The Energy News Digest

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

The Energy News Digest for December 7, 2022

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.

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Nearly Two Dozen Shell Casings Found in North Carolina Electric Substation Shootings That Cut Power for Thousands, Sources Say (Cable News Network)

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/07/us/power-outage-moore-county-investigation-wednesday/index.html

Memo: Oregon, Washington Substations Intentionally Attacked (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/memo-oregon-washington-substations-intentionally-attacked/

California Offshore Wind Auction Ends with $757.1 Million in High Bids (Yahoo! News)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/california-offshore-wind-auction-ends-194549705.html

U.S. House Democrats Want to Use Defense Production Act for Electric Transformers, Seek $2.1 Billion in Funding (The Hill, Washington, CD_

https://thehill.com/policy/equilibrium-sustainability/3763928-house-dems-want-to-use-dpa-for-electric-transformers-seek-2-1b-in-funding/

Meta Threatens to Remove News Content Over U.S. Journalism Bargaining Bill (Cable News Network)

https://amp-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/12/05/tech/meta-news-content/index.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1. Nearly Two Dozen Shell Casings Found in North Carolina Electric Substation Shootings That Cut Power for Thousands, Sources Say

2. North Carolina: Wednesday in Moore County: Latest Updates on Power Outages, Resources, Investigation

3. Memo: Oregon, Washington Substations Intentionally Attacked

4. Attacks on U.S. Power Grid Have Been Subject of Extremist Chatter for Years. DHS Bulletin Warns of Attacks on Critical Infrastructure amid Other Targets

5. Government, Power Industry Coordinate to Protect Nation’s Grid in Wake of North Carolina Substation Attacks

6. North Carolina Attack Underscores Vulnerability of Power Grid

7. Former FERC Chairman Describes What Needs to Change to Protect U.S. Infrastructure

8. WA State: Chelan County PUD Addresses Fire Resilience in $30 Million Transmission Line Project

9. Oregon: Eugene Water & Electric Board May Decommission Leaburg Dam

10. California Requires Permits for Large Natural Gas Projects to Enable Environmental & Cost Scrutiny

11. Vermont: Utility Worker Dies in Accident While Trying to Restore Power, Authorities Say

12. EIA Expects Higher & More Volatile Wholesale Electricity Prices in the United States This Winter

13. Editorial: Hydropower: Clean, Reliable & Cheap

14. Guest Essay: Decline of Bering Sea Snow Crab Fishery Demands Swift Action

15. California Offshore Wind Auction Ends with $757.1 Million in High Bids

16. Renewables to Overtake Coal & Become World’s Biggest Source of Electricity Generation by 2025, IEA Says

17. U.S. Will Consider New Priority Areas for Solar Energy on Public Lands

18. That Empty Space Next to Highways? Put Solar Panels on It

19. California Tops ACEEE’s Energy Efficiency Scorecard as States Shift Focus to Equity, Decarbonization

20. Clark Griswolds vs. the Minimalists: BC Hydro Describes This Year’s Christmas Decorating Trends

21. Shelton, WA: Decades After Dam Removal, A Record Run of Salmon

22. Returning Oregon Salmon Are Gathered & Donated for People Struggling with Food Insecurity

23. Rules Set to Cut Carbon Emissions by 20% Over Next 12 Years in Washington State

24. In Rural Alaska, Federal Money Aims to Transform Internet Access

25. New Boeing Satellites to Provide Broadband Connectivity Across the Planet

26. WA Data Breaches Are at a ‘Record-Breaking Severity.’ How to Keep Your Personal Data Safe

27. Charge It, in a Jam: AAA Deploys Mobile Electric-Vehicle Charging Truck in Bend; Second City in Oregon

28. How Can Boards of Co-ops & Condos Prevent Fires & Other Injuries Due to Electrical Vehicles & Similar Devices?

29. Questions & Answers About Electric Vehicles

30. Meta Threatens to Remove News Content Over U.S. Journalism Bargaining Bill

31. What Students Lost Since Cursive Writing Was Cut from the Common Core Standards

32. U.S. House Democrats Want to Use Defense Production Act for Electric Transformers, Seek $2.1 Billion in Funding

33. Groups Urge DOE to Move Quickly to Alleviate Supply Chain Challenges with Transformers

34. Ditto Details APPA Support for Bill that Offers 30% Investment Tax Credit for Hydropower Improvements

35. McMorris Rodgers’ Journey to the Energy & Commerce Gavel

36. Natural Catastrophes Have Caused $260 Billion in Damage This Year

37. Dog Reportedly Electrocuted at Washington State Fairgrounds Holiday Event

38. San Francisco Lawmakers Vote to Ban Killer Robots in Drastic U-Turn

WORD OF THE DAY

Lachrymose \LACK-ruh-mose\ Adjective - 1: Given to tears or weeping: tearful 2: tending to cause tears: mournful.

