Energy News Digest for December 26, 2013

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THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for December 26, 2013

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/12/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_26.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

U-S Canadian Ice Storm Power Outages Leave Thousands in the Dark - Bad Weather May Hinder Efforts to Restore Electricity (Associated Press)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/26/ice-storm-power-outages_n_4503102.html

Ballot Fight over Oregon Renewable Energy Law Could Be Sparked by Small Rural Utility (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/12/battle_over_oregon_renewable_e.html#cmpid=nwsltrhead

Washington State Regulators Approve Aggressive Energy Conservation Goals (Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald, WA)

http://www.blscourierherald.com/news/237047061.html

Op/Ed: A Pacific Northwest Success Story for the Endangered Species Act (Olympian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2013/12/24/2900526/a-northwest-success-story-for.html

Idaho Tops Nation in Portion of People Cutting Their Landline (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/idaho-tops-nation-portion-people-cutting-their-landline

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below) 

• U-S Canadian Ice Storm Power Outages Leave Thousands in the Dark - Bad Weather May Hinder Efforts to Restore Electricity
• U-S FERC Drops Suit Against Idaho PUC Over Power-Buying Issue
• Cajun Christmas Surprise: Louisiana Electric Cooperative Successfully Defends NERC Deregistration
• Oregon: Scam Targets Northern Wasco PUD Customer
• Okanogan PUD Adopts $50.2 Million Budget for 2014
• Merry Christmas California - No Shopping Days Left for Nuclear – No Nukes, More Greenhouse Gas
• Feds Call Maine Businesses’ Energy Deals Fraudulent
• Home Gas Ranges Produce Toxic Gases; Lawrence Berkeley Lab Study Says
• Op/Ed: A Pacific Northwest Success Story for the Endangered Species Act
• Op/Ed: Salmon Plan Working
• OP/Ed: Steve Wright - Fish Are Finding Home in New Chelan River Channel
• Vacuum Pressure May Someday Pull Salmon over Dams
• Salmon Recovery Assessment: Who Leads the Long-Term Way? A Re-Defined Pacific NW Power/Conservation Council?
• Canadian View: Salmon Reintroduction Emerges as Columbia River Treaty Negotiation Issue
• Geoduck Harvesters See Money Slipping through Their Fingers
• Oregon Winter Whale Watch Week Begins Thursday
• Sea Lion Poop Becomes a Bone of Contention
• Worker Critically Injured in Fall at Pinto Dam
• Ballot Fight over Oregon Renewable Energy Law Could Be Sparked by Small Rural Utility
• Lakeview Brings Oregon Geothermal Plant Online
• San Diego Gas & Electric, Montana Wind Farm Tangle in Court
• Montana: Whitefish Company Turns Industrial Waste into Electricity
• Wind Power Developers Race Clock to Secure Subsidy
• Vestas Calls 2013 Its 2nd-Best Year for North American Turbine Sales
• Editorial: Hydropower Is Renewable
• Washington State Regulators Approve Aggressive Energy Conservation Goals
• Your Cable Box is a Vampire, But It’s About to Get More Efficient
• Light Bulb Law Brings Changes, Options
• If Christmas Brings New Devices to Plug In, Here Are Tips to Save Energy
• Carbon Dioxide Waste from Coal Plants Helps Extract More Oil from Old Fields
• Idaho Tops Nation in Portion of People Cutting Their Landline
• Five States with Most Wireless-Only Households
• Average U-S Wireless User Now Eats 1.2 GB Monthly
• T-Mobile Makes Wireless Access Deal with Facebook
• Analysis: Time Warner Cable's Missed Chances Begin Slide to Takeover Buzz
• Target Data Breach: Retailer Stages PR Blitz
• Bye Bye, Bile? Websites Try to Nix Nasty Comments
• McDonald's on Employee Resources Site: Not Lovin' It
• Most Americans Say this Congress is Worst in Their Lifetime, CNN Poll Says
• Boeing Is on Many Wish Lists, But Economists Say States Should Rethink Their Big Tax Breaks
• Target Says Be Wary of Phishing Emails
• Hood Canal: Navy Maneuver on Bangor Wharf’s Safety is Key to Lawsuit
• Mason County Consolidates Services; Creates Support Services Department
• Price of a U-S Stamp to Go Up By Three Cents in January
• Mormons Lead Way in Disaster-Prep Food Storage
• Olympia’s Oyster House to Soon Be Reborn

WORD OF THE DAY

Crèche • \kresh\ • Noun - A place where young children are cared for during the day while their parents are working; a day care center.

