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)
Puget Sound Energy rates could go up
Questions Linger in Florida Blackout
News Release – Assessing the electric energy supply of the Pacific Northwest
Idaho – House committee backs tax breaks for Idaho uranium plant
Duke Energy's Lee Nuclear License Application Accepted by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
News release – COMPETE Coalition Cites Proven Economic and Environmental Benefits for Consumers Provided by Competitive Electricity Markets
Brussels bungles energy unbundling
California – Stockton weighs power play: Mayor to unveil city's electricity market plan
Hearings find little opposition to reservoir at Black Rock
Idaho Senate committee backs Governor’s $20 million aquifer proposal
Leaders Talk Environmental Future of Mid-Columbia
Canada – Optimism renewed for pink salmon run
Tacoma Power holding off on tidal power, says not viable for at least eight years
Nevada – Geothermal energy, Power from the underground
Irony Alert – Want to Know Why Seattle’s “Tree Canopy” Is Disappearing?
New green Web site launched
Arctic debate could result in armed conflict
FCC Considering Another Neutrality Hearing?
Google Sites Now Live To Collaborate
Shareholders sue Yahoo over its response to Microsoft purchase bid
Another candidate announces for 35th District – Randy Neatherlin
California sues U.S. over management plan for national forests
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Whelm • \hw-ELM\ • verb – 1: to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down usually to cover something: cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect 2: to overcome in thought or feeling: overwhelm: to pass or go over something so as to bury or submerge it
Some news digest readers may have been underwhelmed by the lack of creativity in the example sentences this week. Fortunately, the upcoming weekend will allow the digest to recharge and have whiz-bang prose that may whelm...and might I add, overwhelm the senses. or not.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Puget Sound Energy rates could go up – Puget Sound Energy is expected to file an electric and natural-gas rate increase with state regulators today, combined with an already pending request would be a nearly 12 percent overall electricity increase (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/374370.html
Questions Linger in Florida Blackout – Utility company investigators will likely look beyond a substation fire to determine the cause of a recent blackout that left as many as 3 million Floridians without power, energy experts say. Associated Press, via the Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004230086_apfloridaoutages.html?syndication=rss
News Release – Assessing the electric energy supply of the Pacific Northwest (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/193483/
Idaho – House committee backs tax breaks for Idaho uranium plant (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/373699.html
Duke Energy's Lee Nuclear License Application Accepted by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Fox Business News)
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/energy/article/duke-energys-lee-nuclear-license-application-accepted-nuclear-regulatory_497989_11.html
News release – COMPETE Coalition Cites Proven Economic and Environmental Benefits for Consumers Provided by Competitive Electricity Markets – Upsetting Established Markets Threatens Demonstrated Consumer Benefits And Continued Investment Necessary to Meet Growing Demand (Electric Energy Online – Doesn’t a working, competitive market have to be in place first?)
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/IndustryNews.asp?m=1&id=84498
Brussels bungles energy unbundling (The Financial Times of London)
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/37c75f34-e635-11dc-8398-0000779fd2ac.html
California – Stockton weighs power play: Mayor to unveil city's electricity market plan – City Hall is considering a bid to involve itself in Stockton's electricity market, a measure Mayor Ed Chavez said could cut rates and generate revenue (McClatchy Tribune Business News, via Power Marketing Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CinssrlhRUnjy30qbfen%5Fv
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Hearings find little opposition to reservoir at Black Rock – Wednesday was a good day for proponents who want to build a reservoir in Black Rock Valley east of Yakima. (Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/103711.html
Idaho Senate committee backs Governor’s $20 million aquifer proposal – plan to study, monitor and develop plans for future management of 10 aquifers scattered across the state cleared another legislative hurdle Wednesday. (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/531/story/308454.html
Leaders Talk Environmental Future of Mid-Columbia (KNDO, Tri-Cities)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=7941200
Canada – Optimism renewed for pink salmon run (Victoria Times-Colonist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=85394969-6b1f-4baf-bdbe-c0b6ca2a7c8c
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Tacoma Power holding off on tidal power, says not viable for at least eight years (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/02/25/daily23.html?ana=from_rss
Nevada – Geothermal energy, Power from the underground (Summit Daily News, Frisco, CO)
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080225/NEWS/443354159/0/FRONTPAGE
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Irony Alert – Want to Know Why Seattle’s “Tree Canopy” Is Disappearing? – Take a look at what’s happening in North Seattle. (Seattle Weekly)
http://seattleweekly.com/2008-02-27/news/want-to-know-why-seattle-s-tree-canopy-is-disappearing.php
New green Web site launched (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/25/daily26.html?ana=from_rss
Arctic debate could result in armed conflict, says former American coast guard official (Canwest News Service)
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=73cec1a6-334a-4bcd-a9fa-dd79d4c0b8ed&k=68531
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FCC Considering Another Neutrality Hearing? This time in Stanford after the controversy at Harvard (Broadband Reports Note: comment section may include PG-13 language)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/FCC-Considering-Another-Neutrality-Hearing-92227
Google Sites Now Live To Collaborate (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2008/02/27/google-sites-launched/
Shareholders sue Yahoo over its response to Microsoft purchase bid (Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2008/02/25/daily66.html?ana=from_rss
GENERAL NEWS
Another candidate announces for 35th District – Randy Neatherlin (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/373980.html
California sues U.S. over management plan for national forests (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1248265~California_sues_U_S__over_management_plan_for_national_forests.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
DIVERSIONS
Misunderstood Banners In Yakima Coming Down (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/misunderstood-banners-yakima-coming-down/
Armed Robber Hog-Tied By Biker Gang
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15438913/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000302282008&ts=H
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 28, 2008
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)
House Votes to End Big Oil's Tax Breaks – Despite Veto Threat
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial – Energy Taxes: Rocket launch
Montana – USDA pulls plug on Highwood power plant financing
