - Environmental Groups Sue over Critical Areas Ordinance (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/27/local_news/doc4b35b81a7eb76197681007.txt
California - Regional lake study points to faster warming (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2422319.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
New York - 187-Ton Windmill Topples in Madison County: Incident mystifies officials; no one injured (Utica Observer-Dispatch, NY)
http://www.uticaod.com/business/x1136814227/187-ton-windmill-falls-over-in-Madison-County
Small-Scale Turbines Get Praise in Alaska Villages (Anchorage Daily News Miner, AK)
http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Small-scale+turbines+get+praise+in+Alaska+villages%20&id=5317650-Small-scale+turbines+get+praise+in+Alaska+villages&instance=home_news_window_left_top_3
Big Plans for Small Wind (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/business/article_219d78e6-f039-11de-b23f-001cc4c03286.html
Harnessing the Sun to Store the Wind (NY Times)
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/harnessing-the-sun-to-store-the-wind/
Energy Company to Revive California Geothermal Project (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/12/26/state/n110854S14.DTL&feed=rss.business
Indiana Lawmakers Hopeful about Renewable Energy Bill (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010613792_apusrenewableenergyindiana.html
Nevada Energy Office Director: Renewable Energy Industry Will See Explosive Growth (Las Vegas Sun, NV)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/27/renewable-energy-industry-will-undergo-explosive-g/
The Deal: A Novel Pre-pay Approach for a Wind Power Project (Renewable Energy World)
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/the-deal-a-novel-pre-pay-approach-for-a-wind-power-project
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Building More with Less - Energy Use, That Is (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/28/AR2009122800745.html
Smart-Grid Rollout Fueling Revenue for Chip Makers (Boston Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2009/12/28/story2.html?ana=from_rss
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Columbian Editorial - Two Shades of Green: Environmental, economic concerns do not have to be mutually exclusive
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/28/2-shades-of-green/
California Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27sfpolitics.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/26/business/global/26rare.html
TELECOMMUNICATIONS & TECNHOLOGY
Washington State Data Center Work Has Far-Reaching Effects (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1083204.html
Tacoma’s Click: It’s the envy of ... Seattle? - Next mayor of Seattle gets advice on publicly owned local network (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1007702.html
Washington State UTC Staff Reverses Position on Frontier’s Bid for Verizon Phone Lines (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010591033_wutc25.html
ISPs Won’t Give You Broadband, Won’t Let Anyone Else, Either (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ISPs-Wont-Give-You-Broadband-Wont-let-Anyone-Else-Either-106148
Can Usage-based Broadband Billing Be Done Fairly? (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/27/can-usage-based-broadband-billing-be-done-fairly/
Cell Phone Mania Forces Scramble for More Airwaves (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091227/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_spectrum_shortage
New Fords Are Wi-Fi Hot Spots (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/26/new-fords-are-wi-fi-hot-spots/
GENERAL NEWS
Man Found Dead in Salt Pile at Longview Chemical Plant (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Man-found-dead-in-salt-pile-at-Longview-chemical-plant-80165702.html
Lumber Market Shows Signs of Rebound (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010613951_apwalumbermarket.html
Congress - District 3’s Politics Promise Doozy of a Race (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1083802.html
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Once in a Blue Moon to Happen Thursday
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14077781
Providence St. Vincent’s ‘Pink Glove’ Dancers Go Viral for Breast Cancer Awareness
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf/2009/12/providence_st_vincents_pink_gl.html
Saying Potholes Caused Crash, Spokane Man Sues Idaho
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/saying-potholes-caused-crash-man-sues-idaho/
Snoopy Named Top Dog in Pop Culture
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091223/od_nm/us_dogs
SONG OF THE DAY
Billie Holiday - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYjn4JNbHWM
Chris Isaak - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCZDanw3aE
The Marcels - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-avJPsuArgs
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 24, 2009
All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open
• Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome
• Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants
• Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected
• Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case
• Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry
• US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors
• Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission
• Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal
• Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments
• BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team
• Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere
• Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend
• Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia
• Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages
• Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water
• California - San Joaquin Delta Water Action Plan Released
• Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational
• California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis
• Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm
• Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025
• Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant
• Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights
• Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates
• Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint
• Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled
• Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream
• Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud?
• Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader
• In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled
• Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic)
• Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest
• Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill
• Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US
• Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater
WORD OF THE DAY
Nativity • \nuh-TIV-it-tee\ • noun – 1: the process or circumstances of being born: birth; especially capitalized: the birth of Jesus 2: a horoscope at or of the time of one’s birth 3: the place of origin
The Nativity
The reason for the Season
Merry Christmas all!