The neighborhood’s day care center chose the wrong marketing firm for its rollout campaign:

“Let your Kids Krash at the Local Crèche”

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

U-S Canadian Ice Storm Power Outages Leave Thousands in the Dark - Bad Weather May Hinder Efforts to Restore Electricity (Associated Press)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/26/ice-storm-power-outages_n_4503102.html

U-S FERC Drops Suit Against Idaho PUC Over Power-Buying Issue (Platts)

http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/us-ferc-drops-suit-against-idaho-puc-over-power-21994647

Cajun Christmas Surprise: Louisiana Electric Cooperative Successfully Defends NERC Deregistration (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2013/12/cajun-christmas-surprise-louisiana-electric-cooperative-successfully-defends-nerc-deregistration.html

Oregon: Scam Targets Northern Wasco PUD Customer (The Dalles Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2013/dec/24/scam-targets-pud-customer/

Okanogan PUD Adopts $50.2 Million Budget for 2014 (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

http://methowvalleynews.com/2013/12/26/pud-adopts-50-2-million-budget-for-2014/

Merry Christmas California - No Shopping Days Left for Nuclear – No Nukes, More Greenhouse Gas (Forbes)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2013/12/25/merry-christmas-california-no-shopping-days-left-for-nuclear/

Feds Call Maine Businesses’ Energy Deals Fraudulent (Boston Globe, MA)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/12/26/feds-say-consultant-gamed-energy-saving-program/YD9IQosJVui7dJZibQU0NJ/story.html

Home Gas Ranges Produce Toxic Gases; Lawrence Berkeley Lab Study Says (San José Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_24793108

FISH & WILDLIFE

Op/Ed: A Pacific Northwest Success Story for the Endangered Species Act (Olympian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2013/12/24/2900526/a-northwest-success-story-for.html

Op/Ed: Salmon Plan Working (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://m.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/26/salmon-plan-working/

OP/Ed: Steve Wright - Fish Are Finding Home in New Chelan River Channel (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/blogs/lights/2013/dec/24/steve-wright-fish-are-finding-home-in-new-chelan-river-channel/

Vacuum Pressure May Someday Pull Salmon over Dams (Seattle Times – Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022505599_fishpassagexml.html

Salmon Recovery Assessment: Who Leads the Long-Term Way? A Re-Defined Pacific NW Power/Conservation Council? (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/429314.aspx

Canadian View: Salmon Reintroduction Emerges as Columbia River Treaty Negotiation Issue (Arrow Lakes News, Nakusp, BC)

http://www.arrowlakesnews.com/news/237063261.html

Geoduck Harvesters See Money Slipping through Their Fingers (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2022516734_geoduckxml.html

Oregon Winter Whale Watch Week Begins Thursday (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/237165561.html

Sea Lion Poop Becomes a Bone of Contention (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/12/26/64068.htm

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Worker Critically Injured in Fall at Pinto Dam (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/news/article_d0f47662-6cce-11e3-a01b-001a4bcf887a.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Ballot Fight over Oregon Renewable Energy Law Could Be Sparked by Small Rural Utility (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/12/battle_over_oregon_renewable_e.html#cmpid=nwsltrhead

Lakeview Brings Oregon Geothermal Plant Online (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/lakeview-brings-geothermal-plant-online-/

San Diego Gas & Electric, Montana Wind Farm Tangle in Court (San Diego Union-Tribune, CA)

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/24/sdge-wind-farm-tangle-in-court/

Montana: Whitefish Company Turns Industrial Waste into Electricity (Ravalli Republic, MT)

http://m.ravallirepublic.com/news/state-and-regional/article_5bb80892-ef96-5b79-9962-f08f2dc01cb0.html?mobile_touch=true

Wind Power Developers Race Clock to Secure Subsidy (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/26/business/energy-environment/wind-power-developers-race-clock-to-secure-subsidy.html?partner=yahoofinance

Vestas Calls 2013 Its 2nd-Best Year for North American Turbine Sales (Denver Business Journal, CO)

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/earth_to_power/2013/12/vestas-announces-new-order-says-2013.html