NorthWestern Energy announces filing of Montana transmission rate settlement agreement
News Release – American Public Power Association Calls for Electricity Market Reforms to Address Growing Crisis
Maryland – PSC chief to Constellation Energy: Ratepayers misled on nuclear plant deal
America is Running Out of Electricity
New York – Niagara County printer receives NYPA boost
Trout bearing chemicals are even in our national parks
Belfair Sewer Cost Higher Than Budgeted
Company Fined for Oregon Wind Turbine Death
British Petroleum (BP) hints that it may offload green business
House Wants Oil Subsidies to Go to Green Energy
Cap and Caulk: How Smart Climate Policy Can Cut Our Energy Costs
Chelan PUD's clean credits pay for entry into exchange
Alaska town sues over global warming
Senate antiphishing bill outlaws...what's already illegal
Utah Internet providers could earn 'G-rating'
Wikileaks close backfires on bank trying to remove documents
Amazon Spent $1.6M Lobbying Government
500 jobs added at call center in Oregon; more might be needed
Swooning economy Fed chief's key worry
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Bonapartism • \BOH-nuh-par-tiz-um\ • noun – A policy supporting dictatorial rule usually by a military leader who has ostensibly received a popular mandate
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
House Votes to End Big Oil's Tax Breaks – Despite Veto Threat, Bill to Boost Renewable Energy Is Sent to Senate (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/27/AR2008022702635.html?nav=rss_business
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial – Energy Taxes: Rocket launch. The economy or the environment? How about both? Congress approved Wednesday $18 billion in new oil company taxes, money that will be used to spur investment in wind, solar and alternative sources.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/352940_gaspricesed.html?source=rss
Montana – USDA pulls plug on Highwood financing – USDA's Rural Utilities Service, citing a lack of funding, has informed Southern Montana Electric Generation & Transmission that it can't finance the cooperative's proposed coal-fired power plant east of Great Falls. (Great Falls Tribune)
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS01/802280302/1002
NorthWestern Energy announces filing of Montana transmission rate settlement agreement (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321377&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
News Release – American Public Power Association Calls for Electricity Market Reforms to Address Growing Crisis (APPA, via Electric Energy Online)
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/IndustryNews.asp?m=1&id=84390
Maryland – PSC chief to Constellation Energy: Ratepayers misled on nuclear plant deal (Baltimore Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/02/25/daily15.html?ana=from_rss
America is Running Out of Electricity – The provision of electrical power nationwide has become the chosen battleground for environmental groups laboring night and day to insure there will not be enough of it to meet our needs. (Energy Pulse Commentary)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1683
New York – Niagara County printer receives NYPA boost – Shipman Printing Industries has been allocated to receive a block of electricity from the New York Power Authority as the Wheatfield printer undergoes an expansion. (Business First of Buffalo)
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/02/25/daily13.html?ana=from_rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Trout bearing chemicals are even in our national parks – Mercury, flame retardants ending up in pristine lakes (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352814_parkpollute27.html
BELFAIR SEWER COST HIGHER THAN BUDGETED – The costs to construct sewers and a water reclamation facility to serve the core of the Belfair Urban Growth Area are higher than originally budgeted. According to Emmett Dobey, Director of Utilities and Waste Management for Mason County, there are three reasons for this $2 Million overage. One is that the original estimate was done in 2006 dollars and not adjusted into 2008 dollars. The second reason is that a second pump station is needed. And the third reason has to do with the spray field for the Water Reclamation Facility. A geologic survey found that the infiltrate in that area is not as great as originally thought so an infiltration gallery needs to be designed and added to the project. Dobey believes they have discovered these potential cost overages early enough in the project's design so that the project will still be brought in on budget and on time. The County is looking at moving the second pump station which will result in a savings of about $500,000. Design of the project continues and a ground breaking ceremony is expected this fall. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Company Fined for Oregon Wind Turbine Death (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3624
British Petroleum (BP) hints that it may offload green business (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8380030?source=rss
House Wants Oil Subsidies to Go to Green Energy (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=86973288&ft=1&f=3
CONSERVATION
Cap and Caulk: How Smart Climate Policy Can Cut Our Energy Costs (Sightline Institute)
http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2008/02/27/cap-and-caulk-how-smart-climate-policy-can-cut-our-energy-costs
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Chelan PUD's clean credits pay for entry into exchange – Power generated at Rocky Reach Dam is now helping to reduce carbon pollution elsewhere in the country — at least in theory. (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS04/220117514
Alaska town sues over global warming (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/25/daily21.html?ana=from_rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Senate antiphishing bill outlaws...what's already illegal (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9879859-38.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
Utah Internet providers could earn 'G-rating' (Deseret Morning News)
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695256344,00.html
Wikileaks close backfires on bank trying to remove documents – An effort at damage control has snowballed into a public relations disaster for a Swiss bank seeking to crack down on a renegade Web site for posting classified information about some of its wealthy clients. (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1246437~Wikileaks_close_backfires_on_bank_trying_to_remove_documents.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Amazon Spent $1.6M Lobbying Government (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/27/financial/f171657S12.DTL&feed=rss.business
500 jobs added at call center in Oregon; more might be needed (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1246773~500_jobs_added_at_call_center_in_Oregon__more_might_be_needed.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
GENERAL NEWS
Swooning economy Fed chief's key worry (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004247519_bernanke28.html
A banner year for new paychecks – Steve Ingrum, an apprentice lineman for the Snohomish County PUD, works at transfering lines to a new pole in Arlington. He says a job with the utility long had been a goal for him. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2004238896_jobgrowth27n.html
DIVERSIONS
Kindergartner Suspended For Mohawk Haircut
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15426674/detail.html
After 33 Years, Man Recovers Lost Wallet – Item Recovered During Renovation
http://www.kirotv.com/news/15423281/detail.html
Stop thief, why are you wearing that hanger?