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open “…An important issue raised by the court decision is whether BPA must structure contracts & rates with direct service industries like Alcoa such that there is no net cost to BPA’s other customers & without regard to the public benefits that may accrue from the contracts such as employment impacts. BPA believes this is not what the law or sound public policy should require…” (Lynden Tribune, WA)
http://www.lyndentribune.com/node/5245
Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/21/daily32.html
Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants (The Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/report_details_co2_emissions_f.html
Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586851_apusnaturalgasstorage.html
Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/24chevron.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/24nuke.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/24/24climatewire-doe-to-study-storage-options-for-spent-nucle-97694.html
Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126167177382804465.html
Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Court_OKs_Dam_Removal.htm
Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments (Energy Pulse)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=2223
BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team (The Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_d8fb155e-f028-11de-a417-001cc4c03286.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/23/spring-chinook-forecasts-everywhere/
Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010582524_fish24.html
Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Researchers+call+conservation+zone+killer+whales/2375425/story.html
Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80025007.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water (Associated Press)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPAO8ZyrcKTttZipY00Pm6kjRoVQD9COHC0O0
California - San Joaquin Delta water action plan released (Modesto Bee, CA)
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/984881.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational (KVAL, Eugene, OR)
http://www.kval.com/news/business/80004332.html
California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14062886
Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm (Review Messenger, Sebeka, MN)
http://www.reviewmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3797:early-christmas-for-farmers-threatened-with-eminent-domain-for-mn-wind-power-farm&catid=80:organizations
Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025 (Express Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9322-wisconsin-clean-energy-bill-moves-ahead.html
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=931:shelton-school-district-getting-energy-grant&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights (The Business Journal of Milwaukee)
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/12/21/daily47.html?ana=from_rss
Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/12/23/bc-livesmart-bc-revival-call.html
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint (Associated Press)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_gregoire_climate.html?source=pimail
Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled - Companies had challenged legal authority to auction allowances required for carbon dioxide emissions (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586578_apuscarbonauctionlawsuitnewyork.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122303463.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud? (GigaOM)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/is-our-data-too-vulnerable-in-the-cloud/
Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader - Assuming you completely ignore all data suggesting otherwise (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Telecom-Lobbyists-US-Actually-Broadband-Leader-106131
In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/24/1999-2009-hours-spent-on-internet-nearly-doubled/
GENERAL NEWS
Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic), making it 13th largest state (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1081262.html
Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010583672_apusholidaystorm.html
Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/health/policy/25health.html
Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/24/world/AP-LT-Brazil-US-Custody-Battle.html
Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1005519.html
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
NORAD Santa Tracker 2009 using Google Earth
http://www.nwcn.com/news/NORAD-Santa-Tracker-2009-using-Google-Earth-80060327.html
Merry Christmas: Father Sues Son Over Orange County Choppers
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Father_Sues_Son_Over_OC_Choppers.htm
60-Pound Beaver Attacks Boy in Oklahoma
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22046574/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_4pm&tmi=sea_4pm_1_06000212232009&ts=H
Bible Has Bounty of Financial Advice - Money & religion: Experts mixed on whether book’s guidance useful in modern economy (hmmm; thrift & charity. Sounds good to me)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1005552.html
Police: Man Hid Meth Inside Buttocks (insert bad ‘Crack’ puns here)
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22047458/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
Vince Guaraldi- Christmas Time Is Here (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Now, here’s your ‘Dolly Madison’ snack cake…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo&feature=related
MST3K - Patrick Swayze Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open
• Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome
• Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants
• Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected
• Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case
• Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry
• US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors
• Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission
• Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal
• Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments
• BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team
• Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere
• Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend
• Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia
• Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages
• Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water
• California - San Joaquin Delta Water Action Plan Released
• Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational
• California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis
• Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm
• Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025
• Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant
• Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights
• Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates
• Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint
• Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled
• Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream
• Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud?
• Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader
• In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled
• Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic)
• Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest
• Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill
• Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US
• Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater
WORD OF THE DAY
Nativity • \nuh-TIV-it-tee\ • noun – 1: the process or circumstances of being born: birth; especially capitalized: the birth of Jesus 2: a horoscope at or of the time of one’s birth 3: the place of origin
The Nativity
The reason for the Season
Merry Christmas all!
