Energy News Digest for December 28, 2007

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.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

- Columbian Editorial – In Our View: Energy's Invasion
- Earth2Tech Maps: Coal Power Plant Deathwatch
- Texas Nuclear Plant Shenanigans
- Maryland – Reality shorts out electricity goal
- Smart Grid Provisions in H.R. 6, 110th Congress
- Australia – Power price shock losers
- Bremerton woman says generator fumes killed her cat
- Seattle – Fixed city creeks are still foul
- Big projections for Cowlitz River in 2008
- Outlook not pretty for Coho in 2008
- Interior Dept. sued over information about endangered species
- Lacey Issues Green Power Challenge
- Geothermal energy could meet half of British Columbia’s electricity needs
- Kansas – New fortunes in the wind
- Wisconsin – Wind farm plans worry neighbors
- Tapping into trash to find a new energy source
- Hotels: Energy Star Earns Its Keep
- The city of blinding lights is starting to see 'green'
- Tankless Water Heaters – Let the debate begin!
- E.P.A. to Comply in Waiver Inquiry
- Tracking Carbon Trail To Find Why So Much Fills the Atmosphere
- IPTV may go the Hong Kong way or head towards American tragedy
- Barack Obama's Technology Policy Position Paper
- Just How Neutral is the Net?
- Fake FEMA agent targeting flood victims
- WA Minimum Wage Increases On Jan. 1
- Air agency proposes burn bans
- Ruling allows benefit cut at 65 in retiree plans
- Seattle no longer nation's most literate city

These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest

WORD OF THE DAY

Opprobrium • \uh-PROH-bree-um\ • noun – 1: something that brings disgrace 2a: public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious*b: contempt, reproach

Enron’s multitudinous financial shenanigans brought well-deserved opprobrium to the company and those who actively rolled the dice on risky ventures with other people’s money.

WEATHER
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Columbian Editorial – In Our View: Energy's Invasion. Columbia River estuary is the last place to launch a petrochemical empire
http://www.columbian.com/opinion/news/2007/12/12272007_In-Our-View-Energys-Invasion.cfm

Earth2Tech Maps: Coal Power Plant Deathwatch (project also includes ethanol plant deathwatch)
http://earth2tech.com/2007/12/27/earth2tech-maps-coal-power-plant-deathwatch/

Texas Nuclear Plant Shenanigans – Trial is postponed in Davis-Besse case: Engineer is 3rd accused of cover-up (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketers Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5ChkjmpnoTUmiw11rbfem%5Ev

Maryland – Reality shorts out electricity goal. Utilities are submitting conservation proposals, but customers will pay (Baltimore Sun)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.conserve28dec28,0,2027175.story?coll=bal-topemailed-headlines

Smart Grid Provisions in H.R. 6, 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service)
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34288

Australia – Power price shock losers. There is widespread concern that everyone will be a loser when electricity prices substantially rise on Tuesday. (The Mercury, Tasmania)
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,22979633-5007221,00.html

Bremerton woman says generator fumes killed her cat (Kitsap Sun, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1125768~Bremerton_woman_says_generator_fumes_killed_her_cat.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines

WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT

Seattle – Fixed city creeks are still foul. Salmon are back, but the water is far from pristine, report says (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/345125_streams28.html

Big projections for Cowlitz River in 2008 (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/story/310363.html

Outlook not pretty for coho in 2008 (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2007/12/12272007_Outlook-not-pretty-for-coho-in-2008.cfm

Interior Dept. sued over information about endangered species – A conservation group sued the Interior Department on Thursday seeking documents about decisions on endangered species the group alleges were tainted by political pressure (Associated Press, via the Columbian)
http://news.columbian.com/news/state/APStories/AP12272007news253941.cfm

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

LACEY ISSUES GREEN POWER CHALLENGE – City of Lacey and Puget Sound Energy are challenging businesses, community residents and public agencies to join in the effort to support development of long-term renewable energy solutions by signing up for green power in their homes and places of business. Puget Sound Energy's Green Power Program allows subscribers to select from several levels of participation. The minimum enrollment is $4 per month, which supports generation of 320 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy. Additional green power increments are available at $2 each. A typical energy-efficient household using about 800 kilowatt-hours of electrical energy per month would pay an additional $10 monthly to go 100 percent green. The Lacey Green Power Challenge officially begins Jan. 1. The goal of the six-month campaign is to increase green power usage to a total of 1,000 residential and business customers in the city. If the effort is successful, Puget Sound Energy, with support from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, will fund a $20,000 solar energy demonstration project on behalf of the community. The project will be installed on public property and provide an opportunity to highlight the increasingly-effective use of solar energy in Western Washington.

Geothermal energy could meet half of British Columbia’s electricity needs, researcher says – No greenhouse gases would result from tapping underground magma-heated water (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cfbbf32d-4a3f-48d5-9b69-7ec6a82a3d5a

Kansas – New fortunes in the wind: Economics advance state's new energy resource (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketers Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5ChjptsllVUmiw11rbfem%5Ev

Wisconsin – Wind farm plans worry neighbors (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Marketers Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5ChkjnuqtZUmiw11rbfem%5Ev

Tapping into trash to find a new energy source (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/12/28/tapping_into_trash_to_find_a_new_energy_source/

A Light Bulb Goes On – Willett Kempton sees cars--and the electric grid--as a solution to America's energy problem, not the source of it. (Forbes)
http://www.forbes.com/global/2008/0107/036.html

CONSERVATION

Kansas Town's Green Dreams Could Save Its Future (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17643060

Hotels: Energy Star Earns Its Keep (Environmental News Network)
http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/28245

Civil servants to dress casual for energy conservation (China Daily)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-12/25/content_6344708.htm

The city of blinding lights is starting to see 'green' – The first thermal plant in 16 years opened this summer in southern Nevada. And America's most expensive private development – a new hotel and casino complex on the Strip – is getting LEED certified. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1228/p01s02-wogi.html

Tankless Water Heaters – Let the debate begin! Heat only the water you need in 2008 (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071227/BLOG15/775574349