Lachrymose: End of “Old Yeller,” the end of “ET,” the last scoop of sherbet, and for entirely different reasons, the lame end of “Lost.”

GIRDING THE GRID

1. Nearly Two Dozen Shell Casings Found in North Carolina Electric Substation Shootings That Cut Power for Thousands, Sources Say (Cable News Network)

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/07/us/power-outage-moore-county-investigation-wednesday/index.html

2. North Carolina: Wednesday in Moore County: Latest Updates on Power Outages, Resources, Investigation (Raleigh News & Observer, NC)

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article269685226.html

3. Memo: Oregon, Washington Substations Intentionally Attacked (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/memo-oregon-washington-substations-intentionally-attacked/

4. Attacks on U.S. Power Grid Have Been Subject of Extremist Chatter for Years. DHS Bulletin Warns of Attacks on Critical Infrastructure amid Other Targets (Cable News Network)

https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/12/05/attacks-on-us-power-grid-have-been-subject-of-extremist-chatter-for-years-dhs-bulletin-warns-of-target-attacks-on-critical-infrastructure-amid-other-targets/

5. Government, Power Industry Coordinate to Protect Nation’s Grid in Wake of North Carolina Substation Attacks (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/source/37714-government-power-industry-coordinate-to-protect-nations-grid-in-wake-of-n-c-substation-attacks/

6. North Carolina Attack Underscores Vulnerability of Power Grid (The Hill, Washington, DC)

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/3764177-north-carolina-attack-underscores-vulnerability-of-power-grid/

7. Former FERC Chairman Describes What Needs to Change to Protect U.S. Infrastructure (Arizona Public Radio)

https://www.knau.org/2022-12-06/former-ferc-chairman-describes-what-needs-to-change-to-protect-u-s-infrastructure

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

8. WA State: Chelan County PUD Addresses Fire Resilience in $30 Million Transmission Line Project (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/chelan-county-pud-addresses-fire-resilience-in-30-million-transmission-line-project/article_7d3391ac-7589-11ed-837b-5f942abd12d3.html

9. Oregon: Eugene Water & Electric Board May Decommission Leaburg Dam (KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR)

https://www.kezi.com/news/eweb-may-decommission-leaburg-dam/article_a0953a64-766b-11ed-9ad2-735c4b02c3de.html

10. California Requires Permits for Large Natural Gas Projects to Enable Environmental & Cost Scrutiny (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-requires-permits-for-large-natural-gas-projects-to-enable-enviro/637958/

11. Vermont: Utility Worker Dies in Accident While Trying to Restore Power, Authorities Say (Associated Press)

https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/2022/12/07/utility-worker-dies-accident-while-trying-restore-power-authorities-say/

12. EIA Expects Higher & More Volatile Wholesale Electricity Prices in the United States This Winter (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/pressroom/releases/press522.php

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

13. Editorial: Hydropower: Clean, Reliable & Cheap (Baker City Herald, OR)

https://www.bakercityherald.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-hydropower-clean-reliable-and-cheap/article_63acc20a-71cc-11ed-9b8f-a783b457e57e.html

14. Guest Essay: Decline of Bering Sea Snow Crab Fishery Demands Swift Action (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/decline-of-bering-sea-snow-crab-fishery-demands-swift-action/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

15. California Offshore Wind Auction Ends with $757.1 Million in High Bids (Yahoo! News)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/california-offshore-wind-auction-ends-194549705.html

16. Renewables to Overtake Coal & Become World’s Biggest Source of Electricity Generation by 2025, IEA Says (CNBC News)

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/06/renewables-to-be-main-source-of-electricity-generation-by-2025-iea.html