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSEIC77388120080227?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Price of eternal salvation: $12.79
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/16067567.html
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
House Votes to End Big Oil's Tax Breaks – Despite Veto Threat
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial – Energy Taxes: Rocket launch
Montana – USDA pulls plug on Highwood power plant financing
NorthWestern Energy announces filing of Montana transmission rate settlement agreement
News Release – American Public Power Association Calls for Electricity Market Reforms to Address Growing Crisis
Maryland – PSC chief to Constellation Energy: Ratepayers misled on nuclear plant deal
America is Running Out of Electricity
New York – Niagara County printer receives NYPA boost
Trout bearing chemicals are even in our national parks
Belfair Sewer Cost Higher Than Budgeted
Company Fined for Oregon Wind Turbine Death
British Petroleum (BP) hints that it may offload green business
House Wants Oil Subsidies to Go to Green Energy
Cap and Caulk: How Smart Climate Policy Can Cut Our Energy Costs
Chelan PUD's clean credits pay for entry into exchange
Alaska town sues over global warming
Senate antiphishing bill outlaws...what's already illegal
Utah Internet providers could earn 'G-rating'
Wikileaks close backfires on bank trying to remove documents
Amazon Spent $1.6M Lobbying Government
500 jobs added at call center in Oregon; more might be needed
Swooning economy Fed chief's key worry
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Bonapartism • \BOH-nuh-par-tiz-um\ • noun – A policy supporting dictatorial rule usually by a military leader who has ostensibly received a popular mandate
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
House Votes to End Big Oil's Tax Breaks – Despite Veto Threat, Bill to Boost Renewable Energy Is Sent to Senate (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/27/AR2008022702635.html?nav=rss_business
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial – Energy Taxes: Rocket launch. The economy or the environment? How about both? Congress approved Wednesday $18 billion in new oil company taxes, money that will be used to spur investment in wind, solar and alternative sources.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/352940_gaspricesed.html?source=rss
Montana – USDA pulls plug on Highwood financing – USDA's Rural Utilities Service, citing a lack of funding, has informed Southern Montana Electric Generation & Transmission that it can't finance the cooperative's proposed coal-fired power plant east of Great Falls. (Great Falls Tribune)
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS01/802280302/1002
NorthWestern Energy announces filing of Montana transmission rate settlement agreement (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321377&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
News Release – American Public Power Association Calls for Electricity Market Reforms to Address Growing Crisis (APPA, via Electric Energy Online)
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/IndustryNews.asp?m=1&id=84390
Maryland – PSC chief to Constellation Energy: Ratepayers misled on nuclear plant deal (Baltimore Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/02/25/daily15.html?ana=from_rss
America is Running Out of Electricity – The provision of electrical power nationwide has become the chosen battleground for environmental groups laboring night and day to insure there will not be enough of it to meet our needs. (Energy Pulse Commentary)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1683
New York – Niagara County printer receives NYPA boost – Shipman Printing Industries has been allocated to receive a block of electricity from the New York Power Authority as the Wheatfield printer undergoes an expansion. (Business First of Buffalo)
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/02/25/daily13.html?ana=from_rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Trout bearing chemicals are even in our national parks – Mercury, flame retardants ending up in pristine lakes (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352814_parkpollute27.html
BELFAIR SEWER COST HIGHER THAN BUDGETED – The costs to construct sewers and a water reclamation facility to serve the core of the Belfair Urban Growth Area are higher than originally budgeted. According to Emmett Dobey, Director of Utilities and Waste Management for Mason County, there are three reasons for this $2 Million overage. One is that the original estimate was done in 2006 dollars and not adjusted into 2008 dollars. The second reason is that a second pump station is needed. And the third reason has to do with the spray field for the Water Reclamation Facility. A geologic survey found that the infiltrate in that area is not as great as originally thought so an infiltration gallery needs to be designed and added to the project. Dobey believes they have discovered these potential cost overages early enough in the project's design so that the project will still be brought in on budget and on time. The County is looking at moving the second pump station which will result in a savings of about $500,000. Design of the project continues and a ground breaking ceremony is expected this fall. (KMAS Radio, Shelton)
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Company Fined for Oregon Wind Turbine Death (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3624
British Petroleum (BP) hints that it may offload green business (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8380030?source=rss
House Wants Oil Subsidies to Go to Green Energy (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=86973288&ft=1&f=3
CONSERVATION
Cap and Caulk: How Smart Climate Policy Can Cut Our Energy Costs (Sightline Institute)
http://www.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2008/02/27/cap-and-caulk-how-smart-climate-policy-can-cut-our-energy-costs
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Chelan PUD's clean credits pay for entry into exchange – Power generated at Rocky Reach Dam is now helping to reduce carbon pollution elsewhere in the country — at least in theory. (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS04/220117514
Alaska town sues over global warming (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/25/daily21.html?ana=from_rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Senate antiphishing bill outlaws...what's already illegal (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9879859-38.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
Utah Internet providers could earn 'G-rating' (Deseret Morning News)
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695256344,00.html
Wikileaks close backfires on bank trying to remove documents – An effort at damage control has snowballed into a public relations disaster for a Swiss bank seeking to crack down on a renegade Web site for posting classified information about some of its wealthy clients. (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1246437~Wikileaks_close_backfires_on_bank_trying_to_remove_documents.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines
Amazon Spent $1.6M Lobbying Government (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/27/financial/f171657S12.DTL&feed=rss.business
500 jobs added at call center in Oregon; more might be needed (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1246773~500_jobs_added_at_call_center_in_Oregon__more_might_be_needed.html?cid=rss-Oregon_Headlines
GENERAL NEWS
Swooning economy Fed chief's key worry (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004247519_bernanke28.html
A banner year for new paychecks – Steve Ingrum, an apprentice lineman for the Snohomish County PUD, works at transfering lines to a new pole in Arlington. He says a job with the utility long had been a goal for him. (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2004238896_jobgrowth27n.html
DIVERSIONS
Kindergartner Suspended For Mohawk Haircut
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/15426674/detail.html
After 33 Years, Man Recovers Lost Wallet – Item Recovered During Renovation
http://www.kirotv.com/news/15423281/detail.html
Stop thief, why are you wearing that hanger?
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSEIC77388120080227?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Price of eternal salvation: $12.79
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/16067567.html
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 26, 2008
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 customers to get small credit
* Pacific Power says it will not accept agreement from BPA
* BPA Offer Could Lead to Lower Electric Bills
* Appointee Hays won't run for Jefferson County PUD post
* Grant helps pay heating bills for low-income family in Snohomish County
* Idaho – Companies in race to provide fuel for US 'nuclear renaissance'
* Dry weather causes hike in Tennessee Valley Authority rates
* Florida – Utility transmission plan rouses suspicion
* Great Plains Energy reaches agreement in principle in proposed Aquila purchase
* Tiny Arctic town hoping to power up after a week rationing electricity
* Pepco Lobbied on Energy Legislation $820,000 worth
* NERC cybersecurity standards to become mandatory in US
* Dam rules extended as Columbia River salmon plan written
* Oregon – State turns the tap on Umatilla basin water project
* Government planning to unleash flood through Grand Canyon in March
* Cantwell seeks tax breaks for wind power
* Boom and Bust for Renewable Energy?
* Oregon – How will utilities green up portfolios?