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

E.P.A. to Comply in Waiver Inquiry – The Environmental Protection Agency signaled that it was prepared to comply with a Congressional request for all documents concerning its decision to block California from imposing limits on heat-trapping gases. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/washington/28epa.html?_r=1&ei=5088&en=172b7331977bf1a2&ex=1356584400&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1198861935-rC0z2nletYMpwJFpeDyDfQ

Tracking Carbon Trail To Find Why So Much Fills the Atmosphere (Wall Street Journal – fascinating graphic)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119880485275254475.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

India – IPTV may go the Hong Kong way or head towards American tragedy (Daily News & Analysis)
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1141823

Barack Obama's Technology Policy Position Paper: Part 1 of 5 (TMC Net)
http://blog.tmcnet.com/regulations/tech-politics-2008/barack-obamas-technology-policy-position-paper-part-1-of-5.asp

Just How Neutral is the Net? Not Very (B mighty.com)
http://www.bmighty.com/network/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205204270

GENERAL NEWS

Fake FEMA agent targeting flood victims (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_122707WAB_fakefema_KC.5ba01126.html

WA Minimum Wage Increases On Jan. 1 (KIRO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.kirotv.com/jobs/14938294/detail.html

Air agency proposes burn bans – Plan would prohibit land-clearing fires in rural areas of Pierce County (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/239876.html

Ruling allows benefit cut at 65 in retiree plans – Employers can reduce their health-insurance expenses for retired workers once they turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has affirmed. (Associated Press, via the Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004095776_retire28.html?syndication=rss

Seattle no longer nation's most literate city, says study (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2007/12/24/daily12.html?ana=from_rss

DIVERSIONS

Rare 'Inverted Jenny' Stamp Purchased For $825,000
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/14931995/detail.html

Infamous potatoes: Tater Tots start blaze in Idaho firehouse kitchen while crew out on a call
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_7828032?nclick_check=1

Hello Kitty turns attention to young men – The cute cuddly white cat from Japan's Sanrio Co., usually seen on toys and jewelry for girls and young women, will soon don T-shirts, bags, watches and other products targeting young men
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071228/ap_on_fe_st/japan_hello_kitty_for_men;_ylt=AgP7rX_KynewpDChauBiXkrtiBIF

A far from cracking surprise - a dead mouse
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071227/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_newzealand_cracker;_ylt=Ahxt2JSCumt5WNDK4dvyR.DtiBIF

W.Va. cop says woman wiped nose on him
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071227/ap_on_fe_st/odd_officer_nose_wipe;_ylt=ArH31zwhzIIC1x5OydlFbaLtiBIF

Energy News Digest for December 27, 2007

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.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

- Eugene Register Guard Opinion – Sharing BPA’s benefits
- Most utilities behind BPA rebate proposal
- Energy Northwest ditches project to bury emissions
- Nuclear ‘Renaissance’ Takes Root in Idaho
- Okanogan PUD comes to aid of flooded towns
- Grant County PUD plans for retiring workers
- California – Sacramento County to offer utility-tax rebate to major users
- Sport anglers in N. Idaho irked about gillnetting season
- Stillaguamish Tribe hoping grant money will save Chinook salmon
- Canadian salmon facing another poor year, report predicts
- Calif. Faces Water Limits over Threatened Smelt
- Global Warming Jeopardizes Norway's Fish Farms
- Can wind be groomed to become a dependable source of electricity?
- How Electric Cars Could Save the Grid
- Tumwater area green building in works
- Conservation by Fiat – Portland slows down on green rules
- Flat-screen TVs devour electricity, jack up energy bills
- NFL Plans to Offset Super Bowl's Carbon Footprint
- Analysts find Qwest's Montana profits excessive
- For a Price: Bremerton Ferry Riders Get Access to Wi-Fi
- Texting while driving illegal Jan. 1
- Voters may settle family leave
- Deputies Spread Thin in the Thick of North Mason
- Olympia area house fire uncovers large drug operation
- Dicks played role as backer of Wilson's crusade

These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest

WORD OF THE DAY

Rescind • \rih-SIND\ • verb – 1: to take away: remove *2: take back: cancel 3: to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority: repeal

“Getting toothpaste back into the tube,” expounded the physics teacher, “is probably easier than rescinding an uncontrolled nuclear reactor. But for extra credit, write a 2,000 word essay on which of these is the more annoying of the two.” He said. “You have ten minutes.”

WEATHER
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Eugene Register Guard Opinion – Sharing BPA’s benefits. The Northwest’s investor-owned utilities and their publicly owned counterparts have long argued over access to low-cost electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration.
http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/dt.cms.support.viewStory.cls?cid=40477&sid=5&fid=1

Most utilities behind BPA rebate proposal – Tri-City utilities are mostly supporting a Bonneville Power Administration plan to offer short-term rebates while working on a resolution to a long-running dispute between public and private utilities over federal benefits. (Tri-Cities Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/9536593p-9447596c.html

Energy Northwest ditches project to bury emissions – Energy Northwest is abandoning plans to consider injecting some carbon dioxide emissions underground at its proposed Pacific Mountain Energy Center near Kalama. (Tri City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/9540855p-9452083c.html

Nuclear ‘Renaissance’ Takes Root in Idaho (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3435

Okanogan PUD comes to aid of flooded towns (Omak Chronicle)
http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n071225b.shtml

Grant County PUD plans for retiring workers – Thirteen PUD workers are participating in a special 18-month-long employee development program launched last summer for the first time. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2007/12/26/news/news02.txt

Tiny drop in power bills for Pacific Gas & Electric residential customers (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/27/MN7MU503D.DTL&feed=rss.news

From Southwest to Northeast: Electricity supplier gets PSC approval – A California company has been certified to become the fourth electricity supplier to residents in the Delmarva Power service area. (The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware)
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071227/BUSINESS/712270345

California – Sacramento County to offer utility-tax rebate to major users: Program is tied to expansion or capital improvement projects. Sacramento County hopes to lure manufacturers and other businesses by offering utility-tax rebates to big electricity users. (Sacramento Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2007/12/24/story7.html?ana=from_rss

New Zealand – More energy please, but keep it clean (Stuff.com)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4337210a13.html

WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT

Sport anglers in N. Idaho irked about gillnetting season (Lewiston Tribune, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1120063~Sport_anglers_in_N__Idaho_irked_about_gillnetting_season.html?cid=rss-Idaho_Headlines

Stillaguamish Tribe hoping grant money will save Chinook salmon –Few of the Northwest's struggling salmon runs are as close to extinction as the Chinook that spawn in the south fork of the Stillaguamish River. (Associated Press, via the Columbian)
http://news.columbian.com/news/state/APStories/AP12252007news252874.cfm?newsletter=10

Canadian salmon facing another poor year, report predicts – There's a vast ocean and many months stretching between now and when salmon runs start to return to the British Columbia coast in 2008. (Globe and Mail)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071226.BCSALMON26/TPStory/National

Calif. Faces Water Limits over Threatened Smelt (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17625090&ft=1&f=1001

Look out lutefisk – Global Warming Jeopardizes Norway's Fish Farms (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17638050&ft=1&f=3

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Grooming Wind – Can wind be groomed to become a dependable source of electricity? (Energy Pulse Commentary)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1632

How Electric Cars Could Save the Grid (Discovery Channel News)
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/12/27/electric-car-grid.html?dcitc=w19-502-ak-0000

CONSERVATION

Green-built building in works – A South Sound developer plans a second green-built office building in Tumwater (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/310207.html

Conservation by Fiat – Portland slows down on green rules – It was a bombshell to Portland homebuilders when city officials announced at a Chicago conference last month that every new building in the city would be taxed unless it reached a higher level of energy efficiency. (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/119872771684060.xml&coll=7

Flat-screen TVs devour electricity, jack up energy bills – Most consumers aren't aware of the added costs before they trade in their old sets for plasma ones (Salt Lake Tribune)
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7803524?source=rss

Hillsborough Schools Given Assignment: Save Energy – With an electric bill expected to top $40 million this year, the Hillsborough County School District has turned to a team of five men and a few posses of students. (The Tampa Tribune)
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/dec/26/me-patrols-help-knock-down-energy-use/

Electricity Costs Attacked Through XML – A power consortium that distributes a mix of "green" and conventional electricity is implementing an XML-based settlements system that drives costs out of power distribution. (InformationWeek)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20071227/tc_cmp/205203201

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

NFL Plans to Offset Super Bowl's Carbon Footprint (National Public Radio – OK, so what about CO2 from fans, flatulence from those chili-nacho-cheese concoctions-and the hot air from bloviating sports “experts” leading up to the actual game)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17625113&ft=1&f=2

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Analysts find Qwest's Montana profits excessive (Associated Press, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1121276~Analysts_find_Qwest_s_Montana_profits_excessive.html?cid=rss-Montana_Headlines

For a Price: Bremerton Ferry Riders Get Access to Wi-Fi (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/26/bremerton-ferry-riders-get-access-to-wi-fi/

Cisco Green Plan Looks Beyond Routers – Cisco Systems wants to turn the enterprise data network into an electricity meter. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573B700743F90.html?ex=1356238800&en=6386c8c2fe79d2b6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

Texting while driving illegal Jan. 1 – A law making it illegal to send text messages while driving in Washington goes into effect Jan. 1, and state troopers plan to vigorously enforce the rule. (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_122607WAB_texting_driver_KS.54291df9.html

Voters may settle family leave – A state lawmaker says she is open to sending a tax package to voters that would create a long-term means to pay for the state's new paid-family leave program. (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/310239.html

Deputies Spread Thin in the Thick of North Mason (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/26/deputies-spread-thin-in-north-masons-thick/

Olympia area house fire uncovers large drug operation (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/310260.html

Dicks played role as backer of Wilson's crusade – U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks never served in the military. But he was a bona fide lieutenant in "Charlie Wilson's War." (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004091397_dickscharlie25m.html

KGY, port in lease renewal talks (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/309076.html

DIVERSIONS

Man, 60, sues boy, 8, over ski collision – A 60-year-old man is taking an 8-year-old boy and his dad to court, claiming the boy caused a ski-slope collision that left the older man with a shoulder injury.
http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2007/12/20/man_60_sues_boy_8_over_ski_collision/

Soccer referee pulls out red card, then a gun
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2635269520071226?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

Kyrgyzstan touted as ideal delivery hub for Santa
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSEIC47011920071224?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

Man spends Christmas Eve stuck in septic tank
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071227/NEWS02/92748209/-1/RSS01

Energy News Digest for December 21, 2007

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.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

- Goodbye wet fall; hello wet winter
- Chelan County PUD – Rock Island Dam gets a new turbine
- Broken bearing halts McNary
- The Astorian Editorial – Selling out the river for California
- Baltimore Sun Columnist – Electricity honey pot is starting to stink
- Electricity Planning: Disband the Ontario Power Authority
- On Salmon flow rider: Craig Thwarted by Senate Democrats
- Monster Drano Lake spring Chinook run forecast
- Birds dying from lead poisoning in Western Washington
- Study shows hunting and fishing have huge impact on state economy
- Pacific Grove's low-tech seal proposal: Pot-banging
- Columbian Editorial – In our view: Puget Sound cleanup – This won't be easy
- Grant could mean lower water costs for Monitor residents
- Idaho – Twin Fall farmers reduce sediment in canals
- The answer is not blowin' in the wind this time
- Powerful conservation motivation: Electric-bill elevation
- Washington State will sue EPA over emission decision
- Oregon Governor promises legal fight over auto emissions
- Denial of State Emissions Plan Was Foreshadowed
- Staff at EPA supported California's attempt to reduce car emission
- News Tribune Opinion – An indefensible veto of state clean air rules
- Eco-friendly Portland State University plans to hire 'green' professors
- World's next outsourcing hub: Kenya?
- Nearly $100 million wasted by Port of Seattle
- Tissue mill's closing ends era for Bellingham
- US Senator Cantwell losing top two staffers

These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest

WORD OF THE DAY

Passel • \PASS-ul\ • noun – A large number or amount

A passel of presents pummeled the palace on the peninsula. “Golly Santa,” exclaimed Comet, “think that your package ejection system has a few bugs in it.” You’d better stick to the chimney delivery system for now.”