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open “…An important issue raised by the court decision is whether BPA must structure contracts & rates with direct service industries like Alcoa such that there is no net cost to BPA’s other customers & without regard to the public benefits that may accrue from the contracts such as employment impacts. BPA believes this is not what the law or sound public policy should require…” (Lynden Tribune, WA)
http://www.lyndentribune.com/node/5245
Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/21/daily32.html
Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants (The Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/report_details_co2_emissions_f.html
Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586851_apusnaturalgasstorage.html
Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/24chevron.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/24nuke.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/24/24climatewire-doe-to-study-storage-options-for-spent-nucle-97694.html
Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126167177382804465.html
Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Court_OKs_Dam_Removal.htm
Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments (Energy Pulse)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=2223
BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team (The Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_d8fb155e-f028-11de-a417-001cc4c03286.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/23/spring-chinook-forecasts-everywhere/
Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010582524_fish24.html
Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Researchers+call+conservation+zone+killer+whales/2375425/story.html
Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80025007.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water (Associated Press)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPAO8ZyrcKTttZipY00Pm6kjRoVQD9COHC0O0
California - San Joaquin Delta water action plan released (Modesto Bee, CA)
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/984881.html
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational (KVAL, Eugene, OR)
http://www.kval.com/news/business/80004332.html
California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14062886
Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm (Review Messenger, Sebeka, MN)
http://www.reviewmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3797:early-christmas-for-farmers-threatened-with-eminent-domain-for-mn-wind-power-farm&catid=80:organizations
Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025 (Express Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9322-wisconsin-clean-energy-bill-moves-ahead.html
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=931:shelton-school-district-getting-energy-grant&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights (The Business Journal of Milwaukee)
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/12/21/daily47.html?ana=from_rss
Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/12/23/bc-livesmart-bc-revival-call.html
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint (Associated Press)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_gregoire_climate.html?source=pimail
Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled - Companies had challenged legal authority to auction allowances required for carbon dioxide emissions (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586578_apuscarbonauctionlawsuitnewyork.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122303463.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud? (GigaOM)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/is-our-data-too-vulnerable-in-the-cloud/
Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader - Assuming you completely ignore all data suggesting otherwise (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Telecom-Lobbyists-US-Actually-Broadband-Leader-106131
In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/24/1999-2009-hours-spent-on-internet-nearly-doubled/
GENERAL NEWS
Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic), making it 13th largest state (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1081262.html
Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010583672_apusholidaystorm.html
Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/health/policy/25health.html
Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/24/world/AP-LT-Brazil-US-Custody-Battle.html
Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1005519.html
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
NORAD Santa Tracker 2009 using Google Earth
http://www.nwcn.com/news/NORAD-Santa-Tracker-2009-using-Google-Earth-80060327.html
Merry Christmas: Father Sues Son Over Orange County Choppers
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Father_Sues_Son_Over_OC_Choppers.htm
60-Pound Beaver Attacks Boy in Oklahoma
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22046574/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_4pm&tmi=sea_4pm_1_06000212232009&ts=H
Bible Has Bounty of Financial Advice - Money & religion: Experts mixed on whether book’s guidance useful in modern economy (hmmm; thrift & charity. Sounds good to me)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1005552.html
Police: Man Hid Meth Inside Buttocks (insert bad ‘Crack’ puns here)
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22047458/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
Vince Guaraldi- Christmas Time Is Here (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Now, here’s your ‘Dolly Madison’ snack cake…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo&feature=related
MST3K - Patrick Swayze Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 23, 2009
All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant
• Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal
• Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement
• Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
• Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project
• Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases
• Avista Rate Hike Approved - A Fraction of What Utility Sought
• Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op
• Mason PUD 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination
• Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck
• Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
• Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny
• Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application
• Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill
• Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant
• Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp
• Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp
• Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection
• Mason PUD 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension
• SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water
• SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
• Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment
• California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind
• Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract
• Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces
• First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest
• European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate
• Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy
• Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week
• Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program
• Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband
• Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money
• Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies
• Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited
• Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out
• Seattle Most Literate City in US
• Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma
• Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
WORD OF THE DAY
Veracity • \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ • noun - 1: devotion to the truth: truthfulness *2: conformity with truth or fact: accuracy 3: something true
“Who ate the strawberries?” was the guttural question posed by the querulous Captain Queeg. His attempts to use scoops of sand to disprove the veracity of his officers and crew would have been laughable, except for the fact that he was dead serious.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/bpa_reaches_deal_on_power_to_a.html
Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6572
Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement (Washington State Governor’s Office)
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1397&newsType=1
Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/power-can-keep-building-us-up/
Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369791.aspx
Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/23/grant-county-pud-approves-budget-that-includes/
Partial Avista Rate Hike Approved - Increase Is a Fraction of What Utility Sought in January (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/23/partial-avista-rate-hike-approved/
Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op (Curry Coastal Pilot, Brookings, OR)
http://www.currypilot.com/20091223114414/News/Local-News/High-electric-bills-spark-complaints-to-co-op
Mason County PUD No. 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=923:pud-3-to-hear-appeal-of-sepa-determination-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/22/local_news/doc4b3115330161a337124993.txt
Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=25904
Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/23/23climatewire-an-electric-game-changer-gets-ferc-scrutiny-48247.html
Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080674.html
Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/us/23brfs-UTILITYISSUE_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant (Charlotte Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/12/21/daily17.html?ana=from_rss
FISH & WILDLIFE
Federal Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp Implementation (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369797.aspx
Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp Court Record (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369798.aspx
Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2416096.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Mason County PUD No. 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=922:pud-3-hires-morrissette-to-design-johns-prairie-waterline-extension&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080605.html
SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/23/ED951B7SN8.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568900_aphishippingtrash.html?syndication=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind (Los Angeles Daily News, CA)
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14052057
Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract – Molten Salt a Component (San Francisco Business Times)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/12/21/daily20.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces - Fireplaces have great appeal in a house, but aren’t energy-efficient. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1222/Looking-for-energy-efficient-alternatives-to-fireplaces