* Lack of lines for transmission trips up wind energy
* B.C. firm turns to green power
* Photovoltaic Cells Are Still Very Green, Comparative Test Shows
* Urban decay, redefined
* Energy-Saving Bulbs Raise Safety Questions
* Washington’s Legislative environment grows heated
* Farms May Be Exempted From Emission Rules
* PG&E to fund forest projects
* Carbon report says tax could save Canadians money
* British official: Rich countries must pay for carbon reduction
* Possible Wi-Fi In Downtown Centralia
* F.C.C. to Act on Delaying of Broadband Traffic
* Google joins consortium to build bandwidth
* Keep the internal hacker from turning the lights out in 2008
* Some GOP senators want Eastern Washington as a state unto itself
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Benefic • \buh-NEFF-ik\ • adjective – Of, having, or exerting a favorable influence
Dagwood leaned back and sighed in pleasure. It never ceased to amaze him about how his mountainous sandwiches provided a benefic turning point in his evening gastronomic activity.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Avista customers to get small credit – Beginning in April, Avista Corp.’s residential customers could see a bit of relief on their monthly electric bills. (Spokesman Review, Spokane)
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13829
Pacific Power says it will not accept agreement from BPA (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-23/120397045448570.xml&storylist=orlocal
BPA Offer Could Lead to Lower Electric Bills (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3619
Appointee Hays won't run for Jefferson County PUD post – Saying he is ready to retire again, M. Kelly Hays has announced he will not seek election (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080225/NEWS/802250304
Grant helps pay heating bills for low-income family in Snohomish County (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080226/NEWS01/753113564/-1/RSS01
Idaho – Companies in race to provide fuel for US 'nuclear renaissance' (Associated Press, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1240921~Companies_in_race_to_provide_fuel_for_US__nuclear_renaissance_.html?cid=rss-Idaho_Headlines
Dry weather causes hike in Tennessee Valley Authority rates (McClatchy Tribune Business News, via Power Marketers Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CinpkmsrUUkgy30qbfen%5Fv
Florida – Utility plan rouses suspicion. Environmentalists says they'll fight Progress Energy on its transmission line project to expand its power transmission capability through 10 counties (St Petersburg Times)
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/24/Pasco/Utility_plan_rouses_s.shtml
Great Plains Energy reaches agreement in principle in proposed Aquila purchase (Consolidate---Consolidate – Forbes)
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/02/25/afx4694818.html
Tiny Arctic town hoping to power up after a week rationing electricity (The Canadian Press)
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g3sw70X6kTDDymKK8jxrdhDh8cuA
Pepco Lobbied on Energy Legislation – Pepco Holdings Spent $820,000 in 2007 to Lobby on Energy Legislation (CNN Money)
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/fb79c6a6b68abc6bc828b04e2d921661.htm
Newsmaker: Meet the king of coal – You may not love coal, but you use a lot of it. Peabody Energy's Greg Boyce says the company will even participate in cleaning the stuff up (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/Meet-the-king-of-coal/2008-13840_3-6231768.html
NERC cybersecurity standards to become mandatory in US – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved eight cyber security and critical infrastructure protection standards proposed by NERC. (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321050&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Dam rules extended as salmon plan written – To avoid more legal battles until a May 5 deadline for a new salmon-recovery plan for the Northwest, a federal judge has ordered that Columbia River dams be operated under last year's guidelines. (Associated Press, via the Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004203245_salmondams26m.html?syndication=rss
Oregon – State turns the tap on Umatilla basin water project (The Oregonian)
http://blog.oregonlive.com/pdxgreen/2008/02/state_turns_the_tap_on_umatill.html
Government planning to unleash flood through Grand Canyon in March (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8359467?source=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Cantwell seeks tax breaks for wind power – But Big Oil fights shift in proposed energy bill (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352600_energy26.html?source=rss
Boom and Bust for Renewable Energy? Tax credits central to renewable-energy development (Epoch Times)
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-2-25/66550.html
Oregon – How will utilities green up portfolios? Power providers take first steps toward meeting state renewable energy mandate (Bend Bulletin)
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080225/BIZ0102/802250335
Lack of lines for transmission trips up wind energy (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2008-02-25-wind-power-transmission_N.htm
B.C. firm turns to green power – Canfor Pulp is planning to become an electricity producer using wood waste to answer BC Hydro's call for green power.(Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=ad7bee15-e2af-494a-8a1b-37cf726e95ce
Power Struggle – The people of Iceland awaken to a stark choice: exploit a wealth of clean energy or keep their landscape pristine. (National Geographic)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/iceland/del-giudice-text
Photovoltaic Cells Are Still Very Green, Comparative Test Shows (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/science/26obsola.html?ex=1361682000&en=b032bdd210ea8e75&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Urban decay, redefined – City hopes to turn yard clippings and food scraps into heat, electricity (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/26/urban_decay_redefined/
CONSERVATION
Energy-Saving Bulbs Raise Safety Questions (News Channel 5, Cleveland)
http://www.weathernet5.com/money/15381938/detail.html?rss=nn5wx&psp=news
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Legislative environment grows heated – Washington’s rural-versus-urban divide was in full view last week as the Legislature took up two bills that might someday reduce the state’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02252008_Legislative-environment-grows-heated.cfm/
Farms May Be Exempted From Emission Rules – Under pressure…the Environmental Protection Agency wants to drop requirements that factory farms report their emissions of toxic gases, despite findings by the agency's scientists that the gases pose a health threat (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502472.html?nav=rss_email/components
PG&E to fund forest projects – Last year, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gave its customers the option of going carbon neutral, voluntarily paying a little extra on their monthly bills to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas levels. (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/26/BUFTV8HC8.DTL&feed=rss.business
Carbon report says tax could save Canadians money (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cbd1f741-70e7-4e10-be1d-a994b9c4efc4&k=34529
Canada – How Will You Spend Your $100? We'll each get a cheque to offset the carbon tax. Tell us your plans for the money. (The Tyee)
http://thetyee.ca/Views/2008/02/25/100GreenDollars/
British official: Rich countries must pay for carbon reductions (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/environment/2008-02-26-china-britain_N.htm?csp=34
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
POSSIBLE WI-FI IN DOWNTOWN CENTRALIA – Wireless Internet access could be coming for downtown Chehalis computer users. It’s under a program being considered by city hall. Centralia also launched a limited program that offers WiFi access in parts of Centralia’s downtown. (KELA Radio, Centralia)
F.C.C. to Act on Delaying of Broadband Traffic (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/technology/25cnd-fcc.html?_r=1&ex=1361682000&en=400675c21d9dc50b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
FCC Unimpressed by Comcast’s “Network Management” (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2008/02/25/fcc-unimpressed-by-comcasts-network-managment/
UPDATE:NY Attorney General Quizzes Comcast Over Network Mgmt (Ameritrade)
http://custom.marketwatch.com/custom/tdameritrade-com/html-story.asp?guid={29f8eaf0-7dcf-4fb6-8653-6f0525906a40}
Net Neutrality Hearing: When Is an Internet Traffic Delay O.K.? (New York Times)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/net-neutrality-hearing-when-is-an-internet-traffic-delay-ok/index.html?ex=1361682000&en=71a6b321c952ea8d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Google joins consortium to build bandwidth – Will invest in trans-Pacific fiber-optic cable (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8360521?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Keep the internal hacker from turning the lights out in 2008 (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321070&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
GENERAL NEWS
Some GOP senators want Eastern Washington as a state unto itself (Seattle Times – The annual Cascade-Curtain Call)
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=webeasternwash23&date=20050223
DIVERSIONS
A price to pay for saying "I don't" – Mexican brides and grooms who get cold feet before walking down the aisle will have to pay their significant other for the inconvenience
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2255471720080225?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
777 pilot fired for buzzing airport
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004203734_cathay26.html?syndication=rss
German cleans up glacier graffiti
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080226/ap_on_fe_st/odd_glacier_graffiti;_ylt=Ajis3NX7GqSVLUvqJvuq.ybtiBIF
GPS leading driving astray in N.J. city
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_fe_st/odd_gps_goof;_ylt=AiD.U1OdcVf.oacyyea_dqPtiBIF
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* Avista customers to get small credit
* Pacific Power says it will not accept agreement from BPA
* BPA Offer Could Lead to Lower Electric Bills
* Appointee Hays won't run for Jefferson County PUD post
* Grant helps pay heating bills for low-income family in Snohomish County
* Idaho – Companies in race to provide fuel for US 'nuclear renaissance'
* Dry weather causes hike in Tennessee Valley Authority rates
* Florida – Utility transmission plan rouses suspicion
* Great Plains Energy reaches agreement in principle in proposed Aquila purchase
* Tiny Arctic town hoping to power up after a week rationing electricity
* Pepco Lobbied on Energy Legislation $820,000 worth
* NERC cybersecurity standards to become mandatory in US
* Dam rules extended as Columbia River salmon plan written
* Oregon – State turns the tap on Umatilla basin water project
* Government planning to unleash flood through Grand Canyon in March
* Cantwell seeks tax breaks for wind power
* Boom and Bust for Renewable Energy?