Merry Christmas to all. The Energy News Digest will be enjoying a few hot toddies on the 24th and 26th. It will return, bleary-eyed and jolly on the 27th.

WEATHER
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944

Goodbye wet fall; hello wet winter – Love it or hate it, it's here. Winter. (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/306054.html

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Chelan County PUD – Rock Island Dam gets a new turbine. Rock Island Dam got an early holiday gift Tuesday afternoon in the form of a shiny new runner turbine complete with never-before-used blades that give off that new electron smell. (Wenatchee World)
http://www.wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/NEWS04/499252110/1002

Broken bearing halts McNary – Replacement power costs Northern Wasco PUD $8,000 per day. A broken thrust bearing has kept the PUD’s hydropower plant at McNary Dam shut down since mid-November, forcing the utility to buy higher priced power elsewhere. (The Dalles Chronicle)
http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2007/12/news12-20-07-01.shtml

The Astorian Editorial – Selling out the river for California. Gov. Kulongoski protects our world while Commissioners give it away
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=47767

Baltimore Sun Columnist – Electricity honey pot is starting to stink
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.hancock21dec21,0,7741295.column

Canada – Electricity Planning: Disband the Ontario Power Authority; panel urges (Globe and Mail)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071221.POWER21/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/

WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT

Craig Thwarted by Senate Democrats – Senate Democrats thwarted Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's bid to use a federal spending bill to dictate water flow for Northwest salmon. (Associated Press)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnfp00LWLPx-wi2HGIDsFIuBkbNgD8TLE2980

Monster Drano Lake spring Chinook run forecast – No matter which forecasting methodology the state biologists use, the result is the same: a record-high 36,800 spring Chinook salmon are predicted to enter the Columbia River headed for Drano Lake in Skamania County. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2007/12/12202007_Monster-Drano-Lake-spring-chinook-run-forecast.cfm?newsletter=1

Birds dying from lead poisoning in Western Washington – Several swans have shown up dead of lead poisoning in Western Washington, and researchers think it's being caused by Judson Lake in Whatcom County. (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_122007WAB_swan_dead_lead_TP.364992d5.html

Study shows hunting and fishing have huge impact on state economy – A new study says people who hunt and fish have a $1.4 billion dollar annual impact on the Washington economy. (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=7526470

California – Pacific Grove's low-tech seal proposal: Pot-banging (The Examiner.com – now I’ve got a mental image that I can’t get out of my head, thanks a lot pal…)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1117942~Pacific_Grove_s_low_tech_seal_proposal__Pot_banging.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines

Columbian Editorial – In our view: This won't be easy. Puget Sound cleanup effort is under way, but Chesapeake example is discouraging
http://www.columbian.com/opinion/news/2007/12/12202007_In-our-view-This-wont-be-easy.cfm?newsletter=5

Grant could mean lower water costs for Monitor residents – The Chelan County PUD on Wednesday received a federal grant that could lead to lower costs for residents who will be served by its Monitor water project. (Wenatchee World)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/NEWS04/310052217/1001/rss1001

Idaho – Twin Fall farmers reduce sediment in canals – Less sediment has improved water quality for endangered species, spared farmers from having to repair clogged irrigation equipment and saved the company from pricey cleanup bills, canal officials said. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/305747.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Maryland – Cumberland Times-News Op/Ed – The answer is not blowin' in the wind this time “…a critical analysis of the workings of our region's electricity grid reveals that industrial wind energy development within Appalachia belies its "green" reputation…” (And another 25 cents to Robert Zimmerman)
http://www.times-news.com/opinion/local_story_355120115.html?keyword=secondarystory

Introducing the Solar Tree – The streets of Europe could soon be lit by solar energy due to the fact that a solar tree prototype recently passed a key test phase. (Renewable Energy Access)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50934&src=rss

CONSERVATION

Charleston Post & Courier Commentary – Powerful conservation motivation: Electric-bill elevation
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/dec/09/powerful_conservation_motivation_electri24488/

Japan's Energy Demand to Fall in 2008 on Conservation (Bloomberg News)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=akllffkwduh0

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State will sue EPA over emission decision – Several others joining against federal agency (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/344414_epa21.html?source=rss

Oregon Governor promises legal fight over auto emissions (Ashland Daily Tidings)
http://www.dailytidings.com/2007/1220/stories/1220_greenhouse.php

Denial of State Emissions Plan Was Foreshadowed – The Bush administration’s decision to deny California the right to regulate greenhouse gases from vehicles exploded like a grenade here and in California. But it was hiding in plain sight for weeks. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/washington/21emissions.html?ei=5088&en=27a467e0e2987243&ex=1355893200&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1198260160-fM6ATg+iqaRw7UmozbeX9w

Staff at EPA supported California's attempt to reduce car emission – Administrator reportedly overruled the unanimous opinion of his legal and technical staff in blocking California's effort to cut greenhouse gases from vehicles - a new revelation that California officials say shows his decision was based on politics, not the law. (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/21/MNOUU26JN.DTL&tsp=1

News Tribune Opinion – An indefensible veto of state clean air rules. Is it the Environmental Protection Agency – or the Emissions Protection Agency?
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/story/235354.html

Eco-friendly Portland State University plans to hire 'green' professors – Half of a $2 million boost in funding will pay for the new faculty (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1198166106294430.xml&coll=7

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

U.K. gov't urged to adopt codes for broadband service – users concerned that they are being short-changed over broadband speeds. (Network World)
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/121907-uk-govt-urged-to-adopt.html

World's next outsourcing hub: Kenya? (Christian Science Monitor)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20071221/ts_csm/ocallcenter_1

Colorado – Glenwood city council looks into expanding broadband (Glenwood Springs Post-Independent)
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20071221/VALLEYNEWS/448683357

GENERAL NEWS

Nearly $100 million wasted by Port of Seattle, state says – A state audit Thursday blasted the Port of Seattle for shoddy management of construction contracts, which auditors say wasted $97 million in public money, violated competitive-bidding laws, and left the Port "vulnerable to fraud, waste and abuse." (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004085652_portaudit21m.html?syndication=rss

