The Energy News Digest

Monday, May 10, 2021

The Energy News Digest for May 10, 2021

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

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

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Southern Resident Orca Pod in Best Condition in Decade (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/05/08/southern-resident-orca-pod-best-condition-decade/

WA U.S. Reps Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Slam Simpson for Coordinating with Oregon Governor on Dam-Breaching Proposal (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/06/newhouse-mcmorris-rodgers-slam-simpson-for-coordin/

WA State: Douglas PUD May Need to Lower Wells Dam’s Reservoir to Mitigate Earthquake Risk (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/douglas-pud-may-need-to-lower-wells-dams-reservoir-to-mitigate-earthquake-risk/article_422fb698-acf5-11eb-896c-cb93cc4b98f8.html

Nuclear Power Plant Near Richland Shuts Down. 1,000 Workers from Across Nation Get to Work (Tri-City Herald, WA)

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article251258944.html

Chehalis Will Be Home of Washington State’s First Hydrogen Refueling Station (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-will-be-home-of-states-first-hydrogen-refueling-station,264999

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1. WA U.S. Reps Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Slam Simpson for Coordinating with Oregon Governor on Dam-Breaching Proposal

2. Clashing Over Dams & Salmon Nothing New for U.S. Reps Simpson, Newhouse

3. Video: The Future of the Lower Snake River Dams

4. WA State: Douglas PUD May Need to Lower Wells Dam’s Reservoir to Mitigate Earthquake Risk

5. Can Hydropower Help Solve the Climate Crisis? This $63-Billion Plan Is Banking on It

6. Nuclear Power Plant Near Richland Shuts Down. 1,000 Workers from Across Nation Get to Work

7. Montana: Governor Signs Bill Pulling Plug on Public Vote for Nuclear Power

8. California: Draft Building Code Urges More Electric, Less Gas

9. Okanogan County WA: Utilities Consider Power Shutoffs to Prevent Wildfires

10. WA State: Benton PUD Offering Bill Credits & Payment Matches for Past Due Balances

11. British Columbia: Surge in ‘Backyard Loggers’ Is Causing More Outages, BC Hydro Warns

12. Maine Considers Consumer-Owned Electric Utility

13. WA State: Carbon-Free Water Power Electrifies Much Of Snohomish County

14. In Our View: Dam Proposal Provides Framework for Debate

15. Guest Essay: Columbia River Needs a Pacific Northwest Solution to Sustain All Our Communities

16. Guest Column: Dams Play Vital Role in Mitigating Warmer Future of the Pacific Northwest

17. Editorial: Seek Compromise Before Siting Solar, Wind Farms in Rural Washington

18. Editorial: Montana Attempts to Prop Up Coal Will Be Futile

19. Pacific Northwest Solar, Wind Developments Could Impact Vast Swaths of Ag Land

20. Facebook’s 100% Renewables Goal Is Safe, For Now, Under Oregon PUC Decision

21. President Biden Wants to Move Energy Offshore, But Choppy Seas Are Ahead

22. Waldport’s Driftwood Beach Parking to Close for Oregon Coast Wave Energy Project Work

23. Alaska: Turning Off Diesel Power with Geothermal in Unalaska

24. Maine: Dam Owners & Waterfront Residents Grapple with Future of Former Hydroelectric System in Belfast

25. Practicing Energy Efficiency Jiu-Jitsu

26. Southern Resident Orca Pod in Best Condition in Decade

27. The U.S. Promised the Nez Perce Fishing Rights. But What If Snake River Dams Kill Off the Fish?

28. Boldt Revisited: Fisheries Group Sues Over Salmon Management

29. The Dalles Dam Falls to Lowest Point of Season; August Forwards Highest in History

30. Wetter & Warmer: NOAA Charts New Climate Outlook for Western Washington

31. Competitive Carriers Association: Hundreds of Millions in RDOF Support Set to Go to Areas That Already Have Broadband