Editorial: Hydropower Is Renewable (Baker City Herald, OR)

http://www.bakercityherald.com/Editorials/Hydropower-is-renewable

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Washington State Regulators Approve Aggressive Energy Conservation Goals (Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald, WA)

http://www.blscourierherald.com/news/237047061.html

Your Cable Box is a Vampire, But It’s About to Get More Efficient (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/climate-energy/your-cable-box-is-a-vampire-but-its-about-to-get-more-efficient/

Light Bulb Law Brings Changes, Options (Akron Beacon, OH)

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/light-bulb-law-brings-changes-options-1.454276

If Christmas Brings New Devices to Plug In, Here Are Tips to Save Energy (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/22/avista-offers-tips-to-save-energy-on-christmas-gif/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Carbon Dioxide Waste from Coal Plants Helps Extract More Oil from Old Fields (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/26/co2-waste-from-coal-plants-helps-extract-more-oil/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Idaho Tops Nation in Portion of People Cutting Their Landline (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/idaho-tops-nation-portion-people-cutting-their-landline

Five States with Most Wireless-Only Households (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/25/att-verizon-landline-cellphone-pew/4191881/

Average U-S Wireless User Now Eats 1.2 GB Monthly (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Average-US-Wireless-User-Now-Eats-12-GB-Monthly-127150

T-Mobile Makes Wireless Access Deal with Facebook (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2013/12/t-mobile-makes-wireless-access-deal.html

Analysis: Time Warner Cable's Missed Chances Begin Slide to Takeover Buzz (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-timewarnercable-analysis-idUSBRE9BI1EB20131219

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Target Data Breach: Retailer Stages PR Blitz (Associated Press)

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2013/12/target_data_breach_retailer_st.html

Bye Bye, Bile? Websites Try to Nix Nasty Comments (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Bye-bye-bile-Websites-try-to-nix-nasty-comments-5093807.php

McDonald's on Employee Resources Site: Not Lovin' It (Cable News Network)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/25/living/mcdonalds-employee-site/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Most Americans Say this Congress is Worst in Their Lifetime, CNN Poll Says (McCLatchy News Service)

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/26/3837984/most-americans-say-this-congress.html

GENERAL NEWS

Boeing Is on Many Wish Lists, But Economists Say States Should Rethink Their Big Tax Breaks (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/boeing-is-on-many-wish-lists-but-economists-say-states-should-rethink-their-big-tax-breaks/2013/12/25/eef29e0e-6d79-11e3-b405-7e360f7e9fd2_story.html?wprss=rss_business

Target Says Be Wary of Phishing Emails (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Target-says-be-wary-of-phishing-emails-5091106.php

Hood Canal: Navy Maneuver on Bangor Wharf’s Safety is Key to Lawsuit (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022531474_navywharfxml.html

Mason County Consolidates Services; Creates Support Services Department (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/11848

Price of a U-S Stamp to Go Up By Three Cents in January (KNDU-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24300142/price-of-a-us-stamp-to-go-up-by-3-cents-in-january-2014

Mormons Lead Way in Disaster-Prep Food Storage (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/26/mormons-lead-way-in-disaster-prep-food-storage/

Olympia’s Oyster House to Soon Be Reborn (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/25/olympias-oyster-house-to-soon-be-reborn/

DIVERSIONS

Cowboy QB Backup Kitna to Donate Salary to High School (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2013/12/cowboy-qb-backup-kitna-to-donate.html

Cabbie Finds, Returns $300,000

http://q13fox.com/2013/12/25/cabbie-finds-returns-300000/#axzz2ob56hRil

West Pennsylvania Man Charged with Stealing Cuffs in Escape

http://news.yahoo.com/w-pa-man-charged-stealing-cuffs-escape-173024023.html

New York Man's 10,607 Video Games Secure Guinness Title

http://news.yahoo.com/ny-man-39-10-607-video-games-secure-060405731.html

SONG OF THE DAY

James Brown - Prisoner of Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9LGI2qcE68

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

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

Energy News Digest for December 20, 2013

PROGRAMMING NOTE

The energy news digest will be mentally re-enacting “A Christmas Carol” in several of its multitudinous forms….most notably the “Mr. Magoo” version featuring the voice of the incomparable Jim Backus & the ubiquitous voice work of Paul Frees.

As all this is going on, the news digest will be away from the keyboard December 23 & 24. A Merry Christmas to all the alert & intelligent readers, and wishes for a Happy New Year.