Tissue mill's closing ends era for Bellingham “…in December 2000, electricity prices spiked to $3,500 a megawatt hour, and Georgia-Pacific shut down its Bellingham mills for three days. The company ended up closing its pulp mill for good the following March…” (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004085609_mill21m.html?syndication=rss

US Senator Cantwell losing top two staffers – Chief of staff Michael Meehan and Katharine Lister, the deputy staff chief, are both leaving; a year after Cantwell won a convincing re-election. (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_122107WAB_cantwell_staff_leaving_LJ.39a94fee.html

Stewart and Colbert to Return without Writers – Comedy Central’s pair of popular news satirists, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, will return to their television shows on Jan. 7, two months after production was suspended because of a writers’ strike. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/business/media/21strike.html?_r=1&ex=1355979600&en=e55d8d03b14dce21&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

DIVERSIONS

Blue Man Seeks Acceptance
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=5843725

Revealed: The seven great "medical myths"
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSARM15505420071221?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Passport office in need of spellcheck spell check
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2017925520071220?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

Chocolate fuels a carbon-negative voyage from England to Timbuktu – While others eat their way through advent calendars this Christmas season, two Britons are doing something quite different with their chocolate: using it to drive across the Sahara.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20071221/ts_csm/obiotruck

Energy News Digest for December 20, 2007

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.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

- Avista's WA electric, natural gas bills to increase Jan. 1
- Mason County PUD 1 Approves 2008 Budgets - Rate Increases For Water Only
- Grant County PUD budget approved
- Northern Wasco County PUD – BPA payback means PUD rate cut
- Franklin PUD Commissioner Appointed To National Policy Council
- Energy Bill Passes with Inslee Provisions Included
- Missouri Governor rejects key sections of Midwestern energy accord
- California – Calpine gets OK to reorganize
- Heating Oil Costs Strain State, Federal Aid Programs
- Washington Post Editorial – A Nuclear Site Is Breached
- Making the Case for Nuclear Power
- Oregonian Op/Ed – Who pays the price for dam removal?
- Nez Perce tribe authorizes steelhead gillnet season
- Kansas Threatens to Sue Nebraska Over Use of a River
- California Farmers to Get One-Third Less Water
- Cowlitz is among Western Washington rivers fishing wel
- Benton County district gets $91,000 grant to help salmon
- Clallam County PUD water rates going up
- Clark County lawn care plan: almost every lawn in the county will get its water from bathtub drains, dishwashers and rooftop gutters
- Greater Victoria rated 'high risk' polluter
- Corn farm runoff leads to trouble in Gulf of Mexico
- Makah Bay Offshore Wave Pilot Project: FERC issues first license for Hydrokinetic Energy Project
- Yakima – Hearing Examiner takes second look at proposed tire recycling plant
- Energy Law Leaves Out Wind, Solar Tax Credits
- Kempthorne taps Boise resident for national wind panel
- Measure signed by Bush means fluorescent bulbs are more likely to brighten the future
- E.P.A. Says 17 States Can’t Set Emission Rules
- Ancient Warming Caused Huge Spike in Temps
- Tax Hike to Help Environment a Hard Sell
- Do Women Who Find Ferrari Drivers Sexy Contribute to Global Warming?
- Provo, Utah, overhauls iProvo muni fiber model
- Seattle Times Op/Ed – Network neutrality
- F.T.C. Clears Google-DoubleClick Deal
- Municipal bonds hit by mortgage fallout
- Port of Portland to close on Troutdale Alcoa site

These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest

WORD OF THE DAY

Modus Operandi • \MOE-dus opp-er-RAND-ee\ • noun – A method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

“No gentlemen, we are not dealing with a crazed criminal here,” purred Detective Poirot as he absentmindedly stroked his moustache. “What we have here is a person who is so fixed in their modus operandi that they would not change their ways even if confronted with the most secure lock box in the world.” “Non, mon ami, your lunches have not been stolen by a wayward squirrel, crazed dog, or even a trained capuchin monkey…they have been stolen by only one person….your copy repairman: Rick!” (Insert surprised gasp here)


WEATHER
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Avista's WA electric, natural gas bills to increase Jan. 1 (Associated Press, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1114064~Avista_s_WA_electric__natural_gas_bills_to_increase_Jan__1.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines

MASON COUNTY PUD No. 1 APPROVES 2008 BUDGETS - RATE INCREASES FOR WATER ONLY – The Mason County P.U.D. No. 1 Board of Commissioners has approved the District's 2008 water and electric budgets. The 2008 electric budget has projected revenues of $5,554,555 and does NOT reflect an increase in rates. The 2008 water budget has a 3% increase in water rates that is included in the District's ten year comprehensive business plan that was approved in 2003. Projected revenues for the water budget next year are $1,046,500. The 2008 budgets include a half time FTE in the electric operations department and a half time FTE in the water operations department. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)

Grant County PUD budget approved – Substations, fiber and turbines included (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2007/12/19/news/news01.txt

Northern Wasco County PUD – BPA payback means PUD rate cut. $1.5 million refund would be stretched over 10 months (The Dalles Chronicle)
http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2007/12/news12-19-07-01.shtml

News Release – FRANKLIN PUD COMMISSIONER GORDON APPOINTED TO NATIONAL POLICY COUNCIL – Franklin PUD Commissioner Bill Gordon was appointed to the American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council for the second consecutive year. In this role, Commissioner Gordon represents Northwest public power members on this national Council; his nomination was endorsed by both Benton and Douglas PUDs. Its purpose is to advance the public policy interests of its members and their customers, and provide member services to ensure adequate, reliable electricity at a reasonable price with the proper protection of the environment. “This is a great honor and opportunity for Bill and for Franklin PUD”, stated Franklin PUD Manager, Jean Ryckman. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the Franklin PUD staff, we congratulate Commissioner Gordon and wish him continued success.” (Franklin County PUD)

Energy Bill Passes with Inslee Provisions Included (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/18/energy-bill-passes-with-inslee-provisions/

Bill could affect state's permit process for coal plants: Congressional bill could force changes in how Texas permits power plants (Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, via Power Markets Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5ChiooonmVTnkw11rbfem%5Ev