17. U.S. Will Consider New Priority Areas for Solar Energy on Public Lands (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-will-consider-new-priority-areas-solar-energy-public-lands-2022-12-06/

18. That Empty Space Next to Highways? Put Solar Panels on It – Roadside solar fields across the country could power up to 12 million electric vehicles (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/transportation/empty-roadside-land-solar-energy/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

19. California Tops ACEEE’s Energy Efficiency Scorecard as States Shift Focus to Equity, Decarbonization (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/aceee-energy-efficiency-scorecard-states-equity/638055/

20. Clark Griswolds vs. the Minimalists: BC Hydro Describes This Year’s Christmas Decorating Trends (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-hydro-christmas-decorating-report-1.6676678

FISH & WILDLIFE

21. Shelton, WA: Decades After Dam Removal, A Record Run of Salmon (Northwest Treaty Tribes)

https://nwtreatytribes.org/decades-after-dam-removal-a-record-run-of-salmon/

22. Returning Oregon Salmon Are Gathered & Donated for People Struggling with Food Insecurity (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.kgw.com/article/travel/destinations/grants-getaways/oregon-salmon-hatchery-donate-food-banks/283-5140875c-3c4e-4065-b9c5-27720620a5d5

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

23. Rules Set to Cut Carbon Emissions by 20% Over Next 12 Years in Washington State (Bellingham Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article269418107.html

LONDON CALLING –TELECOMMUNICATIONS

24. In Rural Alaska, Federal Money Aims to Transform Internet Access (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/06/1140894457/internet-is-still-slow-and-expensive-in-some-parts-of-alaska

25. New Boeing Satellites to Provide Broadband Connectivity Across the Planet (KTTV-TV, Los Angeles, CA)

https://www.foxla.com/news/new-boeing-satellites-to-provide-broadband-connectivity-across-the-planet

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

26. WA Data Breaches Are at a ‘Record-Breaking Severity.’ How to Keep Your Personal Data Safe (Tacoma News Tribune, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article269686201.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

27. Charge It, in a Jam: AAA Deploys Mobile Electric-Vehicle Charging Truck in Bend; Second City in Oregon (KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR)

https://ktvz.com/news/environment/2022/12/01/charge-it-in-a-jam-aaa-deploys-mobile-electric-vehicle-charging-service-in-bend-oregons-second/

28. How Can Boards of Co-ops & Condos Prevent Fires & Other Injuries Due to Electrical Vehicles & Similar Devices? (Lexology)

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=eb850a53-bada-42a7-852a-db87e66fb620

29. Questions & Answers About Electric Vehicles (Port Townsend Leader, WA)

https://www.ptleader.com/stories/questions-and-answers-about-evs-local-2020,96044

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

30. Meta Threatens to Remove News Content Over U.S. Journalism Bargaining Bill (Cable News Network)

https://amp-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/12/05/tech/meta-news-content/index.html

31. What Students Lost Since Cursive Writing Was Cut from the Common Core Standards (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/03/1140610714/what-students-lost-since-cursive-writing-was-cut-from-the-common-core-standards

GOVERNMENT & GOVERNANCE

32. U.S. House Democrats Want to Use Defense Production Act for Electric Transformers, Seek $2.1 Billion in Funding (The Hill, Washington, CD_

https://thehill.com/policy/equilibrium-sustainability/3763928-house-dems-want-to-use-dpa-for-electric-transformers-seek-2-1b-in-funding/

33. Groups Urge DOE to Move Quickly to Alleviate Supply Chain Challenges with Transformers (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/groups-urge-doe-move-quickly-alleviate-supply-chain-challenges-with-transformers

34. Ditto Details APPA Support for Bill that Offers 30% Investment Tax Credit for Hydropower Improvements (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/ditto-details-appa-support-bill-offers-30-investment-tax-credit-hydropower-improvements

35. McMorris Rodgers’ Journey to the Energy & Commerce Gavel (E&E News)

https://www.eenews.net/articles/mcmorris-rodgers-journey-to-the-energy-and-commerce-gavel/

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

36. Natural Catastrophes Have Caused $260 Billion in Damage This Year (Yahoo! News)

https://news.yahoo.com/natural-catastrophes-have-caused-260-billion-in-damage-this-year-201129441.html