32. NY: Broadband Companies Paid for 8.5 Million Fake Net Neutrality Comments

33. Invest in the Internet, You Cowards

34. After Pipeline Cyberextortion Attempt, Gasoline Ticks Higher

35. Chehalis Will Be Home of Washington State’s First Hydrogen Refueling Station

36. Oregon U.S. Rep DeFazio Promotes Green Energy: ‘We’re Headed Toward Electric Semis in the Near Future’

37. Oregon House Votes to Boost Electric Vehicle Rebates, Deepen Utility Investment

38. Buying an Electric Vehicle? Here Is Some Advice.

39. SpaceX Satellites Closing Digital Gap, But Cause Light Pollution

WORD OF THE DAY

Perspicacious \purr-spuh-KAY-shus\ Adjective - Of acute mental vision or discernment: keen

“While others would call me a nitpicker, I prefer to go under the description of perspicacious,” sniffed the bank examiner to his hard-pressed client.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1. WA U.S. Reps Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Slam Simpson for Coordinating with Oregon Governor on Dam-Breaching Proposal (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/06/newhouse-mcmorris-rodgers-slam-simpson-for-coordin/

2. Clashing Over Dams & Salmon Nothing New for U.S. Reps Simpson, Newhouse (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/river_of_change/clashing-over-dams-and-salmon-nothing-new-for-simpson-newhouse/article_9d2ddeaa-b45d-5e96-8bfc-59d44c6eb9f0.html

3. Video: The Future of the Lower Snake River Dams (CleanTech Alliance)

https://vimeo.com/546209504

4. WA State: Douglas PUD May Need to Lower Wells Dam’s Reservoir to Mitigate Earthquake Risk (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/douglas-pud-may-need-to-lower-wells-dams-reservoir-to-mitigate-earthquake-risk/article_422fb698-acf5-11eb-896c-cb93cc4b98f8.html

5. Can Hydropower Help Solve the Climate Crisis? This $63-Billion Plan Is Banking on It (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2021-05-06/hydropower-climate-crisis-biden-boiling-point

6. Nuclear Power Plant Near Richland Shuts Down. 1,000 Workers from Across Nation Get to Work (Tri-City Herald, WA)

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article251258944.html

7. Montana: Governor Signs Bill Pulling Plug on Public Vote for Nuclear Power (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/governor-signs-bill-pulling-plug-on-public-vote-for-nuclear-power/article_579b1ab4-274e-5368-8df1-8067991465bc.html

8. California: Draft Building Code Urges More Electric, Less Gas (Bakersfield Californian, CA)

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/draft-building-code-urges-more-electric-less-gas/article_9a6488c4-af53-11eb-a5f1-631b648362c5.html

9. Okanogan County WA: Utilities Consider Power Shutoffs to Prevent Wildfires (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

https://methowvalleynews.com/2021/05/05/utilities-consider-power-shutoffs-to-prevent-wildfires/

10. WA State: Benton PUD Offering Bill Credits & Payment Matches for Past Due Balances (KFFX-TV, Kennewick, WA)

https://www.fox41yakima.com/benton-pud-offering-bill-credits-and-payment-matches-for-past-due-balances/

11. British Columbia: Surge in ‘Backyard Loggers’ Is Causing More Outages, BC Hydro Warns (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-hydro-report-gardening-safety-outages-power-lines-1.6017830

12. Maine Considers Consumer-Owned Electric Utility (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/policy/30235-maine-considers-consumer-owned-electric-utility/?amp

13. WA State: Carbon-Free Water Power Electrifies Much Of Snohomish County (Everett Herald – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.heraldnet.com/life/carbon-free-water-power-electrifies-much-of-snohomish-county/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

14. In Our View: Dam Proposal Provides Framework for Debate (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/in-our-view-dam-proposal-provides.html

15. Guest Essay: Columbia River Needs a Pacific Northwest Solution to Sustain All Our Communities (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2021/05/opinion-columbia-river-needs-a-northwest-solution-to-sustain-all-our-communities.html

16. Guest Column: Dams Play Vital Role in Mitigating Warmer Future of the Pacific Northwest (Longview Daily News, WA)

https://tdn.com/opinion/columnists/guest-column-dams-play-vital-role-in-mitigating-warmer-future-of-northwest/article_cf9964ce-fd91-5d3a-9fce-6fd30827845f.html