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest, in Jefferson County (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091223/news/312239992
European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/europe/23iht-climate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy: Turning poo into gold; A new plant in Shakopee will transform wastewater solids into valuable gases (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/79815782.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_research_in_motion_blackberry_outage
Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program (Associated Press)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BL3FV20091223?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly
Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/daily22.html
Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money - And will likely use that money to fight against your interests (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Connected-Nation-Wins-Huge-Chunk-Of-Taxpayer-Money-106122
GENERAL NEWS
Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413559_vigil23.html
Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1004372.html
Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out to Help Spur Economic Development (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Local-Lawmaker-Calls-For-Growth-Manageme=1&blockID=106473&feedID=410
Seattle Most Literate City in US (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seattle-most-literate-city-in-US-79926377.html
Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79935527.html
Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/188934.asp?source=pimail
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Reindeer Dung Ornaments, Jewelry Net Zoo $20K
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010577005_apusoddreindeerdungornaments.html?syndication=rss
Sonoma County’s Christmas Ornament Ban Draws Flak
http://www.examiner.com/a-2386899~Sonoma_County_s_ornament_ban_draws_flak.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Bride Marries Arriving Groom at Texas Airport
http://www.kirotv.com/family/22040044/detail.html
Vatican Paper Says ‘The Simpsons’ Are Okely Dokely
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2010573092_apeutvvaticanthesimpsons.html?syndication=rss
SONG OF THE DAY
Diana Krall - White Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4sPafmj_k
Brenda White - Christmas in the Northwest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9QC9vuaDY
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant
• Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal
• Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement
• Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
• Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project
• Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases
• Avista Rate Hike Approved - A Fraction of What Utility Sought
• Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op
• Mason PUD 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination
• Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck
• Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
• Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny
• Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application
• Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill
• Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant
• Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp
• Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp
• Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection
• Mason PUD 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension
• SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water
• SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
• Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment
• California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind
• Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract
• Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces
• First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest
• European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate
• Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy
• Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week
• Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program
• Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband
• Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money
• Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies
• Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited
• Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out
• Seattle Most Literate City in US
• Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma
• Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
WORD OF THE DAY
Veracity • \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ • noun - 1: devotion to the truth: truthfulness *2: conformity with truth or fact: accuracy 3: something true
“Who ate the strawberries?” was the guttural question posed by the querulous Captain Queeg. His attempts to use scoops of sand to disprove the veracity of his officers and crew would have been laughable, except for the fact that he was dead serious.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/bpa_reaches_deal_on_power_to_a.html
Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6572
Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement (Washington State Governor’s Office)
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1397&newsType=1
Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/power-can-keep-building-us-up/
Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369791.aspx
Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/23/grant-county-pud-approves-budget-that-includes/
Partial Avista Rate Hike Approved - Increase Is a Fraction of What Utility Sought in January (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/23/partial-avista-rate-hike-approved/
Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op (Curry Coastal Pilot, Brookings, OR)
http://www.currypilot.com/20091223114414/News/Local-News/High-electric-bills-spark-complaints-to-co-op
Mason County PUD No. 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=923:pud-3-to-hear-appeal-of-sepa-determination-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/22/local_news/doc4b3115330161a337124993.txt
Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=25904
Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/23/23climatewire-an-electric-game-changer-gets-ferc-scrutiny-48247.html
Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080674.html
Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/us/23brfs-UTILITYISSUE_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant (Charlotte Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/12/21/daily17.html?ana=from_rss
FISH & WILDLIFE
Federal Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp Implementation (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369797.aspx
Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp Court Record (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369798.aspx
Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2416096.html
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Mason County PUD No. 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=922:pud-3-hires-morrissette-to-design-johns-prairie-waterline-extension&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080605.html
SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/23/ED951B7SN8.DTL&feed=rss.opinion
Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568900_aphishippingtrash.html?syndication=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind (Los Angeles Daily News, CA)
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14052057
Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract – Molten Salt a Component (San Francisco Business Times)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/12/21/daily20.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces - Fireplaces have great appeal in a house, but aren’t energy-efficient. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1222/Looking-for-energy-efficient-alternatives-to-fireplaces
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest, in Jefferson County (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091223/news/312239992
European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/europe/23iht-climate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy: Turning poo into gold; A new plant in Shakopee will transform wastewater solids into valuable gases (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/79815782.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_research_in_motion_blackberry_outage
Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program (Associated Press)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BL3FV20091223?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly
Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/daily22.html
Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money - And will likely use that money to fight against your interests (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Connected-Nation-Wins-Huge-Chunk-Of-Taxpayer-Money-106122
GENERAL NEWS
Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413559_vigil23.html
Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1004372.html
Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out to Help Spur Economic Development (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Local-Lawmaker-Calls-For-Growth-Manageme=1&blockID=106473&feedID=410
Seattle Most Literate City in US (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seattle-most-literate-city-in-US-79926377.html
Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79935527.html
Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/188934.asp?source=pimail
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Reindeer Dung Ornaments, Jewelry Net Zoo $20K
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010577005_apusoddreindeerdungornaments.html?syndication=rss
Sonoma County’s Christmas Ornament Ban Draws Flak
http://www.examiner.com/a-2386899~Sonoma_County_s_ornament_ban_draws_flak.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Bride Marries Arriving Groom at Texas Airport
http://www.kirotv.com/family/22040044/detail.html
Vatican Paper Says ‘The Simpsons’ Are Okely Dokely
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2010573092_apeutvvaticanthesimpsons.html?syndication=rss
SONG OF THE DAY
Diana Krall - White Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4sPafmj_k
Brenda White - Christmas in the Northwest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9QC9vuaDY
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Energy News Digest for December 22, 2009
All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal
• BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running
• Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter
• Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere
• BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal
• Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility
• Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements
• Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board
• Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant?