37. Dog Reportedly Electrocuted at Washington State Fairgrounds Holiday Event (KOMO News, Seattle, WA)

https://komonews.com/news/local/dog-reportedly-electrocuted-at-state-fairgrounds-holiday-event

38. San Francisco Lawmakers Vote to Ban Killer Robots in Drastic U-Turn (The Guardian, UK)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/06/san-francisco-lawmakers-ban-killer-robots-u-turn

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Great Expectations: Book Returned to Australian School Library Was Nearly 120 Years Overdue

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/12/07/australia-Toowoomba-Grammar-School-library-book-120-years-overdue/1401670447420/

People Are Scavenging for High-End Coolers That Are Washing Up on Shores from Seattle to Alaska After a Freighter Lost Shipping Containers Last Fall: ‘The Yetis are still out there’

https://news.yahoo.com/people-scavenging-high-end-coolers-041220276.html

Blind Horse Breaks Three Guinness World Records in Oregon

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/12/07/Guinness-World-Records-blind-horse-three-records/9551670426123/

Jazzy ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ Swings on After 57 Years

https://apnews.com/article/charlie-brown-christmas-special-music-vince-guaraldi-c36337bc74213b99702994098ed299a7

SONG OF THE DAY

Vince Guaraldi Trio – Oh, Tannenbaum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fh133ZO1AE

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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

Please note that media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links.

Monday, December 5, 2022

The Energy News Digest for December 5, 2022

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.

ITEMS OF NOTE FROM THE NORTHWEST PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Powerful Lineup for NWPPA’s December 7 Power Supply Conference (Northwest Public Power Association)

https://bit.ly/3fOQ6Ci

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

FBI Joins Investigation Into North Carolina Power Outage Caused by ‘Intentional’ Attacks on Substations (Cable News Network)

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/us/power-outage-moore-county-investigation-monday/index.html

Officials Fear ‘Complete Doomsday Scenario’ for Drought-Stricken Colorado River (Washington Post, DC – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/12/01/drought-colorado-river-lake-powell/

Herrings Are Swimming Back to the Salish Sea (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2022/12/herrings-are-swimming-back-salish-sea

Rooftop Solar in California Won’t Be the Deal It Once Was Under New Proposed Rate Structure (Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, CA)

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/latest-california-rooftop-solar-compromise-leaves-everyone-wanting-more-bu/

Instagram Is Over – The App’s Original Purpose Has Been Lost in the Era of ‘Performance’ Media. (Atlantic Magazine)

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/11/instagram-tiktok-twitter-social-media-competition/672305/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1. FBI Joins Investigation Into North Carolina Power Outage Caused by ‘Intentional’ Attacks on Substations