17. Editorial: Seek Compromise Before Siting Solar, Wind Farms in Rural Washington (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/seek-compromise-before-siting-solar-wind-farms/

18. Editorial: Montana Attempts to Prop Up Coal Will Be Futile (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, MT)

https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/editorials/editorial-attempts-to-prop-up-coal-will-be-futile/article_4c26318b-d626-5125-8ae5-af837f58a75f.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

19. Pacific Northwest Solar, Wind Developments Could Impact Vast Swaths of Ag Land (Capital Press)

https://www.capitalpress.com/state/idaho/nw-solar-wind-developments-could-impact-vast-swaths-of-ag-land/article_b82274bc-a836-11eb-99c3-af4dfd07f4eb.html

20. Facebook’s 100% Renewables Goal Is Safe, For Now, Under Oregon PUC Decision (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/facebooks-100-renewables-goal-is-safe.html

21. President Biden Wants to Move Energy Offshore, But Choppy Seas Are Ahead (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/08/biden-wants-move-energy-offshore-choppy-seas-are-ahead/

22. Waldport’s Driftwood Beach Parking to Close for Oregon Coast Wave Energy Project Work (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

https://www.beachconnection.net/news/driftwood_beach_cls050821.php

23. Alaska: Turning Off Diesel Power with Geothermal in Unalaska (Think Geoenergy)

https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/turning-off-diesel-power-with-geothermal-in-unalaska/

24. Maine: Dam Owners & Waterfront Residents Grapple with Future of Former Hydroelectric System in Belfast (Bangor Daily News, ME)

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/05/10/news/midcoast/dam-owners-and-waterfront-residents-grapple-with-future-of-former-hydroelectric-system-in-belfast/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

25. Practicing Energy Efficiency Jiu-Jitsu (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Practicing-energy-efficiency-jiu-jitsu.aspx

FISH & WILDLIFE

26. Southern Resident Orca Pod in Best Condition in Decade (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/05/08/southern-resident-orca-pod-best-condition-decade/

27. The U.S. Promised the Nez Perce Fishing Rights. But What If Snake River Dams Kill Off the Fish? (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/09/the-us-promised-the-nez-perce-fishing-rights-but-w/

28. Boldt Revisited: Fisheries Group Sues Over Salmon Management (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt. Vernon, WA)

https://www.goskagit.com/news/environment/fisheries-group-sues-over-salmon-management/article_5873f2fd-ddfe-5c6a-af0d-77dfbece4f67.html

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

29. The Dalles Dam Falls to Lowest Point of Season; August Forwards Highest in History (S&P Global)

https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/050621-the-dalles-dam-falls-to-lowest-point-of-season-august-forwards-highest-in-history

30. Wetter & Warmer: NOAA Charts New Climate Outlook for Western Washington (Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA)

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/weather/article/seattle-got-wetter-and-warmer-noaa-climate-trends-16165198.php

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

31. Competitive Carriers Association: Hundreds of Millions in RDOF Support Set to Go to Areas That Already Have Broadband (Telecompetitor)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/cca-hundreds-of-millions-in-rdof-support-set-to-go-to-areas-that-already-have-broadband/

32. NY: Broadband Companies Paid for 8.5 Million Fake Net Neutrality Comments (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-technology-business-9f10b43b6aacbc750dfc010ceaedaca7

33. Invest in the Internet, You Cowards (Gizmodo)

https://gizmodo.com/invest-in-the-internet-you-cowards-1846819954

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

34. After Pipeline Cyberextortion Attempt, Gasoline Ticks Higher (Associated Press)

https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/after-pipeline-cyberextortion-attempt-gasoline-ticks-higher/507-fcd53367-73a2-4a64-9e8e-1bf411dcee70

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC, HYDROGEN

35. Chehalis Will Be Home of Washington State’s First Hydrogen Refueling Station (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-will-be-home-of-states-first-hydrogen-refueling-station,264999

36. Oregon U.S. Rep DeFazio Promotes Green Energy: ‘We’re Headed Toward Electric Semis in the Near Future’ (KMTR-TV, Eugene, OR)

https://nbc16.com/news/local/defazio-promotes-green-energy-were-headed-toward-electric-semis-in-the-near-future