* Oregon – How will utilities green up portfolios?
* Lack of lines for transmission trips up wind energy
* B.C. firm turns to green power
* Photovoltaic Cells Are Still Very Green, Comparative Test Shows
* Urban decay, redefined
* Energy-Saving Bulbs Raise Safety Questions
* Washington’s Legislative environment grows heated
* Farms May Be Exempted From Emission Rules
* PG&E to fund forest projects
* Carbon report says tax could save Canadians money
* British official: Rich countries must pay for carbon reduction
* Possible Wi-Fi In Downtown Centralia
* F.C.C. to Act on Delaying of Broadband Traffic
* Google joins consortium to build bandwidth
* Keep the internal hacker from turning the lights out in 2008
* Some GOP senators want Eastern Washington as a state unto itself
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Benefic • \buh-NEFF-ik\ • adjective – Of, having, or exerting a favorable influence
Dagwood leaned back and sighed in pleasure. It never ceased to amaze him about how his mountainous sandwiches provided a benefic turning point in his evening gastronomic activity.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Avista customers to get small credit – Beginning in April, Avista Corp.’s residential customers could see a bit of relief on their monthly electric bills. (Spokesman Review, Spokane)
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13829
Pacific Power says it will not accept agreement from BPA (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-23/120397045448570.xml&storylist=orlocal
BPA Offer Could Lead to Lower Electric Bills (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3619
Appointee Hays won't run for Jefferson County PUD post – Saying he is ready to retire again, M. Kelly Hays has announced he will not seek election (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080225/NEWS/802250304
Grant helps pay heating bills for low-income family in Snohomish County (Everett Herald)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080226/NEWS01/753113564/-1/RSS01
Idaho – Companies in race to provide fuel for US 'nuclear renaissance' (Associated Press, via Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1240921~Companies_in_race_to_provide_fuel_for_US__nuclear_renaissance_.html?cid=rss-Idaho_Headlines
Dry weather causes hike in Tennessee Valley Authority rates (McClatchy Tribune Business News, via Power Marketers Online)
http://powermarketers.netcontentinc.net/newsreader.asp?ppa=8knpp%5E%5CinpkmsrUUkgy30qbfen%5Fv
Florida – Utility plan rouses suspicion. Environmentalists says they'll fight Progress Energy on its transmission line project to expand its power transmission capability through 10 counties (St Petersburg Times)
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/24/Pasco/Utility_plan_rouses_s.shtml
Great Plains Energy reaches agreement in principle in proposed Aquila purchase (Consolidate---Consolidate – Forbes)
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/02/25/afx4694818.html
Tiny Arctic town hoping to power up after a week rationing electricity (The Canadian Press)
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g3sw70X6kTDDymKK8jxrdhDh8cuA
Pepco Lobbied on Energy Legislation – Pepco Holdings Spent $820,000 in 2007 to Lobby on Energy Legislation (CNN Money)
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/fb79c6a6b68abc6bc828b04e2d921661.htm
Newsmaker: Meet the king of coal – You may not love coal, but you use a lot of it. Peabody Energy's Greg Boyce says the company will even participate in cleaning the stuff up (CNET News)
http://www.news.com/Meet-the-king-of-coal/2008-13840_3-6231768.html
NERC cybersecurity standards to become mandatory in US – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved eight cyber security and critical infrastructure protection standards proposed by NERC. (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321050&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Dam rules extended as salmon plan written – To avoid more legal battles until a May 5 deadline for a new salmon-recovery plan for the Northwest, a federal judge has ordered that Columbia River dams be operated under last year's guidelines. (Associated Press, via the Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004203245_salmondams26m.html?syndication=rss
Oregon – State turns the tap on Umatilla basin water project (The Oregonian)
http://blog.oregonlive.com/pdxgreen/2008/02/state_turns_the_tap_on_umatill.html
Government planning to unleash flood through Grand Canyon in March (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8359467?source=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Cantwell seeks tax breaks for wind power – But Big Oil fights shift in proposed energy bill (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352600_energy26.html?source=rss
Boom and Bust for Renewable Energy? Tax credits central to renewable-energy development (Epoch Times)
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-2-25/66550.html
Oregon – How will utilities green up portfolios? Power providers take first steps toward meeting state renewable energy mandate (Bend Bulletin)
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080225/BIZ0102/802250335
Lack of lines for transmission trips up wind energy (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2008-02-25-wind-power-transmission_N.htm
B.C. firm turns to green power – Canfor Pulp is planning to become an electricity producer using wood waste to answer BC Hydro's call for green power.(Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=ad7bee15-e2af-494a-8a1b-37cf726e95ce
Power Struggle – The people of Iceland awaken to a stark choice: exploit a wealth of clean energy or keep their landscape pristine. (National Geographic)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/iceland/del-giudice-text
Photovoltaic Cells Are Still Very Green, Comparative Test Shows (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/science/26obsola.html?ex=1361682000&en=b032bdd210ea8e75&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Urban decay, redefined – City hopes to turn yard clippings and food scraps into heat, electricity (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/26/urban_decay_redefined/
CONSERVATION