• New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress
• Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane
• Editorial - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits
• Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects
• California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power
• California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County
• Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
• US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012
• British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings
• LED Holiday Light Sales Boom
• Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program
• Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill
• China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks
• Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal
• Time for a Climate Change Plan B
• Cash cows boost carbon trading
• Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat
• Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup
• White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator
• Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser
• Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million
• Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing
• Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting
• Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word
• Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County
• Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed
• Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning
• Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million
WORD OF THE DAY
Shamanism • \SHAW-mun-iz-um\ • noun – A religion practiced by indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans; also: any similar religion
Norbert viewed his IS department as nearly a shamanistic cult. He would pound on his keyboard in frustration when his computer began to act up; especially since his rudimentary problem solving skills could not pierce the mysterious veil of technical trickery. It was almost as if his help desk consulted with dark spirits before instantly solving any situation with a simple keystroke.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal (Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/1213324.html?storylink=omni_popular
BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running – Gregoire says she’ll join BPA in challenging federal court over improper sales (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79840682.html
Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter (Northwest Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6569
Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/story7.html?ana=from_rss
BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal (Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_42355238-ee84-11de-99e0-001cc4c002e0.html
Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?newsid=648
Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)
http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1259
Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/bolz-to-lead-chelan-pud-board/
Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant? (St Petersburg Times, FL)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/did-we-just-wave-goodbye-to-last-new-florida-coal-plant/1060413
FISH & WILDLIFE
New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress - Dam improvements on course to meet fish protection targets (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/432975/
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/22/avista-draw-down-lake-spokane/
Salem Statesman-Journal - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits (Oregon)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091222/OPINION/912220303/1046
Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects (Tacoma Daily Index)
http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1684330&more=0
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/energy-environment/22solar.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/business/energy-environment/20sfpower.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Everett Herald Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091222/OPINION01/712229967
US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012 (Memphis Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2009/12/21/story8.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)
http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Homes+sale+have+energy+ratings/2365394/story.html
LED Holiday Light Sales Boom (NY Times)
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/led-holiday-light-sales-boom/
Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/us/22illinois.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1221/Video-games-can-be-energy-hogs.-Three-tips-to-cut-your-power-bill.
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567472_apaschinabritainclimate.html?syndication=rss
Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal (The Telegraph, UK)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/6859752/Carbon-falls-on-weak-Copenhagen-deal.html
Time for a Climate Change Plan B (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704107604574607793378860698.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Cash cows boost carbon trading (Canada.com)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=0f804796-c633-417f-8ea5-9fe3e311ea1d&k=39839
Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Study+shows+Green+shoppers+more+likely+cheat/2362923/story.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup (Associated Press)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14048614
White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2010563887_apususcyberczar.html?syndication=rss
Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/21/firefox-3-5-now-worlds-most-popular-browser/
Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million for packet forgery shenanigans (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Settles-Throttling-Class-Action-106097
Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/21/BUOH1B6B6L.DTL&feed=rss.news
GENERAL NEWS
Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010567516_apusofficershooting11thldwritethru.html?syndication=rss
Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568355_apusmicrosoftpatent.html?syndication=rss
Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=915:shelton-sending-u-g-a-agreement-to-mason-county-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1078964.html
Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning (Associated Press)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/12/20/national/a090209S54.DTL&feed=rss.news
Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010563675_jonessoda22.html?syndication=rss
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Boston Mom Calls 911 over Son’s Video Game Habit
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567661_apusoddvideogame911call.html?syndication=rss
Rent to Own? Police Say Couple Rented to Steal
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2010565515_rent_to_own_police_say_couple.html?syndication=rss
Las Vegas Woman Victim of Foreclosure Mistake
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11710384
Eau Contraire - English Priest Says Shoplifting OK at Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010567775_apeubritainshopliftingok.html?syndication=rss
Man Commandeers NYC Garage, Charges Parkers - Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary, Criminal Impersonation
http://www.kirotv.com/automotive/22028275/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
The Gold Standard: Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs
The Author: Mel Torme - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhNM--Qyxp4&feature=related
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal
• BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running
• Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter
• Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere
• BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal
• Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility
• Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements
• Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board
• Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant?