A MST3K holiday tradition, The Lost Keys - Let’s Have a Patrick Swayze Christmas This Year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq8WhYTRbC8

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Let’s Have a Patrick Swayze Christmas This Year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Merry Christmas: If That’s OK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MioTYWrsVHQ

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

The news digest is also available at the following web site:

http://www.energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for December 20, 2013

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/12/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_20.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

U-S Senator Baucus Unveils Ambitious Plan for Energy Tax Reform (North American Windpower)

http://www.nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.12420

Eight Cities Call for Carbon Pricing in Washington State (Sightline Daily)

http://daily.sightline.org/2013/12/19/cities-call-for-carbon-pricing-in-washington/

Microsoft Poised To Purchase 11-Million Dollars’ Worth of Quincy Port Property (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=7461

U-S Senator Baucus Unveils Ambitious Plan for Energy Tax Reform (North American Windpower)

http://www.nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.12420

U-S Department of Fish & Wildlife Lists White Bluffs Bladderpod as Threatened (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24263732/us-dept-of-fish-and-wildlife-lists-white-bluffs-bladderpod-as-threatened

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Numbers Debate Rages over Northwest Nuclear Plant
• Inland Power to Upgrade Meters
• PNNL Receives ‘Outstanding Review’
• Bonneville Power Administration & Electric Power Research Institute Collaborate on Next-Generation Substation Automation Project
• Including Bonneville Power Administration:  An Even Dozen Smart Grid Wins in Santa’s Bag This Week
• Franklin PUD Awards “Red Wagon” to Pasco Girl
• Pacific Gas & Electric Seeks 12.6 Percent Rate Hike for Natural Gas Customers
• Federal Budget Bill Trims Build America Bond Payments, But Does Not Affect Municipal Bonds
• Obama Official: NuScale Commitment Shows New Attitudes toward Nuclear Power
• Automated Calls Speed Grid Repairs
• U-S Department of Fish & Wildlife Lists White Bluffs Bladderpod as Threatened
• Oregon Could Lose Millions for Coastal Streams as Feds Target Logging Pollution
• U-S Senator Baucus Unveils Ambitious Plan for Energy Tax Reform
• Companies See New Energy Potential in Old Hydro Dams
• When Bats Collide…With Wind Turbines
• Study Shows Rooftop Solar Adds Thousands to Home Resale Values
• All Systems Go as We Say Goodbye to the Old Inefficient 60-Watt Bulb on January 1
• Eight Cities Call for Carbon Pricing in Washington State
• Bye, Bye Biofuels: Why U-S Renewable Fuels Standard Failed
• Five of the Most Important Changes to the LEED Green Building Rating System
• Microsoft Poised To Purchase 11-Million Dollars’ Worth of Quincy Port Property
• Gigabit Broadband Coming to Alaska
• Four Ways to Boost Your Home Wi-Fi
• Cincinnati Study Finds Social Media Users Aren’t Who You Think They Are
• Olympia Fail: No Appetite for Transportation Compromise
• Wyoming, EPA Feud over Indian Reservation
• A Capitol Dome Tour Comes With Caution Signs
• Target Data Breach: Customers Complain About Problems Reaching Retailer for Information
• Class Action Filed for Target Data Breach
• Wenatchee Alcoa Workers Accused of Metal Thefts
• Unemployment Rates Fall In Nearly All U-S States
• GDP Surprise: Economy Expands at 4.1% Rate
• Longtime Association of Washington Business President to Join Law Firm’s Governmental Affairs Staff

WORD OF THE DAY

Poll: U-S Adults Say ‘Whatever’ So Totally Annoying

http://www.katu.com/news/national/Poll-US-adults-say-whatever-so-totally-annoying-236709751.html

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

Numbers Debate Rages over Northwest Nuclear Plant (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-numbers-debate-rages-over-northwest-nuclear-plant/

Inland Power to Upgrade Meters (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/dec/20/inland-power-to-upgrade-meters/

PNNL Receives ‘Outstanding Review’ (Tri-City Herald, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/12/19/2739695/pnnl-receives-outstanding-review.html

Bonneville Power Administration & Electric Power Research Institute Collaborate on Next-Generation Substation Automation Project (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-and-EPRI-collaborate-on-next-generation-substation-automation-project.aspx

Including Bonneville Power Administration:  An Even Dozen Smart Grid Wins in Santa’s Bag This Week (Smart Grid News)

http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Technologies_Smart_Water/An-even-dozen-smart-grid-wins-in-Santa-s-bag-this-week-6245.html#.UrR1NRBKZZ8