Energy-Saving Bulbs Raise Safety Questions (News Channel 5, Cleveland)
http://www.weathernet5.com/money/15381938/detail.html?rss=nn5wx&psp=news
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Legislative environment grows heated – Washington’s rural-versus-urban divide was in full view last week as the Legislature took up two bills that might someday reduce the state’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02252008_Legislative-environment-grows-heated.cfm/
Farms May Be Exempted From Emission Rules – Under pressure…the Environmental Protection Agency wants to drop requirements that factory farms report their emissions of toxic gases, despite findings by the agency's scientists that the gases pose a health threat (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502472.html?nav=rss_email/components
PG&E to fund forest projects – Last year, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gave its customers the option of going carbon neutral, voluntarily paying a little extra on their monthly bills to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas levels. (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/26/BUFTV8HC8.DTL&feed=rss.business
Carbon report says tax could save Canadians money (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cbd1f741-70e7-4e10-be1d-a994b9c4efc4&k=34529
Canada – How Will You Spend Your $100? We'll each get a cheque to offset the carbon tax. Tell us your plans for the money. (The Tyee)
http://thetyee.ca/Views/2008/02/25/100GreenDollars/
British official: Rich countries must pay for carbon reductions (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/environment/2008-02-26-china-britain_N.htm?csp=34
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
POSSIBLE WI-FI IN DOWNTOWN CENTRALIA – Wireless Internet access could be coming for downtown Chehalis computer users. It’s under a program being considered by city hall. Centralia also launched a limited program that offers WiFi access in parts of Centralia’s downtown. (KELA Radio, Centralia)
F.C.C. to Act on Delaying of Broadband Traffic (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/technology/25cnd-fcc.html?_r=1&ex=1361682000&en=400675c21d9dc50b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
FCC Unimpressed by Comcast’s “Network Management” (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2008/02/25/fcc-unimpressed-by-comcasts-network-managment/
UPDATE:NY Attorney General Quizzes Comcast Over Network Mgmt (Ameritrade)
http://custom.marketwatch.com/custom/tdameritrade-com/html-story.asp?guid={29f8eaf0-7dcf-4fb6-8653-6f0525906a40}
Net Neutrality Hearing: When Is an Internet Traffic Delay O.K.? (New York Times)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/net-neutrality-hearing-when-is-an-internet-traffic-delay-ok/index.html?ex=1361682000&en=71a6b321c952ea8d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Google joins consortium to build bandwidth – Will invest in trans-Pacific fiber-optic cable (San Jose Mercury News)
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8360521?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Keep the internal hacker from turning the lights out in 2008 (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=321070&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
GENERAL NEWS
Some GOP senators want Eastern Washington as a state unto itself (Seattle Times – The annual Cascade-Curtain Call)
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=webeasternwash23&date=20050223
DIVERSIONS
A price to pay for saying "I don't" – Mexican brides and grooms who get cold feet before walking down the aisle will have to pay their significant other for the inconvenience
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2255471720080225?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
777 pilot fired for buzzing airport
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004203734_cathay26.html?syndication=rss
German cleans up glacier graffiti
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080226/ap_on_fe_st/odd_glacier_graffiti;_ylt=Ajis3NX7GqSVLUvqJvuq.ybtiBIF
GPS leading driving astray in N.J. city
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_fe_st/odd_gps_goof;_ylt=AiD.U1OdcVf.oacyyea_dqPtiBIF
Monday, February 25, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 25, 2008
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)
* BPA's proposal won't lead to cuts in electric bills soon
* Cowlitz PUD to deliver $65 refunds
* Between Shelton and Olympia – Transmission upgrades aimed at reducing outages
* Idaho desert right for uranium plant, but firm wants tax goodies, too
* Metal thieves on I-5 Bridge find only fiber
* Governors: Coal must be part of energy debate
* A Victory Near for Utilities in Kansas Coal Battle
* Va. Utility Faces Biggest Fight In Plan for 65-Mile Power Line
* Congress expected to approve energy package; who will foot bill?
* Domenici speech highlights water, energy nexus
* Satisfaction of business customers with electric utilities continues to climb
* Idaho’s Dworshak Dam is Safe, Says Army Corps
* Bering Sea pollock fishery accidentally takes 130,000 prize Chinook
* Fishermen, feds debate sea lions' fate
* New York – In City Waters, Beds (and a Job) for Oysters
* State Ecology Department OKs Neah Bay wave power project
* Idaho utility companies, wind developers come to agreement
* Canada - Sidney company proposes giant wind farm in caribou habitat
* Move Over, Oil, There’s Money in Texas Wind
* Energy storage nears its day in the sun
* Jefferson County electrifies travel with no-gasoline car
* Niagra Falls For Wood Power – Move over Niagara hydropower
* 10 things the nation must do to avert an energy crunch and protect the planet
* Columbia River Bridge – Bridging the global warming gap
* Canada – Federal carbon tax proposed
* World switches on to Earth Hour switch-off
* Great expectations given at Grant County EDC banquet – Ask.com discusses move
* Qwest's broadband step may be a little one
* Soaring energy prices bad news for the economy
* Exxon Valdez case drags on; many claimants dead
* Windstorm's wrath forces emergency harvest
* North Mason County Hospital District Gets Loan to Get Off the Ground
* Are retreats working vacations or just work?