Blunt rejects key sections of Midwestern energy accord – Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has dismissed major parts of the Midwestern Governors Association’s energy pact that would establish greenhouse gas reduction goals and require greater reliance on renewable electricity sources. (The Kansas City Star)
http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics/story/411222.html

California – Calpine gets OK to reorganize. San Jose energy firm set to emerge from bankruptcy after two years (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_7767633?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Heating Oil Costs Strain State, Federal Aid Programs – Heating oil prices are up sharply this winter. In Maine — where 80 percent of homes are heated with oil or kerosene — people are struggling to heat their homes. (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17416038&ft=1&f=2

California – Natural gas plan alarms residents. Firm proposes using an underground site – beneath businesses, homes – for storage, and paying neighbors. (Sacramento Bee, may require free registration)
http://www.sacbee.com/294/story/576881.html

Washington Post Editorial – A Nuclear Site Is Breached. An underreported attack on a South African nuclear facility last month demonstrates the high risk of theft of nuclear materials by terrorists or criminals.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/19/AR2007121901857.html?nav=rss_opinion/columns

Making the Case for Nuclear Power – a review of A Brighter Tomorrow: Fulfilling the Promise of Nuclear Energy (The Heartland Institute,)
http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=16389

WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT

Oregonian Op/Ed – Who pays the price for dam removal? Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power.
http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1198108506290780.xml&coll=7

Nez Perce tribe authorizes steelhead gillnet season – The Nez Perce Tribe in northern Idaho has started a commercial gillnetting season on portions of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. (Associated Press, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1113965~Nez_Perce_tribe_authorizes_steelhead_gillnet_season.html?cid=rss-Idaho_Headlines

Kansas Threatens to Sue Nebraska Over Use of a River – Kansas threatened a court fight Wednesday unless Nebraska reduced the amount of water it took from the Republican River and paid an undetermined amount for allegedly taking too much water in the past. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/20water.html?ex=1355806800&en=6e5f61f62015676f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

California Farmers to Get One-Third Less Water – Farmers across Southern California are bracing for a 30 percent cut in the amount of water they get for their crops. (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17416015&ft=1&f=2

Cowlitz is among Western Washington rivers fishing well (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/story/304994.html

Benton County district gets $91,000 grant to help salmon – The Benton County Conservation District is getting $91,000 from the state to help salmon survive in the lower Yakima River. (Tri-Cities Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/v-rss/story/9527816p-9438618c.html

Clallam County PUD water rates going up (KONP Radio, Port Angeles)
http://www.konp.com/local/3316

Clark County lawn care plan: Use wastewater – If you like drinking from the garden hose or playing in the sprinkler, enjoy it while you can. Nobody's talking about actually outlawing such fun. But Clark County's latest ideas for holding down stormwater runoff assume that by 2050, almost every lawn in the county will get its water from bathtub drains, dishwashers and rooftop gutters. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2007/12/12202007_County-lawn-care-plan-Use-wastewater.cfm?newsletter=2

Greater Victoria rated 'high risk' polluter – Greater Victoria is a "high risk" sewage polluter and, regardless of the debate in the community, will be forced to build treatment plants by 2020 (Victoria Times-Colonist – Well, Duh!)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=f8ba5fff-33a0-4979-b8c8-5a46e9912595&k=51505

Corn farm runoff leads to trouble in Gulf of Mexico – Nitrogen from fertilizer flows to Mississippi River, then Gulf of Mexico, where oxygen depletion kills sea animals (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_7767615?source=rss

White Pass halts expansion work pending ruling – The White Pass Ski Area has agreed to halt work on a major expansion project until a federal judge rules on an appeal by environmental groups seeking to block it. (Associated Press, via the Columbian)
http://news.columbian.com/news/state/APStories/AP12202007news250627.cfm?newsletter=10

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

News Release – for the Makah Bay Offshore Wave Pilot Project: FERC issues first license for Hydrokinetic Energy Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
http://www.ferc.gov/news/news-releases/2007/2007-4/12-20-07-H-1.asp

Yakima – Hearing Examiner takes second look at proposed tire recycling plant. Proposed plan would turn recycled tires into biodiesel fuel at the proposed site. (KNDO/KNDU, Tri-Cities)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=7522223

Energy Law Leaves Out Wind, Solar Tax Credits – While the new energy bill delivers good news to those in the ethanol business, it disappoints many in the business of cultivating alternative energy sources — such as wind, solar and geothermal power. (National Public Radio – “Windustry?”, good grief…at least they didn’t use “blowin’ in the wind”)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17416001&ft=1&f=2

Kempthorne taps Boise resident for national wind panel – Rich Rayhill will be part of a committee tasked with coming up with guidelines to protect wildlife. (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/business/story/242058.html

U.S. Energy Bill Mandate for Corn-Free Ethanol Presents Huge Opportunity, Challenge for Industry (Canadian Business)
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D8TK1TD83

Lock 7 Hydro Partners to Be Primary Supplier for LG&E and KU Green Energy Program – Group will become the primary supplier of renewable energy credits (RECs) for Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities companies. The Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station on the Kentucky River at Lock and Dam 7 will generate the RECs. (Market Wire, via Power Marketers Online – Nice to know that someone thinks hydropower is a renewable resource)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5Chiqpmqv%5BTnkw11rbfem%5Ev

CONSERVATION

Lighting a new path to energy efficiency – Measure signed by Bush means fluorescent bulbs are more likely to brighten the future (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chronicle/5392696.html

Tennessee – Attorney general fines Hendersonville energy saving companies (The Tennesseean, Nashville)
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/BUSINESS01/71219084

The Green House as Classroom (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/garden/20show.html?ex=1355893200&en=c6eb16b37b42019f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

E.P.A. Says 17 States Can’t Set Emission Rules – The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday denied California and 16 other states the right to set their own standards for carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/washington/20epa.html?_r=1&ex=1355893200&en=139426ab611e3fc1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

Ancient Warming Caused Huge Spike in Temps, Study Says – What started out as a moderate global warm-up about 55 million years ago triggered a massive injection of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that sent temperatures skyrocketing, a new study says. (National Geographic)
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/12/071219-ancient-warming.html