Franklin PUD Awards “Red Wagon” to Pasco Girl (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24265763/franklin-pud-awards-red-wagon-to-pasco-girl

Pacific Gas & Electric Seeks 12.6 Percent Rate Hike for Natural Gas Customers (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_24758862

Federal Budget Bill Trims Build America Bond Payments, But Does Not Affect Municipal Bonds (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=247173&issueID=27173

Obama official: NuScale commitment shows new attitudes toward nuclear power (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/12/obama-official-nuscale-commitment.html

Automated Calls Speed Grid Repairs (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/trends-reports-analyses/automated-calls-speed-grid-repairs/64249

FISH & WILDLIFE

U-S Department of Fish & Wildlife Lists White Bluffs Bladderpod as Threatened (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24263732/us-dept-of-fish-and-wildlife-lists-white-bluffs-bladderpod-as-threatened

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Oregon Could Lose Millions for Coastal Streams as Feds Target Logging Pollution (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/oregon_could_lose_millions_for.html#cmpid=nwsltrhead

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

U-S Senator Baucus Unveils Ambitious Plan for Energy Tax Reform (North American Windpower)

http://www.nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.12420

Companies See New Energy Potential in Old Hydro Dams (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2013/12/20/companies-see-new-energy-potential-in-old-hydro-dams/

When Bats Collide…With Wind Turbines (The American Scholar)

http://theamericanscholar.org/when-bats-collide/#.UrOnrhBKZZ8

Study Shows Rooftop Solar Adds Thousands to Home Resale Values (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/silviomarcacci/319016/study-shows-rooftop-solar-adds-thousands-home-resale-values

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

All Systems Go as We Say Goodbye to the Old Inefficient 60-Watt Bulb on January 1 (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/318396/all-systems-go-we-say-goodbye-old-inefficient-60-watt-bulb-jan-1

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Eight Cities Call for Carbon Pricing in Washington State (Sightline Daily)

http://daily.sightline.org/2013/12/19/cities-call-for-carbon-pricing-in-washington/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Bye, Bye Biofuels: Why U-S Renewable Fuels Standard Failed (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2013/12/06/bye-bye-biofuels-why-u-s-renewable-fuels-standard-failed/?ss=business:energy

Five of the Most Important Changes to the LEED Green Building Rating System (GrennTech Media)

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/5-energy-changes-to-leed-v.4

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Microsoft Poised To Purchase 11-Million Dollars’ Worth of Quincy Port Property (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=7461

Gigabit Broadband Coming to Alaska (CNBC)

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101287220

Four Ways to Boost Your Home Wi-Fi (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2013/12/20/wi-fi-home/4111077/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Cincinnati Study Finds Social Media Users Aren’t Who You Think They Are (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2013/12/cincinnati-study-finds-social-media.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Olympia Fail: No Appetite for Transportation Compromise (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2013/12/19/washington-legislature/117986/olympia-transportation-bill-fail/

Wyoming, EPA Feud over Indian Reservation (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/20/wyoming-epa-feud-over-indian-reservation/?wprss=rss_national&clsrd

A Capitol Dome Tour Comes With Caution Signs (U-S News & World Report)

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2013/12/19/a-capitol-dome-tour-comes-with-caution-signs

GENERAL NEWS

Target Data Breach: Customers Complain About Problems Reaching Retailer for Information (Associated Press)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/12/target_data_breach_customers_c.html

Class Action Filed for Target Data Breach (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/12/20/63935.htm

Wenatchee Alcoa Workers Accused of Metal Thefts (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/dec/19/alcoa-workers-accused-of-metal-thefts/

Unemployment Rates Fall In Nearly All U-S States (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Unemployment-rates-fall-in-nearly-all-US-states-5081784.php

GDP Surprise: Economy Expands at 4.1% Rate (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/20/economy-gdp/4140667/

Longtime Association of Washington Business President to Join Law Firm’s Governmental Affairs Staff (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://kpbj.com/business_daily/2013-12-20/longtime_awb_president_to_join_law_firms_governmental_affairs_staff

DIVERSIONS

Former Seahawk Getting Buzz for His 12th Man Beer

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/12-man-beer-taking-off-236655011.html

Woman’s ‘Secret Santa’ Turns Out to be Bill Gates

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Womans-secret-Santa-turns-out-to-be-Bill-Gates-236650141.html