37. Oregon House Votes to Boost Electric Vehicle Rebates, Deepen Utility Investment (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/oregon-house-votes-to-boost-electric.html

38. Buying an Electric Vehicle? Here Is Some Advice. (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/buying-an-electric-vehicle-here-is-some-advice/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

39. SpaceX Satellites Closing Digital Gap, But Cause Light Pollution (Christian Science Monitor)

https://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2021/0510/SpaceX-satellites-closing-digital-gap-but-cause-light-pollution?icid=rss

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Did This Message in a Bottle Really Come from the Titanic? Quebec Researchers Are Trying to Find Out

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/titantic-passenger-uqar-message-bottle-1.6019434?cmp=rss

DK Metcalf: NFL star clocks 10.37 in 100m at Golden Games

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/57054874

‘A Terrible Idea’: Multitasking State Senator Drives While Videoconferencing – During an Online Meeting about Distracted Driving

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/05/06/andrew-brenner-video/

‘She Knew She Wasn’t Welcome’: Minnesota Woman Arrested After Allegedly Running Over Graves & Trying to Hit People During Ex-Boyfriend’s Funeral

https://lawandcrime.com/crazy/she-knew-she-wasnt-welcome-minnesota-woman-arrested-after-allegedly-running-over-graves-and-trying-to-hit-people-during-ex-boyfriends-funeral/

SONG OF THE DAY

Vangelis – Chariots of Fire, Main Theme (Soundtrack)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls6IwEG0FYM

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

The Energy News Digest for May 5, 2021

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

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

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Montana: Power Plant Owners Say New Law Interferes in Colstrip Contract (Associated Press)

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/plant-owners-say-new-law-interferes-in-colstrip-contract

Oregon Democrat Congressman Jumps on Snake River Dam Breaching Bandwagon (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/northwest/oregon-democrat-jumps-on-breaching-bandwagon/article_292d4fec-141c-5f4a-aeff-0a868f06f5f5.html

News Release: PNW Lawmakers React to Release of Public Records Detailing Hidden Coordination on Dam-Breaching Proposal (U.S. Rep Dan Newhouse)

https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pnw-lawmakers-react-release-public-records-detailing-hidden-coordination

Even in the Bright of Day, Some Central Washington Residents Have a Solar Energy ‘Nightmare’ (KNKX Radio, Tacoma, WA)

https://www.knkx.org/post/even-bright-day-some-central-washington-residents-have-solar-energy-nightmare

NOAA Unveils New U.S. Climate ‘Normals’ That Are Warmer Than Ever (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/05/04/noaa-new-climate-normals/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1. Montana: Power Plant Owners Say New Law Interferes in Colstrip Contract

2. Oregon Democrat Congressman Jumps on Snake River Dam Breaching Bandwagon

3. News Release: PNW Lawmakers React to Release of Public Records Detailing Hidden Coordination on Dam-Breaching Proposal

4. Montana: More Details Are Emerging About NorthWestern Energy’s Proposed Gas-Fired Power Plant Near Laurel

5. Oregon Natural Gas Plant Might Have New Life with ‘Potential Buyer’

6. WA State: Chelan PUD & GE Renewable Energy Collaborate for Rock Island Dam Powerhouse II Modernization

7. California: U.S. Judge Weighs If Pacific Gas & Electric Violated Probation with 2019 Fire

8. California: State Optimistic About Avoiding Power Outages This Summer

9. A New, Deadly Risk for Cities in Summer: Power Failures During Heat Waves – Blackouts have increased more than 60 percent in the United States since 2015