2. FBI Called to Investigate Firearms Attacks on Duke Energy Substations in North Carolina; 40,000 without Power

3. North Carolina Power Outages Could Last Days After Substation Shootings

4. North Carolina: Latest Update – Attack by ‘Cowards’ Could Leave Moore County without Power for Days

5. Energy Bills Rise as Some WA Households Struggle to Keep Warm

6. Idaho has the Lowest Electricity Rates in the Country, Washington State is 7th Lowest

7. Chelan County PUD Considers Joining Resource Program as Climate Legislation Generates Uncertainty

8. PacifiCorp Interconnection Plan for Retiring Power Plants Sparks Anti-Competitive Concerns at FERC

9. Public Can Weigh in on Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Lines at Virtual Meeting Dec. 5

10. Environmentalists Fight Tennessee Valley Authority’s Long-Term Contracts

11. Tennessee Valley Authority Recommends Natural Gas Plant Despite Objections

12. The U.S. Wants to Slash Carbon Emissions from Power Plants. Natural Gas Is in the Way

13. Why Silicon Valley Is So Hot on Nuclear Energy & What It Means for the Industry

14. First Nation in Western British Columbia Making Strides Toward Energy Sovereignty

15. Washington State Has Low Electricity Prices. Will It Stay That Way?

16. Guest Essay: Are the Dams Really Damnable?

17. Opinion: Big Changes Coming to the Daily Herald of Everett

18. Rooftop Solar in California Won’t Be the Deal It Once Was Under New Proposed Rate Structure

19. Wind Energy Industry Struggles to Find Qualified Workers: NREL

20. Renewables Produced Nearly a Quarter of U.S. Electricity During First Three-Fourths of 2022

21. Want to Solve Climate Change? Open More Land to Solar, Industry Leader Says

22. U.S. Wind Generation Falls into Regional Patterns by Season

23. Okanogan PUD Pumps Savings to WA State Irrigation District

24. Are Christmas Lights Jacking Up Your Electric Bill? Big Displays Could Cost You Hundreds

25. Column: Winterize Your Home Before It’s Too Late

26. Herrings Are Swimming Back to the Salish Sea

27. Bill Monroe: Over the River & Through the Woods, Salmon Returns Make Merry

28. WA State: Cascade School District’s Home Link Classes Take Deep Dive into Local River Issues

29. In Mexico, Endangered Monarch Butterflies Inspire Hopes of a Comeback

30. EPA Proposes Restrictions to Block Proposed Alaska Mine in Bristol Bay Region

31. Massive Die-Off Hits Fir Trees Across Pacific Northwest

32. Officials Fear ‘Complete Doomsday Scenario’ for Drought-Stricken Colorado River

33. EPA Announces Proposal to Protect Tribal Reserved Rights in Water Quality Standards

34. WA State Sets Price Limits for New Carbon-Trading Market

35. Finding Safe Haven in the Climate Change Future: The Pacific Northwest

36. Pawpaws, America’s Latest Fruit Craze, Are Being Threatened by Climate Change

37. Montana: State Officials Visit Butte Monday to Hear High Speed Broadband Suggestions

38. FCC Broadband Mapping

39. WA State: New Douglas County Microsoft Data Center Launches with Party, Tour

40. WA State: Electric Vehicles Spur Big Forecast Jump for Snohomish PUD Demand

41. Airlines’ Next Struggle? Where to Plug in Their Planes

42. Instagram Is Over – The App’s Original Purpose Has Been Lost in the Era of ‘Performance’ Media.

43. Viva Magenta – Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year Revealed — And It’s Unexpectedly Bright

44. Seven Common Grammar Gaffes, With Brenda Dunn

45. Two Minerals, Never-Before-Seen on Earth, Found in One of Planet’s Largest Known Meteorites

46. Many States Fail to Adequately Budget for Wildfire Costs, Study Says

47. Starting in 2023, Most Employers Must List Salary Details in Job Ads in Washington State

WORD OF THE DAY

Jejune /jeh-JOON/Adjective – 1: devoid of significance or interest: dull 2: juvenile, puerile 3: lacking nutritive value.

“A child wizard?” smirked the bespectacled publisher. “Who would find such a jejune story interesting in the least.” So began the first of 12 manuscript rejections before Bloomsbury Publishing decided to roll the dice on the diminutive Harry Potter.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1. FBI Joins Investigation Into North Carolina Power Outage Caused by ‘Intentional’ Attacks on Substations (Cable News Network)

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/us/power-outage-moore-county-investigation-monday/index.html

2. FBI Called to Investigate Firearms Attacks on Duke Energy Substations in North Carolina; 40,000 without Power (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/fbi-investigate-firearms-attacks-duke-energy-substations-North-Carolina/637927/

3. North Carolina Power Outages Could Last Days After Substation Shootings (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/crime-north-carolina-052f618466c84b841b467b55c222717a

4. North Carolina: Latest Update – Attack by ‘Cowards’ Could Leave Moore County without Power For Days (Raleigh News & Observer, NC)

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article269579392.html

5. Energy Bills Rise as Some WA Households Struggle to Keep Warm (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/energy-bills-rise-as-some-wa-households-struggle-to-keep-warm/

6. Idaho has the Lowest Electricity Rates in the Country, Washington State is 7th Lowest (Big Country News, Clarkston, WA)

https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/idaho/idaho-has-the-lowest-electricity-rates-in-the-country-washington-state-is-7th-lowest/article_1e83b986-74a6-11ed-88c5-9b6654939d8c.html

7. Chelan County PUD Considers Joining Resource Program as Climate Legislation Generates Uncertainty (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/chelan-county-pud-considers-joining-resource-program-as-climate-legislation-generates-uncertainty/article_cc00a7dc-70d1-11ed-8164-d75235b9a34c.html

8. PacifiCorp Interconnection Plan for Retiring Power Plants Sparks Anti-Competitive Concerns at FERC (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pacificorp-ferc-generator-replacement-interconnection-proposal-uamps-newsun/637826/