• New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress
• Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane
• Editorial - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits
• Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects
• California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power
• California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County
• Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
• US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012
• British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings
• LED Holiday Light Sales Boom
• Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program
• Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill
• China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks
• Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal
• Time for a Climate Change Plan B
• Cash cows boost carbon trading
• Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat
• Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup
• White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator
• Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser
• Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million
• Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing
• Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting
• Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word
• Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County
• Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed
• Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning
• Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million
WORD OF THE DAY
Shamanism • \SHAW-mun-iz-um\ • noun – A religion practiced by indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans; also: any similar religion
Norbert viewed his IS department as nearly a shamanistic cult. He would pound on his keyboard in frustration when his computer began to act up; especially since his rudimentary problem solving skills could not pierce the mysterious veil of technical trickery. It was almost as if his help desk consulted with dark spirits before instantly solving any situation with a simple keystroke.
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Intalco Smelter Gets Some Breathing Room, Support on Power Deal (Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/1213324.html?storylink=omni_popular
BPA deal will keep Intalco smelter running – Gregoire says she’ll join BPA in challenging federal court over improper sales (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79840682.html
Power Contract Gives Lifeline to Big Smelter (Northwest Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6569
Awkward Juxtaposition - BPA Power Caps Force Utilities to Look Elsewhere (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/story7.html?ana=from_rss
BPA Eliminates Four Segments from Transmission Line Proposal (Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_42355238-ee84-11de-99e0-001cc4c002e0.html
Mason County PUD 1 & PUD 3 Weatherization Grant - Contact the Correct Utility (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?newsid=648
Grays Harbor PUD Completes Electrical System Improvements (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)
http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1259
Bolz to Lead Chelan PUD Board (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/bolz-to-lead-chelan-pud-board/
Did We Just Wave Goodbye to Last New Florida Coal Plant? (St Petersburg Times, FL)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/did-we-just-wave-goodbye-to-last-new-florida-coal-plant/1060413
FISH & WILDLIFE
New Report Charts Columbia Salmon Progress - Dam improvements on course to meet fish protection targets (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/432975/
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Avista to Draw Down Lake Spokane (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/22/avista-draw-down-lake-spokane/
Salem Statesman-Journal - Water Storage Can Provide Many Benefits (Oregon)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091222/OPINION/912220303/1046
Gregoire Approves Final Clean Water Projects (Tacoma Daily Index)
http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1684330&more=0
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
California - Desert Vistas vs. Solar Power (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/business/energy-environment/22solar.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
California - New Group Seeks to Bring Greener Power to Marin County (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/business/energy-environment/20sfpower.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Everett Herald Editorial - Pacific Northwest: Going Green, Yielding Gold
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091222/OPINION01/712229967
US Renewable Energy Generation to Double by 2012 (Memphis Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2009/12/21/story8.html?ana=from_rss
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
British Columbia Homes for Sale to Have Energy Ratings (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)
http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Homes+sale+have+energy+ratings/2365394/story.html
LED Holiday Light Sales Boom (NY Times)
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/led-holiday-light-sales-boom/
Inadequate Oversight Cited in Illinois Weatherization Program (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/us/22illinois.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Video Games Can Be Energy Hogs. Three Tips to Cut Your Power Bill (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1221/Video-games-can-be-energy-hogs.-Three-tips-to-cut-your-power-bill.
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
China Blasts Claim It ‘Hijacked’ Climate Talks (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567472_apaschinabritainclimate.html?syndication=rss
Carbon Falls on Weak Copenhagen Deal (The Telegraph, UK)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/6859752/Carbon-falls-on-weak-Copenhagen-deal.html
Time for a Climate Change Plan B (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704107604574607793378860698.html
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
Cash cows boost carbon trading (Canada.com)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=0f804796-c633-417f-8ea5-9fe3e311ea1d&k=39839