10. Fitch Rates Energy Northwest Bonds ‘AA’; Affirms Bonneville’s Issuer Default Rating At ‘AA-’

11. White House Eyes Subsidies for Nuclear Plants to Help Meet Climate Targets – Sources

12. The Controversial Future of Nuclear Power in the U.S.

13. Gridlocked: These Policies Might Put President Biden’s Transmission Infrastructure Plans on Hold

14. Wayward Wind Turbine Blade Knocks Out Power

15. Commentary: Rethinking Natural Gas Bans

16. Even in the Bright of Day, Some Central Washington Residents Have a Solar Energy ‘Nightmare’

17. U.S. Approves Massive Solar Project in California Desert

18. Build It; We Dare You - Solar Farms Will Redefine Energy If They Can Get Installed

19. Oregon: Combining Solar Panels & Lamb Grazing Increases Land Productivity, Study Finds

20. Arizona: Biomass Turns to Energy Instead of Ash

21. A Secure Battery Metals Supply Chain Runs Through Nevada & Is Critical to America’s Energy Security

22. LEED-Certified Federal Buildings Aren’t Using Less Energy, Carnegie Mellon Study Finds

23. Idaho: Sockeye Smolts Released Early After Killing Event at Hatchery

24. Suitable Spawning Habitat Awaits Salmon in Upper Columbia River Basin

25. Fish or Farmers? Gov. Newsom Drought Declaration Would Trigger New War Over California Water

26. NOAA Unveils New U.S. Climate ‘Normals’ That Are Warmer Than Ever

27. This Map Shows the Climate Impacts on Every County in the Western U.S.

28. California: San Diego Gas & Electric Walks Back Claim It Delivers 45 Percent Renewable Energy

29. Off-Put by Offsets: Why Some Advocates Doubt ‘Net Zero’ Pledges

30. Idaho: Gov. Little Signs Bill Directing $45 Million to New Broadband Investments

31. The Massive Jump in Broadband Usage Won’t Be Going Away After the Pandemic Ends

32. A U.S. Broadband Build-Out Should Require Open Access

33. Facing Chips Shortage, President Biden May Shelve Blunt Tool Used in COVID Fight

34. New Law Reduces Sales Tax on Hydrogen Vehicle Purchases in Washington State

35. Utah Joins 14-State Partnership to Advance Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles

36. Facebook Board Upholds Trump Suspension

37. Twitter’s Upcoming Subscription Service Looms Following Latest Acquisition

38. Did You See It? SpaceX Starlink Seen in the Sky Throughout the Pacific Northwest

39. Federal Judge Vacates CDC’s Eviction Moratorium

WORD OF THE DAY

Mise-en-scène \meez-awn-SENN\ Noun - 1a: the arrangement of actors & scenery on a stage for a theatrical production b: stage setting 2a: the physical setting of an action (as of a narrative or a motion picture): context b: environment, milieu.

The utility’s accounting department had the misfortune to work for a supervisor whose hobbies included improv theater…based on “Star Trek’s” Klingon mythology. To the staff’s immense displeasure, the last day of each workweek had been converted from casual Friday to the Klingon ritual “Rite of passage.”

At the start of each Friday, along employees dressing in costume, the boardroom was converted into a mise-en-scène of Klingon finery. Each employee, from the mail boy to the head accountant was required to chant “Today I am a Warrior. I must show you my heart. I travel the river of blood.” Thankfully, members of the gauntlet used rolled up newspapers to whack the participants as they fled the room, instead of traditional Klingon pain sticks.

(I am ashamed I know even THIS much about Klingons)

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1. Montana: Power Plant Owners Say New Law Interferes in Colstrip Contract (Associated Press)

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/plant-owners-say-new-law-interferes-in-colstrip-contract

2. Oregon Democrat Congressman Jumps on Snake River Dam Breaching Bandwagon (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/northwest/oregon-democrat-jumps-on-breaching-bandwagon/article_292d4fec-141c-5f4a-aeff-0a868f06f5f5.html

3. News Release: PNW Lawmakers React to Release of Public Records Detailing Hidden Coordination on Dam-Breaching Proposal (U.S. Rep Dan Newhouse)

https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pnw-lawmakers-react-release-public-records-detailing-hidden-coordination

4. Montana: More Details Are Emerging About NorthWestern Energy’s Proposed Gas-Fired Power Plant Near Laurel (Ravalli Republic, Hamilton, MT)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/montana-more-details-are-emerging-about.html

5. Oregon Natural Gas Plant Might Have New Life with ‘Potential Buyer’ (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/oregon-natural-gas-plant-might-have-new.html