Seattle: Watch a Busload of People Take Down an Armed Robber

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/20/watch-a-busload-of-people-take-down-an-armed-robber/

This Flying Drone Decorated with Mistletoe Wants to Encourage Your Hookups

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/20/this-flying-drone-decorated-with-mistletoe-wants-to-encourage-your-hookups/

SONG OF THE DAY

Drifters - White Christmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8T6VG2HBCM

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

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

Energy News Digest for December 19, 2013

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THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for December 19, 2013

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/12/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_19.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Winter Storm Watch in Effect (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/11817

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Denies NERC Rehearing on Louisiana Bulk Power System Case (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

https://sites.google.com/site/newsdigestcafe/ferc-ruling-on-southeast-louisiana-electric-cooperative-association

So-So Spring Chinook Forecast for Willamette (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/dec/19/so-so-spring-chinook-forecast-willamette/

City of Port Angeles Extends Broadband Contract as Provider Sells (KONP Radio, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.konp.com/local/9289

U-S Senator Ron Wyden Positioned to Take Finance Chairmanship Early Due to Baucus Exit (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/12/sen_ron_wyden_positioned_to_ta.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Denies NERC Rehearing on Louisiana Bulk Power System Case
• FERC: South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association - Order Denying Rehearing
• Pacific Northwest Power at Stake in Treaty Plan
• Astoria Manhole Cover Blows, Injures Worker
• Energy Northwest Brings Holiday Cheer to Low-Income Kids
• Inland Power & Light Selects Tantalus & Itron for Smart Grid Communications Network
• A Holiday Gift: A New Website to Explain the Mysteries of FERC!
• Some PNW Beneficiaries: DEED Board Approves $72,000 in Educational Scholarships, Internships, Research Grants & Design Projects
• So-So Spring Chinook Forecast for Willamette
• Chairman Hastings Seeks Public Input on Draft Plan to Strengthen & Improve Nation’s Fisheries
• California: Fate Still Unclear for Nine Species in Delta Water Tunnel Plan
• Wind-Eighted: Oregon Scores Well in Turbine Measure
• 80,000 Acres Identified for Offshore Wind in Maryland
• U-S Proposes Energy Tax Reform: Here’s What It Means for Renewables
• Sacramento Business Journal Operations Center Lands Highest LEED Rating
• A Heat-Pump Water Heater – Is it Right for You?
• Chinese Carbon Market Opens to a Busy First Day
• Ask Umbra: Is My Artisanal Whipped Cream a Climate Menace?
• City of Port Angeles Extends Broadband Contract as Provider Sells
• Internet Domain Names: Background & Policy Issues
• Smart Homes Aren’t Dumb, And Will Employees Have Privacy in the Smart Office?
• Ten Tips for Improving Your Mobile Advertising Campaign
• FCC Seeks to Do Away With Sports Blackout Rule
• U-S Senator Ron Wyden Positioned to Take Finance Chairmanship Early Due to Baucus Exit
• Will Baucus Become The Next U-S Ambassador To China?
• Winter Storm Watch in Effect
• Mudslide in Index Leaves Residents Stranded, Causes Power Outage
• Mason County: Co-Workers’ Quick Actions Save Life of Diver without Air
• Target Holiday Cyber Breach Hits 40 Million Payment Cards
• Mega Millions Winners in Georgia, California to Split $648 Million
• Super Bowl Could Be Rescheduled for Big Storm

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

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Denies NERC Rehearing on Louisiana Bulk Power System Case (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

https://sites.google.com/site/newsdigestcafe/ferc-ruling-on-southeast-louisiana-electric-cooperative-association

FERC: South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association - Order Denying Rehearing (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?document_id=14170892

Pacific Northwest Power at Stake in Treaty Plan (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/public-policy-watch/energy-environment/northwest-power-at-stake-in-columbia-rivertreaty-plan/64283

Astoria Manhole Cover Blows, Injures Worker (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/Astoria-manhole-cover-blows-injuries-worker-236564361.html

Energy Northwest Brings Holiday Cheer to Low-Income Kids (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24257050/energy-northwest-brings-holiday-cheer-to-low-income-kids-richland

Inland Power & Light Selects Tantalus & Itron for Smart Grid Communications Network (4-Traders)

http://www.4-traders.com/ITRON-INC-9753/news/Itron-Inc--Inland-Power--Light-Selects-Tantalus-and-Itron-for-Smart-Grid-Communications-Network-17628035/