Study Shows ‘Green’ Shoppers More Likely to Cheat (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Study+shows+Green+shoppers+more+likely+cheat/2362923/story.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Report: FBI Probes Multi-Million Dollar Hacker Attack on Citigroup (Associated Press)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14048614
White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2010563887_apususcyberczar.html?syndication=rss
Firefox 3.5 Now World’s Most Popular Browser (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/21/firefox-3-5-now-worlds-most-popular-browser/
Comcast Settles Throttling Class Action - $16 million for packet forgery shenanigans (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Settles-Throttling-Class-Action-106097
Forecast Calls for More Clouds in Computing (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/21/BUOH1B6B6L.DTL&feed=rss.news
GENERAL NEWS
Two Sheriff’s Officers Badly Hurt in Washington State Shooting (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010567516_apusofficershooting11thldwritethru.html?syndication=rss
Court: Microsoft Violated Patent; Can’t Sell Word (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568355_apusmicrosoftpatent.html?syndication=rss
Shelton Sending Urban Growth Area Agreement to Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=915:shelton-sending-u-g-a-agreement-to-mason-county-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50
Thurston County Commissioners Recall Bid Tossed (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1078964.html
Maine to Consider Cell Phone Cancer Warning (Associated Press)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/12/20/national/a090209S54.DTL&feed=rss.news
Jones Soda Considering Bid to Sell to Big Red for $7.9 Million (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010563675_jonessoda22.html?syndication=rss
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
Boston Mom Calls 911 over Son’s Video Game Habit
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010567661_apusoddvideogame911call.html?syndication=rss
Rent to Own? Police Say Couple Rented to Steal
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2010565515_rent_to_own_police_say_couple.html?syndication=rss
Las Vegas Woman Victim of Foreclosure Mistake
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11710384
Eau Contraire - English Priest Says Shoplifting OK at Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010567775_apeubritainshopliftingok.html?syndication=rss
Man Commandeers NYC Garage, Charges Parkers - Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary, Criminal Impersonation
http://www.kirotv.com/automotive/22028275/detail.html
SONG OF THE DAY
The Gold Standard: Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs
The Author: Mel Torme - The Christmas Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhNM--Qyxp4&feature=related
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dec 21, 2009 - News Update - BPA & Alcoa Sign Power Contracts
Breaking News: Alcoa, BPA Reach Power Deal to Keep Intalco Open (Bellingham Herald, WA)
News Release - BPA Signs Power Sales Contract with Alcoa: Agreement saves jobs, benefits region and meets court mandates (Bonneville Power Administration)
Gregoire, BPA Boss to Visit Intalco Monday; Good News Coming? (Good News for Whom? Bellingham Herald, WA)
Energy News Digest for December 21, 2009
NOTE: Still trying to get the Windows 7 upgrade to allow normal posting of the news digest ehre on the blog. Hopefully I'll work it out soon. In the meantime, enjoy this wonderfully funky formatting.
All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.
To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
• Gregoire, BPA Boss to Visit Intalco Monday; Good News Coming?
• New Refinery - Alcoa, Saudi Arabia to Invest $11B in Venture
• Decision Due on Montana’s Half-Billion Tons of Coal
• Mason County PUD 3 to Discuss Johns Prairie Operations Center SEPA Appeal
• $2.3 Million in State Money Could Go to Flood Authority
• Oregon Objects to Federal OK of Coos Bay Gas Terminal
• Sierra Club Challenges Wyoming Power Plant
• City of Keizer Seeks Assurances on Power Plant
• Florida - Tampa’s Seminole Electric Cooperative cancels plan for new coal plant
• Report Finds Power Plants Cost Decline Is Slowing
• Grant PUD Recognized by Soldiers - Employees Provide Gifts for Soldiers’ Children
• Los Angeles Electricity Ratepayers to Benefit from Overcharge Settlement
• A Year Later, TVA Chief Says Ash Spill `Painful’
• EPA, USDA push farmers to use coal waste on fields
• Utility Bill Is One More Casualty of Recession
• Tracking Trout - A survey of the upper Rogue River will help develop the habitat, & the fishing possibilities
• What Is the Most Abundant Fish in Puget Sound?
• Alleged Drunk Driver Causes Friday Sewage Spill in Port Angeles
• Editorial - Cleaner Spokane River worth the Cost
• British Columbia Urged to Slow Green Power Development
• Massachusetts Biomass Brouhaha – Group Says Governor’s Stance Will Halt NRG Energy’s Somerset Plant
• Iowa - Biomass Generation Plant Planned for Rock Falls
• Idaho Utilities Commission OKs Sale of Wind Power
• Plans Progress for Wyoming Coal-to-Gasoline Plant
• North Mason School District Getting Energy Grant
• Massachusetts Pushing Whole Energy Efficient Neighborhoods
• Many Take Dim View of New-Fangled Christmas Lights
• Does Heating Homes Take Up More Energy Than Needed?
• Climate Conference in Copenhagen Ends With Statement of Intent
• What did the Copenhagen climate summit achieve?
• AP Poll Shows Most See Climate Change as Serious
• Northwest Scientists Keeping an Eye on Carbon
• If Humans Didn’t Cause Past Global Warming & Cooling, Are They Now?
• The Festive Side of Carbon Dioxide
• Hard Questions for the Broadband Stimulus Program
• Exploring Which Projects Got Broadband Stimulus Funds
• Rackspace Data Center Outage Has Limited Impact
• Norm Dicks Says Ethics Panel Inquiry Over, No Further Action Expected
• When no News is News - No Holiday Display Ruckus This Year in Olympia
• Pesky Frogs Hide in Christmas Trees
• Polish Police Recover Auschwitz Gate Sign, Damaged
WORD OF THE DAY
Antinomian • \ant-tin-NOME-ee-un\ • noun – 1: one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation 2: one who rejects a socially established morality.
Unused to the niceties of attending regular church services, the city’s new waste management official sauntered into the gracefully arched sanctuary exuding the very essence of his antinomian past. “Yep,” he uttered before his gravelly voice was drowned out by the organ, “I guessed that I should join y’all for singin’ and prayin’ at least once a year.”