6. WA State: Chelan PUD & GE Renewable Energy Collaborate for Rock Island Dam Powerhouse II Modernization (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/chelan-pud-ge-renewable-energy-collaborate-for-rock-island-dam-powerhouse-ii-modernization/

7. California: U.S. Judge Weighs If Pacific Gas & Electric Violated Probation with 2019 Fire (Associated Press)

https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/US-judge-weighs-if-PG-E-violated-probation-with-16151897.php

8. California: State Optimistic About Avoiding Power Outages This Summer (Bakersfield Californian, CA)

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/state-optimistic-about-avoiding-power-outages-this-summer/article_9d1d86e2-ad3c-11eb-98fb-9f1a5daf7c21.html

9. A New, Deadly Risk for Cities in Summer: Power Failures During Heat Waves – Blackouts have increased more than 60 percent in the United States since 2015 (NY Times)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-new-deadly-risk-for-cities-in-summer.html

10. Fitch Rates Energy Northwest Bonds ‘AA’; Affirms Bonneville’s Issuer Default Rating At ‘AA-’ (Fitch Ratings)

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-rates-energy-northwest-wa-elec-rev-ref-bonds-aa-affirms-bonneville-idr-at-aa-04-05-2021

11. White House Eyes Subsidies for Nuclear Plants to Help Meet Climate Targets - Sources (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-biden-nuclear/white-house-eyes-subsidies-for-nuclear-plants-to-help-meet-climate-targets-sources-idUSL1N2MR2X4

12. The Controversial Future of Nuclear Power in the U.S. (National Geographic Magazine)

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/nuclear-plants-are-closing-in-the-us-should-we-build-more

13. Gridlocked: These Policies Might Put President Biden’s Transmission Infrastructure Plans on Hold (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/energy/gridlocked-these-policies-might-put-bidens-transmission-infrastructure-plans-on-hold/

14. Wayward Wind Turbine Blade Knocks Out Power (Mohave Daily News, Bullhead City, AZ)

https://mohavedailynews.com/news/131490/wayward-turbine-knocks-out-power/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

15. Commentary: Rethinking Natural Gas Bans (Battleground Reflector, WA)

http://www.thereflector.com/opinion/article_d6407b8c-ace7-11eb-92e0-0778ef99db51.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

16. Even in the Bright of Day, Some Central Washington Residents Have a Solar Energy ‘Nightmare’ (KNKX Radio, Tacoma, WA)

https://www.knkx.org/post/even-bright-day-some-central-washington-residents-have-solar-energy-nightmare

17. U.S. Approves Massive Solar Project in California Desert (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-approves-massive-solar-project-california-desert-2021-05-03/

18. Build It; We Dare You - Solar Farms Will Redefine Energy If They Can Get Installed (Governing)

https://www.governing.com/next/solar-farms-will-redefine-energy-if-they-can-get-installed

19. Oregon: Combining Solar Panels & Lamb Grazing Increases Land Productivity, Study Finds (Tillamook Headlight-Herald, OR)

https://www.tillamookheadlightherald.com/news/combining-solar-panels-and-lamb-grazing-increases-land-productivity-study-finds/article_c80a040e-a907-11eb-b825-8b7dae9dcba7.html

20. Arizona: Biomass Turns to Energy Instead of Ash (Payson Roundup, AZ)

https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/local/biomass-turns-to-energy-instead-of-ash/article_5976ca3d-c25a-590e-9e47-75ba607585f1.html

21. A Secure Battery Metals Supply Chain Runs Through Nevada & Is Critical to America’s Energy Security (The Nevada Independent)

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/a-secure-battery-metals-supply-chain-runs-through-nevada-and-is-critical-to-americas-energy-security

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

22. LEED-Certified Federal Buildings Aren’t Using Less Energy, Carnegie Mellon Study Finds (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/leed-certified-federal-buildings-arent-using-less-energy-carnegie-mellon/599499/