Tax Hike to Help Environment a Hard Sell – A so-called carbon tax would put a price on any carbon released into the atmosphere. But even for the greenest voters, a tax increase that would help the environment is likely to be a hard sell. (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17441683&ft=1&f=3

Do Women Who Find Ferrari Drivers Sexy Contribute to Global Warming? (Wired Magazine)
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2007/12/women-who-find.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Provo, Utah, overhauls iProvo muni fiber model – High churn leads iProvo to hire consultants. The city council of Provo, Utah, is conferring with consultants it hired this month to help determine why its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network isn’t performing as hoped and to overhaul the model. (Telephony Online)
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/iprovo_municipal_fiber_121907/index.html

Seattle Times Op/Ed – Network neutrality Freedom of expression at risk
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2004083050_openmic20.html?syndication=rss

Seattle Times Op/Ed – Network neutrality Hysteria makes for bad law
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2004083048_broadband20.html?syndication=rss

F.T.C. Clears Google-DoubleClick Deal – The go-ahead from the Federal Trade Commission clears the way for a formidable combination in the burgeoning online advertising sector. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Google-DoubleClick-Antitrust.html?ex=1355893200&en=efaae96e4344b592&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Ohio – Fiber a resource, not a revelation – Completed in 2002 at a cost of roughly $6 million, Butler County's fiber optic ring was touted as a high-tech lure to new business. (The Oxford Press)
http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/12/19/hjn122007fiberopticinside.html

Wi-Fi Mesh Lights Up Mecca for Hajj – The millions of pilgrims in Mecca this week for the Hajj, an annual gathering of Muslims, can stay connected thanks to a temporary Wi-Fi mesh network covering a large part of the city. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18882573B5007AC5BA.html?ex=1355893200&en=fac659cc72e46ac7&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

Storm aid to state boosted – FEMA doubles counties to 12, expands relief (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/344206_storms20.html?source=rss

Seven Corps workers back from Midwest – A group from the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office assisted with storm-relief efforts. (Union Bulletin, Walla Walla)
http://www.union-bulletin.com/articles/2007/12/19/local_news/local05.txt

Municipal bonds hit by mortgage fallout – Like toxic waste dumped into a city's sewer system, the subprime debacle is seeping into virtually every nook and cranny of the nation's financial markets, polluting sectors that seemed far removed from home mortgages. Today's case in point: municipal bonds. (The San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/20/BU0BU1GHR.DTL&feed=rss.business

Port of Portland to close on Troutdale Alcoa site – Alcoa will lead the cleanup of the parcel slated for shipping and manufacturing (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/119812471951190.xml&coll=7

DIVERSIONS

Eco-boat powered by human fat attempts round the world speed record
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=503419&in_page_id=1770

Woman goes to doctor to show Social Security she is alive
http://www.examiner.com/a-1115687~Woman_goes_to_doctor_to_show_Social_Security_she_is_alive.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines

Lottery money returned to real winners
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=557fd46f-8d55-4e4b-8a0c-abb5709b38ad&k=87041

Thieves Saw Off More Than 500 Parking Meters
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/14898345/detail.html

Energy News Digest for December 19, 2007

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.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

- Electricity Restored to Collins Lake Substation After Construction Crane Touches Power line
- Power Agreement Bonneville offers utility $9.5 million, with strings attached
- Bonneville payments ‘not relief, this is a trap,’ Grays Harbor County PUD says
- Local briefly: Snohomish County PUD won't yet decide on refund for $19 million
- Ratepayers may see BPA credit restored
- Stripped of Renewable Energy Mandates – House, 314-100, Passes Broad Energy Bill
- Walla Walla – Power plant siting in spotlight
- Idaho – Nuke plant developer will meet with public
- Texas vows to attract other carbon-capture plants
- Oregon Governor cites problems with federal analysis of gas terminal
- Grant County PUD names new treasurer
- One Enron Case Settled
- Ameren Illinois Utilities Issue Warning on Dangers of Copper Theft
- Mason County PUD No. 3 makes Last Reconnections from December 3 Storm
- Pact resolves 6-year battle over Ellensburg-area creek
- Puget Sound cleanup gets more federal funding than expected
- The Olympian Opinion – Environmental lobby looks to exert clout
- West Sound Utility District Hears From Public on Rate Hike
- City of Longview sets steep water and sewer rate hikes
- Resident fights Orting utility tax hike
- Southwest May Pipe In Water from Great Lakes
- New ethanol goal offers challenge, opportunity for biofuel industry
- Chevron sued over funding of biodiesel plant – Partner firm says oil giant stopped
- Sparks flying over Pennsylvania’s energy future
- Lighten the power load during Christmas season
- Montana – Climate change report aired.
- Clean-air agency wants to ban burning in yards
- Pizza Boxes Are Power Hogs
- FCC approves controversial media ownership rule

These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest

WORD OF THE DAY

Plebiscite • \PLEB-uh-site\ • noun – a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler

“The ballots have been sent out. Like Noah sending the dove and the Raven to search for dry land we will soon know if the subjects like what I’ve suggested, or will continue to be restless,” mused the white-bearded king as he gazed from his tower, overlooking his lovely city of rivers. Unfortunately, calling for a plebiscite on naming the ‘cane toad’ as the Australian amphibian was like asking for an indulgence for a beer belch in church.