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Dodgery • \DAH-juh-ree\ • noun – Evasion, trickery
Alberto was quite impressed with the dodgery of the energy trader during his 2001 internship in Houston. “Now remember,” said the trader. “Although you think I’m selling you something of value, I’m really selling you a derivative of nothing.”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA's proposal won't lead to cuts in electric bills soon “…PacifiCorp…is unlikely to sign off on the BPA's proposal and will keep fighting for higher benefits….” (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1203737103318840.xml&coll=7
Cowlitz PUD to deliver $65 refunds “…thanks to an approximately $15 million settlement coming from the federal Bonneville Power Administration…” (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/23/area_news/10124044.txt
Between Shelton and Olympia – Transmission upgrades aimed at reducing outages. Bonneville Power Administration seeks comment on construction (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/367617.html
Idaho desert right for uranium plant, but firm wants tax goodies, too (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/368154.html
Metal thieves on I-5 Bridge find only fiber – The damage that took out traffic cameras on the Interstate 5 Bridge bears the markings of a metal thief. The only problem? No metal. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02222008_Metal-thieves-on-I-5-Bridge-find-only-fiber.cfm?newsletter=1
Governors: Coal must be part of energy debate (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-02-23-energy-debate_N.htm?csp=34
A Victory Near for Utilities in Kansas Coal Battle (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202878.html?nav=rss_business
Va. Utility Faces Biggest Fight In Plan for 65-Mile Power Line (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/23/AR2008022301830.html?nav=rss_business
Congress expected to approve energy package; who will foot bill? (Memphis Commercial Appeal)
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/25/oil-wind-battle-for-tax-breaks/
Domenici speech highlights water, energy nexus (New Mexico Business Weekly)
http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/02/18/daily37.html?ana=from_rss
Satisfaction of business customers with electric utilities continues to climb: J.D. Power and Associates (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=320927&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Idaho’s Dworshak Dam is Safe, Says Army Corps (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3611
Bering Sea pollock fishery accidentally takes 130,000 prize Chinook (The Canadian Press)
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i6sTLycKdtFCnJ3GHHpPEvylRlZA
Fishermen, feds debate sea lions' fate (Yakima Herald-Republic)
http://www.yakima-herald.com/page/dis/291077705657541
New York – In City Waters, Beds (and a Job) for Oysters. New York City plans to plant oysters near the mouth of a creek that is wedged between two dormant landfills to establish oyster beds that will absorb waste materials. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/nyregion/24oysters.html?_r=1&ex=1361595600&en=e7c935e84b602832&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
State Ecology Department OKs Neah Bay wave power project (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1236083~State_Ecology_Department_OKs_Neah_Bay_wave_power_project.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
Idaho utility companies, wind developers come to agreement (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/368280.html
Canada - Sidney company proposes giant wind farm in caribou habitat (Victoria Times-Colonist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=9371f38a-a293-47dd-ba86-047c0aed41f4&k=873
Move Over, Oil, There’s Money in Texas Wind (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/23/business/23wind.html?_r=1&ex=1361509200&en=3235d917da8aadba&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Energy storage nears its day in the sun (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL222164020080222?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Jefferson County electrifies travel with no-gasoline car (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080224/NEWS/802240302
Niagra Falls For Wood Power – Move over Niagara hydropower – There’s a new generation of power in town. (Biomass Magazine: Slowly I turn….Step by step…)
http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1400
CONSERVATION
10 things the nation must do to avert an energy crunch and protect the planet (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/5565637.html
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Columbia River Bridge – Bridging the global warming gap. Planners of a new I-5 span juggle ideas on tolls and prices, looking for ways to slow the growth in trips (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1203753302183320.xml&coll=7
Canada – Federal carbon tax proposed (Victoria Times Columnist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=76a72fff-445f-4b60-8b06-8712c0e5e70a&k=58966
World switches on to Earth Hour switch-off (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSSP878820080219?sp=true
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Great expectations given at Grant County EDC banquet – Ask.com discusses move (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/news05.txt
Qwest's broadband step may be a little one (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004199035_brier25.html
GENERAL NEWS
Soaring energy prices bad news for the economy – The high cost of oil and gasoline could act as a tax on consumers and undercut the government's stimulus plan. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0221/p03s01-usec.html
Exxon Valdez case drags on; many claimants dead (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004199250_exxxon25.html
Windstorm's wrath forces emergency harvest (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004199401_salvagelogging25m.html?syndication=rss
North Mason County Hospital District Gets Loan to Get Off the Ground (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/24/nm-hospital-district-gets-loan-to-get-off-the/
Are retreats working vacations or just work? Puyallup’s City Council went to the downtown Bellevue Hyatt Regency and spent $17,000 over two days (Tacooma News Tribune)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/291425.html
DIVERSIONS
NFL Reverses Call On Church Parties
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/20/AR2008022002772.html
Man 'didn't intend' theft in bank error – A defense attorney in New York City says her client believed he was rightfully entitled to the $2 million he's accused of stealing from a bank account managed by someone with the same name.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080223/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bank_error_arrest;_ylt=Ah6rK94SAfx6kXaV9.cuSjrtiBIF
Famed bun-maker cleans up "doggy" name
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080225/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_china_buns;_ylt=AgA5l79ioBtxJX.8SYjn0E_tiBIF
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* BPA's proposal won't lead to cuts in electric bills soon
* Cowlitz PUD to deliver $65 refunds
* Between Shelton and Olympia – Transmission upgrades aimed at reducing outages
* Idaho desert right for uranium plant, but firm wants tax goodies, too
* Metal thieves on I-5 Bridge find only fiber
* Governors: Coal must be part of energy debate
* A Victory Near for Utilities in Kansas Coal Battle
* Va. Utility Faces Biggest Fight In Plan for 65-Mile Power Line
* Congress expected to approve energy package; who will foot bill?
* Domenici speech highlights water, energy nexus
* Satisfaction of business customers with electric utilities continues to climb
* Idaho’s Dworshak Dam is Safe, Says Army Corps
* Bering Sea pollock fishery accidentally takes 130,000 prize Chinook
* Fishermen, feds debate sea lions' fate
* New York – In City Waters, Beds (and a Job) for Oysters
* State Ecology Department OKs Neah Bay wave power project
* Idaho utility companies, wind developers come to agreement
* Canada - Sidney company proposes giant wind farm in caribou habitat
* Move Over, Oil, There’s Money in Texas Wind
* Energy storage nears its day in the sun
* Jefferson County electrifies travel with no-gasoline car
* Niagra Falls For Wood Power – Move over Niagara hydropower
* 10 things the nation must do to avert an energy crunch and protect the planet
* Columbia River Bridge – Bridging the global warming gap
* Canada – Federal carbon tax proposed
* World switches on to Earth Hour switch-off
* Great expectations given at Grant County EDC banquet – Ask.com discusses move
* Qwest's broadband step may be a little one
* Soaring energy prices bad news for the economy
* Exxon Valdez case drags on; many claimants dead
* Windstorm's wrath forces emergency harvest
* North Mason County Hospital District Gets Loan to Get Off the Ground
* Are retreats working vacations or just work?