9. Public Can Weigh in on Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Lines at Virtual Meeting Dec. 5 (LaGrande Observer, OR)

https://www.lagrandeobserver.com/news/local/oregon-puc-holding-virtual-meeting-on-idaho-power-application/article_532a14a2-71a7-11ed-a61d-e74b84020b3d.html

10. Environmentalists Fight Tennessee Valley Authority’s Long-Term Contracts (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-tennessee-memphis-energy-industry-319914c340aee44d8791dcc44b83522a

11. Tennessee Valley Authority Recommends Natural Gas Plant Despite Objections (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/business-tennessee-pollution-climate-and-environment-050508228ca387702badd9759c14371b

12. The U.S. Wants to Slash Carbon Emissions from Power Plants. Natural Gas Is in the Way (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/05/1139401121/the-u-s-wants-to-slash-carbon-emissions-from-power-plants-natural-gas-is-in-the-

13. Why Silicon Valley Is So Hot on Nuclear Energy & What It Means for the Industry (CNBC News)

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/02/why-silicon-valley-is-so-hot-on-nuclear-energy.html

14. First Nation in Western British Columbia Making Strides Toward Energy Sovereignty (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/heilstuk-nation-energy-sovereignty-1.6672940

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

15. Washington State Has Low Electricity Prices. Will It Stay That Way? (The Center Square)

https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/washington-state-has-low-electricity-prices-will-it-stay-that-way/article_f33372cc-71b1-11ed-9307-2b0a74257c43.html

16. Guest Essay: Are the Dams Really Damnable? (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/opinion/columnists/2022/11/25/ed-palm-are-the-dams-really-damnable/69668662007/

17. Opinion: Big Changes Coming to the Daily Herald of Everett (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/big-changes-coming-to-the-everett-herald/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

18. Rooftop Solar in California Won’t Be the Deal It Once Was Under New Proposed Rate Structure (Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, CA)

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/latest-california-rooftop-solar-compromise-leaves-everyone-wanting-more-bu/

19. Wind Energy Industry Struggles to Find Qualified Workers: NREL (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/wind-energy-workforce-experience-paradox-struggle-jobs-nrel/637690/

20. Renewables Produced Nearly a Quarter of U.S. Electricity During First Three-Fourths of 2022 (EcoWatch)

https://www.ecowatch.com/renewables-produced-quarter-of-u-s-electricity.html

21. Want to Solve Climate Change? Open More Land to Solar, Industry Leader Says (Los Angeles Times, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2022-12-01/want-to-solve-climate-change-open-more-land-to-solar-industry-leader-says-boiling-point

22. U.S. Wind Generation Falls into Regional Patterns by Season (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=54819

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

23. Okanogan PUD Pumps Savings to WA State Irrigation District (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/about/newsroom/news-articles/20221130-okanogan-pud-pumps-savings-to-irrigation-district

24. Are Christmas Lights Jacking Up Your Electric Bill? Big Displays Could Cost You Hundreds (USA Today)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/12/05/christmas-lights-electric-bill/10803220002/

25. Column: Winterize Your Home Before It’s Too Late (Tahlequah Daily Press, OK)

https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/column-winterize-your-home-before-its-too-late/article_50700a67-ae67-547b-acd7-335742d35f31.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

26. Herrings Are Swimming Back to the Salish Sea (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2022/12/herrings-are-swimming-back-salish-sea

27. Bill Monroe: Over the River & Through the Woods, Salmon Returns Make Merry (The Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2022/12/bill-monroe-over-the-river-and-through-the-woods-salmon-returns-make-merry.html

28. WA State: Cascade School District’s Home Link Classes Take Deep Dive into Local River Issues (Leavenworth Echo, WA)

https://www.leavenworthecho.com/news/cascade-school-district%E2%80%99s-home-link-classes-take-deep-dive-local-river-issues

29. In Mexico, Endangered Monarch Butterflies Inspire Hopes of a Comeback (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/mexico-endangered-monarch-butterflies-inspire-hopes-comeback-2022-12-04/

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

30. EPA Proposes Restrictions to Block Proposed Alaska Mine in Bristol Bay Region (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/business-alaska-fish-salmon-us-environmental-protection-agency-286968406aa8ebaff624ae3217d6884d