WEATHER
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

News Release – Electricity Restored to Collins Lake Substation After Construction Crane Touches Power line (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/News/display.asp?NewsID=400

Power Agreement Bonneville offers utility $9.5 million, with strings attached – Clark Public Utilities could get a one-time $9.5 million payout from the Bonneville Power Administration under a proposal announced Monday by the BPA. But there's a lot of uncertainty about the deal. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/business/businessNews/2007/12/12182007_Power-Agreement-Bonneville-offers-utility-95-million-with-strings-attached.cfm

Bonneville payments ‘not relief, this is a trap,’ Grays Harbor County PUD says. Commissioners called the plan “absurd,” and rejected the interim proposal. (Daily World, Aberdeen)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2007/12/18/local_news/03news.txt

Local briefly: Snohomish County PUD won't yet decide on refund for $19 million (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071219/NEWS01/710003258/-1/news01

Ratepayers may see BPA credit restored (Yakima Herald-Republic)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/page/dis/299999521904786

President Bush Signs Energy Bill (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/19/AR2007121900815.html?nav=rss_email/components

Energy bill to save 'billions' – President Bush signed into law Wednesday legislation that will bring more fuel-efficient vehicles into auto showrooms and require wider use of ethanol, calling it "a major step" toward energy independence and easing global warming. (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-12-18-fuel-economy_N.htm?csp=34

Stripped of Renewable Energy Mandates – House, 314-100, Passes Broad Energy Bill; Bush Plans to Sign It (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/washington/19energy.html?ei=5088&en=2f23e7ad81fc4185&ex=1355720400&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1198090893-AMjoU60bMvG1GwWBWLpkew

Walla Walla – Power plant siting in spotlight – Whether a power plant will be allowed in the heavy industrial area remains to be seen. (Union-Bulletin, Walla Walla)
http://www.union-bulletin.com/articles/2007/12/19/local_news/local04.txt

Idaho – Nuke plant developer will meet with public. As Payette ponders the proposed facility, the state debates who should be making decisions on where to put power plants. (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/242279.html

N.J. sues Pa. power plant, claims excessive amounts of air pollution drift across state line (International Herald Tribune)
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/19/america/Pollution-Suit.php

Texas vows to attract other carbon-capture plants (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN1851451520071218?rpc=44

Oregon Governor cites problems with federal analysis of gas terminal (Associated Press, via the Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1112665~Governor_cites_problems_with_federal_analysis_of_gas_terminal.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines

Grant County PUD names new treasurer – Grant County PUD commissioners named Jim Bunch last week to the permanent position of treasurer/controller. (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2007/12/18/news/news05.txt

One Enron Case Settled (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/business/19enron.html?ex=1355720400&en=26ba475fbf6ef41d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

News Release – Ameren Illinois Utilities Issue Warning on Dangers of Copper Theft. Public can Help Curb this Deadly Crime (Ameren Illinois, via Yahoo! Finance)
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071219/aqw071.html?.v=33

News Release – Last Reconnections from December 3 Storm - Governmental Cooperation Applauded for Effort (Mason County PUD No. 3)
http://www.masonpud3.org/News/display.asp?NewsID=398

WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT

Pact resolves 6-year battle over Ellensburg-area creek – Farmers, environmentalists to restore fish runs without impeding irrigation (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/344121_creek19.html

Puget Sound cleanup gets more federal funding than expected (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/303998.html

The Olympian Opinion – Environmental lobby looks to exert clout
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/story/303883.html

West Sound Utility District Hears From Public on Rate Hike – Dennis Briggs doesn't mind paying more for sewer service, he just doesn't want to pay the same amount as a family of eight. (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/18/west-sound-utility-district-hears-from-public-on/

City of Longview sets steep water and sewer rate hikes – Longview residents' utility bills will jump early next year as the city prepares to fund expensive upgrades to its aging water and sewer treatment systems. (The Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2007/12/19//area_news/doc4768c7e199144001446087.txt

Resident fights Orting utility tax hike – After the Orting City Council raises utility taxes, a resident who wanted to force a public vote on the issue was told he was too late. But he’s not through fighting. (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/233284.html

Southwest May Pipe In Water from Great Lakes – Drought-choked southwestern states are considering piping in water from the Great Lakes. Getting the go-ahead on such a plan wouldn't be easy, however. (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17354828&ft=1&f=17

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Does the passage of the stripped-down Energy Bill mean that momentum is lost for renewables? (Renewable Energy Access)
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50920&src=rss

New ethanol goal offers challenge, opportunity for biofuel industry (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004081388_ethanol19.html?syndication=rss

Chevron sued over funding of biodiesel plant – Partner firm says oil giant stopped paying (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/19/BUJDU0VQ0.DTL&feed=rss.business

Sparks flying over Pennsylvania’s energy future – With Gov. Rendell and Senate Republicans $200 million apart, the biofuels-and-conservation effort is lagging. (Philly.com)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20071219_Sparks_flying_over_Pa_s_energy_future.html

CONSERVATION

Lighten the power load during Christmas season (The Star Phoenix, Regina)
http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/business/story.html?id=c4342fd7-e661-4076-a30a-8e37ad35357f

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Montana – Climate change report aired. Montana accounts for just 0.6 percent of America's greenhouse gas emissions, but the average Montanan contributes almost double the amount of greenhouse gas as the average American. (Billings Gazette)
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/12/19/news/local/28-climatereport.txt

Clean-air agency wants to ban burning in yards – Burning garden leftovers, grass clippings, downed trees and other woody debris would be banned in rural Snohomish County under a proposal by clean-air officials. (Everett Herald – Check out the chart!)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071219/NEWS01/611452862&news01ad=1

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Pizza Boxes Are Power Hogs – As everyone knows, you get what you pay for. That maxim certainly holds true for Internet infrastructure, especially when it comes to servers. (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2007/12/18/pizza-boxes-are-power-hogs/

FCC approves controversial media ownership rule – The Federal Communications Commission, overturning a 32-year-old ban, voted Tuesday to allow broadcasters in the nation's 20 largest media markets to also own a newspaper. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004080133_webfcc18.html?syndication=rss

GENERAL NEWS

Oregon Gets Short Shrift In Congress' Final Days – President George Bush said Wednesday he will sign a hard-fought energy bill compromise. The bill sets higher mileage standards for cars, but for many Oregonians it's a disappointment. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/oregon-gets-short-shrift-congress-final-days/

DIVERSIONS

"Don't Tase Me, Bro" tops Reuters '07 memorable quote list
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1959512020071219

Bride In Toilet Paper Dress To Tie Knot In Restroom
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/14890478/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000312192007&ts=H

Judge Sides With Man Fired For Posting 'Dilbert' Comic In Office
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/14890514/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000312192007&ts=H

Choir drops 'Christmas' from carol – Teachers' Decision; Children to sing: 'Soon it will be festive day'
http://www.nationalpost.com/newsletter/story.html?id=181191