A Holiday Gift: A New Website to Explain the Mysteries of FERC! (Natural Resources Defense Council)

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/aclements/a_holiday_gift_a_new_website_t.html

Some PNW Beneficiaries: DEED Board Approves $72,000 in Educational Scholarships, Internships, Research Grants & Design Projects (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=246918&issueID=27172

FISH & WILDLIFE

So-So Spring Chinook Forecast for Willamette (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/dec/19/so-so-spring-chinook-forecast-willamette/

Chairman Hastings Seeks Public Input on Draft Plan to Strengthen & Improve Nation’s Fisheries (U-S House of Representatives, Natural Resources Committee)

http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364840

California: Fate Still Unclear for Nine Species in Delta Water Tunnel Plan (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/18/6009767/fate-still-unclear-for-nine-species.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Wind-Eighted: Oregon Scores Well in Turbine Measure (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/12/wind-eighted-oregon-scores-well-in.html

80,000 Acres Identified for Offshore Wind in Maryland (Associated Press)

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/80-000-acres-identified-offshore-143413042.html

U-S Proposes Energy Tax Reform: Here’s What It Means for Renewables (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/12/us-proposes-energy-tax-reform-heres-what-it-means-for-renewables?cmpid=rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Sacramento Business Journal Operations Center Lands Highest LEED Rating (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2013/12/18/smud-operations-center-lands-highest.html

A Heat-Pump Water Heater – Is it Right for You? (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2013/12/19/heat-pump-water-heater/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Chinese Carbon Market Opens to a Busy First Day (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/20/business/energy-environment/chinese-carbon-market-opens-to-a-busy-first-day.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Ask Umbra: Is My Artisanal Whipped Cream a Climate Menace? (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/living/ask-umbra-is-my-artisanal-whipped-cream-a-climate-menace/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

City of Port Angeles Extends Broadband Contract as Provider Sells (KONP Radio, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.konp.com/local/9289

Internet Domain Names: Background & Policy Issues (Congressional Research Service)

https://opencrs.com/document/97-868/

Smart Homes Aren’t Dumb, And Will Employees Have Privacy in the Smart Office? (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2013/12/17/when-the-internet-of-things-replaces-receptionists-who-has-the-candy/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Ten Tips for Improving Your Mobile Advertising Campaign (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2013/12/18/mobile-advertising-tips/

FCC Seeks to Do Away With Sports Blackout Rule (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/business/media/fcc-seeks-to-do-away-with-sports-blackout-rule.html?adxnnl=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1387476513-Yy3/PKRB02qt/HCq8+v24Q

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

U-S Senator Ron Wyden Positioned to Take Finance Chairmanship Early Due to Baucus Exit (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/12/sen_ron_wyden_positioned_to_ta.html

Will Baucus Become The Next U-S Ambassador To China? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1219/Will-Baucus-become-the-next-U.S.-ambassador-to-China

GENERAL NEWS

Winter Storm Watch in Effect (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/11817

Mudslide in Index Leaves Residents Stranded, Causes Power Outage (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2013/12/18/mudslide-in-index-leaves-residents-stranded/#axzz2nwHxTzNu

Mason County: Co-Workers’ Quick Actions Save Life of Diver without Air (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2013/12/19/2892732/co-workers-quick-actions-save.html#emlnl=Morning_Newsletter

Target Holiday Cyber Breach Hits 40 Million Payment Cards (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-target-breach-idUSBRE9BH1GX20131219

Mega Millions Winners in Georgia, California to Split $648 Million (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-usa-lottery-idUSBRE9BC0R420131219

Super Bowl Could Be Rescheduled for Big Storm (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=2417632

DIVERSIONS

100 Most Powerful Moments of 2013 in Photos

http://mashable.com/2013/12/19/powerful-photos-of-2013/

Baby Jesus Stolen from Washington State Capitol Building

http://q13fox.com/2013/12/18/baby-jesus-stolen-from-capitol/#axzz2nwHxTzNu

Million-Dollar Picasso Sold at Charity Raffle for 100 Euros ($137 USD)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/18/us-france-picasso-idUSBRE9BH1DG20131218

Gruesome Gift That Keeps On Giving: $200 to Sponsor Museum Skulls

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/11/us-usa-skulls-pennsylvania-idUSBRE9BA0TQ20131211

SONG OF THE DAY

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45wmyMgyZuY

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

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