FISH & WILDLIFE

23. Idaho: Sockeye Smolts Released Early After Killing Event at Hatchery (Idaho Falls Post-Register, ID)

https://www.postregister.com/news/local/sockeye-smolts-released-early-after-killing-event-at-hatchery/article_241f6276-2e13-55d2-8ace-58b2962f00cf.html

24. Suitable Spawning Habitat Awaits Salmon in Upper Columbia River Basin (Phys.Org)

https://phys.org/news/2021-05-suitable-spawning-habitat-awaits-salmon.html

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

25. Fish or Farmers? Gov. Newsom Drought Declaration Would Trigger New War Over California Water (Sacramento Bee, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article251167759.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

26. NOAA Unveils New U.S. Climate ‘Normals’ That Are Warmer Than Ever (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/05/04/noaa-new-climate-normals/

27. This Map Shows the Climate Impacts on Every County in the Western U.S. (Fast Company)

https://www.fastcompany.com/90631656/this-map-shows-the-climate-impacts-on-every-county-in-the-western-u-s

28. California: San Diego Gas & Electric Walks Back Claim It Delivers 45 Percent Renewable Energy (The Voice of San Diego, CA)

https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/sdge-walks-back-claim-it-delivers-45-percent-renewable-energy/

29. Off-Put by Offsets: Why Some Advocates Doubt ‘Net Zero’ Pledges (Roll Call)

https://www.rollcall.com/2021/05/05/off-put-by-offsets-why-some-advocates-doubt-net-zero-pledges/

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

30. Idaho: Gov. Little Signs Bill Directing $45 Million to New Broadband Investments (KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls ID)

https://localnews8.com/politics/idaho-politics/2021/05/04/gov-little-signs-bill-directing-45-million-to-new-broadband-investments/

31. The Massive Jump in Broadband Usage Won’t Be Going Away After the Pandemic Ends (Yahoo News)

https://news.yahoo.com/the-120219824.html

32. A U.S. Broadband Build-Out Should Require Open Access (Council on Foreign Relations)

https://www.cfr.org/blog/us-broadband-build-out-should-require-open-access

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

33. Facing Chips Shortage, President Biden May Shelve Blunt Tool Used in COVID Fight (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/exclusive-facing-chips-shortage-biden-may-shelve-blunt-tool-used-covid-fight-2021-05-05/

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC & OTHERWISE

34. New Law Reduces Sales Tax on Hydrogen Vehicle Purchases in Washington State (KIRO News, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/2869667/law-promotes-hydrogen-powered-vehicles-washington/

35. Utah Joins 14-State Partnership to Advance Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT)

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-joins-14-state-partnership-to-advance-infrastructure-for-electric-vehicles

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

36. Facebook Board Upholds Trump Suspension (Associated Press)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/may/05/facebook-board-upholds-trump-suspension/

37. Twitter’s Upcoming Subscription Service Looms Following Latest Acquisition (Gizmodo)

https://gizmodo.com/twitters-upcoming-subscription-service-looms-following-1846822503

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

38. Did You See It? SpaceX Starlink Seen in the Sky Throughout the Pacific Northwest (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

https://www.khq.com/news/did-you-see-it-spacex-starlink-seen-in-the-sky-throughout-the-inland-northwest/article_c8749b86-ad5b-11eb-94dd-cb3579d12b5f.html

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, COMMERCE

39. Federal Judge Vacates CDC’s Eviction Moratorium (The Hill, Washington, DC)

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/551910-federal-judge-vacates-cdcs-eviction-moratorium?rl=1

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Scientists Find That Cats Love to Sit Inside Squares—Even Fake Ones

https://gizmodo.com/scientists-find-that-cats-love-to-sit-inside-squares-ev-1846828029

Comic Strip Artists Band Together for a Silly & Good Cause

https://apnews.com/article/philanthropy-entertainment-health-coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-a2c84f4e157cffa8645cfc44cd63e05f

200 Years: Remote St. Helena Island Marks Napoleon’s Death

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-05-05/200-years-remote-st-helena-island-marks-napoleons-death

The story of Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/05/04/the-story-of-dave-brubeck-s-take-five/

SONG OF THE DAY

Dave Brubeck Quartet – Take Five

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsHc2IGmk60