31. Massive Die-Off Hits Fir Trees Across Pacific Northwest (Vancouver Columbian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2022/dec/04/massive-die-off-hits-fir-trees-across-pacific-northwest/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

32. Officials Fear ‘Complete Doomsday Scenario’ for Drought-Stricken Colorado River (Washington Post, DC – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/12/01/drought-colorado-river-lake-powell/

33. EPA Announces Proposal to Protect Tribal Reserved Rights in Water Quality Standards (Water & Waste Digest)

https://www.wwdmag.com/editorial-topical/regulations/press-release/21438469/epa-announces-proposal-to-protect-tribal-reserved-rights-in-water-quality-standards

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

34. WA State Sets Price Limits for New Carbon-Trading Market (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/wa-sets-price-limits-for-new-carbon-trading-market/

35. Finding Safe Haven in the Climate Change Future: The Pacific Northwest (Yahoo! News)

https://news.yahoo.com/finding-safe-haven-in-the-climate-change-future-the-pacific-northwest-100034487.html

36. Pawpaws, America’s Latest Fruit Craze, Are Being Threatened by Climate Change (Grist Online)

https://grist.org/article/pawpaws-americas-latest-fruit-craze-are-being-threatened-by-climate-change/

LONDON CALLING –TELECOMMUNICATIONS

37. Montana: State Officials Visit Butte Monday to Hear High Speed Broadband Suggestions (KTVM-TV, Butte, MT)

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/state-officials-visit-butte-monday-to-hear-high-speed-broadband-suggestions

38. FCC Broadband Mapping (WA State Department of Commerce)

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/fcc-broadband-mapping/

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

39. WA State: New Douglas County Microsoft Data Center Launches with Party, Tour (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/new-douglas-county-microsoft-data-center-launches-with-party-tour/article_95ce41dc-7267-11ed-ab98-af7c94439b63.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

40. WA State: Electric Vehicles Spur Big Forecast Jump for Snohomish PUD Demand (Everett Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/electric-vehicles-spur-big-forecast-jump-for-pud-demand/

41. Airlines’ Next Struggle? Where to Plug in Their Planes (Axios)

https://www.axios.com/2022/12/01/united-airlines-batteries

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

42. Instagram Is Over – The App’s Original Purpose Has Been Lost in the Era of ‘Performance’ Media. (Atlantic Magazine)

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/11/instagram-tiktok-twitter-social-media-competition/672305/

43. Viva Magenta – Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year Revealed — And It’s Unexpectedly Bright (Cable News Network)

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/pantone-color-of-the-year-2023-viva-magenta/index.html

44. Seven Common Grammar Gaffes, With Brenda Dunn (Pioneer Utility Resources)

https://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/episode/grammar/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

45. Two Minerals, Never-Before-Seen on Earth, Found in One of Planet’s Largest Known Meteorites (Yahoo! News)

https://news.yahoo.com/two-minerals-never-seen-earth-224912672.html

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

46. Many States Fail to Adequately Budget for Wildfire Costs, Study Says (Northwest News Network)

https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/environment-and-planning/2022-11-30/many-states-fail-to-adequately-budget-for-wildfire-costs-study-says

47. Starting in 2023, Most Employers Must List Salary Details in Job Ads in Washington State (Tacoma News Tribune, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/jobs/article269527742.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Die-Hard Fan Buys ‘Goonies’ House in Astoria, Oregon

https://www.localsyr.com/news/national/die-hard-fan-buys-goonies-house-in-oregon/

Couple Face Huge Energy Bill as Christmas Tree Planted 44-Years Ago Reaches 50ft – And Becomes Festive Icon

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/12/04/energy-firm-asks-couple-50ft-christmas-tree-can-help-electricity/

Dog With Missing Ear Named Van Gogh Gets Adopted after Shelter Hosts Art Auction of His Paintings

https://www.wsfa.com/2022/12/01/dog-with-missing-ear-named-van-gogh-gets-adopted-after-shelter-hosts-art-auction-his-paintings/

‘Goblin Mode’ Is Oxford’s Word of the Year

https://mashable.com/article/goblin-mode-oxford-word-of-year

SONG OF THE DAY

The Eagles – Please Come Home for Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFWe2aVrIbo