WEATHER
Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Gregoire, BPA Boss to Visit Intalco Monday; Good News Coming? (Good News for Whom? Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/477/story/1210222.html
New Refinery - Alcoa, Saudi Arabia to Invest $11B in Venture (Associated Press)
Decision Due on Montana’s Half-Billion Tons of Coal (Associated Press)
Mason County PUD 3 to Discuss Johns Prairie Operations Center SEPA Appeal (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
$2.3 Million in State Money Could Go to Flood Authority – Some funds had previously gone to study Lewis PUD dam proposals (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/999753.html
Oregon Objects to Federal OK of Coos Bay Gas Terminal (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/post_34.html
Sierra Club Challenges Wyoming Power Plant (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/21/Sierra_Club_Challenges_Wyoming_Power_Plant.htm
City of Keizer Seeks Assurances on Power Plant (Keizer Times, OR)
http://www.keizertimes.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=12142
Florida - Tampa’s Seminole Electric Cooperative cancels plan for new coal plant (St Petersburg Times, FL)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article1059847.ece
Report Finds Power Plants Cost Decline Is Slowing (Power Engineering)
Grant PUD Recognized by Soldiers - Employees Provide Gifts for Soldiers’ Children (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/doc4b2c1157d5075391778880.txt
Los Angeles Electricity Ratepayers to Benefit from Overcharge Settlement (Los Angeles Times, CA)
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-refunds19-2009dec19,0,4030963.story
A Year Later, TVA Chief Says Ash Spill `Painful’ (Associated Press)
EPA, USDA push farmers to use coal waste on fields (Associated Press)
Utility Bill Is One More Casualty of Recession (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/us/20utility.html
FISH & WILDLIFE
Tracking Trout - A survey of the upper Rogue River will help develop the habitat, & the fishing possibilities
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091220/NEWS/912200334
What Is the Most Abundant Fish in Puget Sound? (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/188667.asp?source=pimail
WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT
Alleged Drunk Driver Causes Friday Sewage Spill in Port Angeles (Seattle Times)
Spokesman Review Editorial - Cleaner Spokane River worth the Cost
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/20/cleaner-river-worth-the-cost/
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
British Columbia Urged to Slow Green Power Development (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/urged+slow+green+power+development/2352063/story.html
Massachusetts Biomass Brouhaha – Group Says Governor’s Stance Will Halt NRG Energy’s Somerset Plant (Fall River Herald News, MA)
Iowa - Biomass Generation Plant Planned for Rock Falls (KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA)
http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=11688737
Idaho Utilities Commission OKs Sale of Wind Power (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1077266.html
Plans Progress for Wyoming Coal-to-Gasoline Plant (Associated Press)
CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY
North Mason School District Getting Energy Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
Massachusetts Pushing Whole Energy Efficient Neighborhoods (Associated Press)
Many Take Dim View of New-Fangled Christmas Lights (Associated Press)
Does Heating Homes Take Up More Energy Than Needed? (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413403_power17.html?source=rss
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Climate Conference in Copenhagen Ends With Statement of Intent (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010551342_climate20.html
What did the Copenhagen climate summit achieve? (BBC, UK)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8424522.stm
AP Poll Shows Most See Climate Change as Serious (Associated Press)
Northwest Scientists Keeping an Eye on Carbon (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/6425-northwest-scientists-keeping-eye-carbon/
If Humans Didn’t Cause Global Warming & Cooling in the Past, Is That Evidence They Also Aren’t Now? (Christian Science Monitor)
BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI
The Festive Side of Carbon Dioxide - Scientists Uncork Champagne’s Complexity & the Wondrous Micro-Mechanics of Bubbles (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126108284326695963.html
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Hard Questions for the Broadband Stimulus Program (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/18/hard-questions-for-the-broadband-stimulus-program/
Exploring Which Projects Got Broadband Stimulus Funds - Middle mile, single state telco & private-public plans dominate (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Exploring-Which-Projects-Got-Broadband-Stimulus-Funds-106080
Rackspace Data Center Outage Has Limited Impact (PC World)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20091219/tc_pcworld/rackspaceoutagehaslimitedimpact
GENERAL NEWS
Norm Dicks Says Ethics Panel Inquiry Over, No Further Action Expected (Seattle Times)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/999772.html
When no News is News - No Holiday Display Ruckus This Year in Olympia
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6563
Pesky Frogs Hide in Christmas Trees
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010552201_frogs20m.html?syndication=rss
Polish Police Recover Auschwitz Gate Sign, Damaged (Associated Press)
ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS
The Origins of Christmas (Finding Dulcinea)
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/history/2009/Origins-of-Christmas.html
Silent Night’ Flap Ends on High Note
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010552205_silentnight20m.html
Stolen 1965 VW bus brings in nearly $30,000 at auction
Japanese man takes video game character as wife
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BJ1XX20091220?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Idaho Pharmacist Who Tackled Armed Robber Fired
SONG OF THE DAY
David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy
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