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Dodgery • \DAH-juh-ree\ • noun – Evasion, trickery
Alberto was quite impressed with the dodgery of the energy trader during his 2001 internship in Houston. “Now remember,” said the trader. “Although you think I’m selling you something of value, I’m really selling you a derivative of nothing.”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
BPA's proposal won't lead to cuts in electric bills soon “…PacifiCorp…is unlikely to sign off on the BPA's proposal and will keep fighting for higher benefits….” (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1203737103318840.xml&coll=7
Cowlitz PUD to deliver $65 refunds “…thanks to an approximately $15 million settlement coming from the federal Bonneville Power Administration…” (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/23/area_news/10124044.txt
Between Shelton and Olympia – Transmission upgrades aimed at reducing outages. Bonneville Power Administration seeks comment on construction (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/367617.html
Idaho desert right for uranium plant, but firm wants tax goodies, too (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/368154.html
Metal thieves on I-5 Bridge find only fiber – The damage that took out traffic cameras on the Interstate 5 Bridge bears the markings of a metal thief. The only problem? No metal. (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02222008_Metal-thieves-on-I-5-Bridge-find-only-fiber.cfm?newsletter=1
Governors: Coal must be part of energy debate (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-02-23-energy-debate_N.htm?csp=34
A Victory Near for Utilities in Kansas Coal Battle (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202878.html?nav=rss_business
Va. Utility Faces Biggest Fight In Plan for 65-Mile Power Line (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/23/AR2008022301830.html?nav=rss_business
Congress expected to approve energy package; who will foot bill? (Memphis Commercial Appeal)
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/25/oil-wind-battle-for-tax-breaks/
Domenici speech highlights water, energy nexus (New Mexico Business Weekly)
http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/02/18/daily37.html?ana=from_rss
Satisfaction of business customers with electric utilities continues to climb: J.D. Power and Associates (Utility Automation & Engineering)
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=22&ARTICLE_ID=320927&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Idaho’s Dworshak Dam is Safe, Says Army Corps (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3611
Bering Sea pollock fishery accidentally takes 130,000 prize Chinook (The Canadian Press)
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i6sTLycKdtFCnJ3GHHpPEvylRlZA
Fishermen, feds debate sea lions' fate (Yakima Herald-Republic)
http://www.yakima-herald.com/page/dis/291077705657541
New York – In City Waters, Beds (and a Job) for Oysters. New York City plans to plant oysters near the mouth of a creek that is wedged between two dormant landfills to establish oyster beds that will absorb waste materials. (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/nyregion/24oysters.html?_r=1&ex=1361595600&en=e7c935e84b602832&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
State Ecology Department OKs Neah Bay wave power project (Examiner.com)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1236083~State_Ecology_Department_OKs_Neah_Bay_wave_power_project.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
Idaho utility companies, wind developers come to agreement (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/368280.html
Canada - Sidney company proposes giant wind farm in caribou habitat (Victoria Times-Colonist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=9371f38a-a293-47dd-ba86-047c0aed41f4&k=873
Move Over, Oil, There’s Money in Texas Wind (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/23/business/23wind.html?_r=1&ex=1361509200&en=3235d917da8aadba&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Energy storage nears its day in the sun (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL222164020080222?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Jefferson County electrifies travel with no-gasoline car (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080224/NEWS/802240302
Niagra Falls For Wood Power – Move over Niagara hydropower – There’s a new generation of power in town. (Biomass Magazine: Slowly I turn….Step by step…)
http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1400
CONSERVATION
10 things the nation must do to avert an energy crunch and protect the planet (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/5565637.html
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Columbia River Bridge – Bridging the global warming gap. Planners of a new I-5 span juggle ideas on tolls and prices, looking for ways to slow the growth in trips (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1203753302183320.xml&coll=7
Canada – Federal carbon tax proposed (Victoria Times Columnist)
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=76a72fff-445f-4b60-8b06-8712c0e5e70a&k=58966
World switches on to Earth Hour switch-off (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSSP878820080219?sp=true
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Great expectations given at Grant County EDC banquet – Ask.com discusses move (Columbia Basin Herald)
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/news05.txt
Qwest's broadband step may be a little one (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004199035_brier25.html
GENERAL NEWS
Soaring energy prices bad news for the economy – The high cost of oil and gasoline could act as a tax on consumers and undercut the government's stimulus plan. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0221/p03s01-usec.html
Exxon Valdez case drags on; many claimants dead (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004199250_exxxon25.html
Windstorm's wrath forces emergency harvest (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004199401_salvagelogging25m.html?syndication=rss
North Mason County Hospital District Gets Loan to Get Off the Ground (Kitsap Sun, may require free registration)
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/24/nm-hospital-district-gets-loan-to-get-off-the/
Are retreats working vacations or just work? Puyallup’s City Council went to the downtown Bellevue Hyatt Regency and spent $17,000 over two days (Tacooma News Tribune)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/291425.html
DIVERSIONS
NFL Reverses Call On Church Parties
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/20/AR2008022002772.html
Man 'didn't intend' theft in bank error – A defense attorney in New York City says her client believed he was rightfully entitled to the $2 million he's accused of stealing from a bank account managed by someone with the same name.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080223/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bank_error_arrest;_ylt=Ah6rK94SAfx6kXaV9.cuSjrtiBIF
Famed bun-maker cleans up "doggy" name
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080225/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_china_buns;_ylt=AgA5l79ioBtxJX.8SYjn0E_tiBIF
Friday, February 22, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 22, 2008
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 Corp. appeals Residential Exchange case to US Supreme Court
* BPA – Squeezing juice from aging infrastructure
* Special Series: Coal development in Montana
* FERC enters tinkering time: Power market changes sought
* Montana – BP drops Flathead coal-bed plan
* Lower Columbia River closes to salmon, steelhead fishing Feb. 25
* Grant County PUD looks to raise fish in Lake Wenatchee pens
* Farm program helps environment – 67,000 trees have been planted
* Castle Rock residents simmering over water bills
* Controversial Jefferson County septic program
* Water Wars – Georgia Claims a Sliver of the Tennessee River
* California – Governor, Feinstein to try to get water deal done
* Governors try to advance clean energy
* A Solar Grand Plan
* Oregon nonprofit lands funding for solar electric system
* Wind Power Development Surging in US
* Qualms Over Clean Energy That Would Come From 12 Stories Up
* California neighbors wage battle over trees that shade solar panels
* Solar heater puts the power of the sun in the suds
* Oregon’s Climate Service Head and Global Warming Critic Retires
* China's carbon dragon
* Riding With Ed (Begley Jr.): An Actor Devoted to the Green Life
* Server-farm subsidies uncertain in WA Legislature
* Internet-TV connection still far off, experts say
* San Jose Mercury News Editorial: Congress should act to preserve Net neutrality
* AOL Really Kills Netscape This Time
* FCC Relaxes Digital-TV Transition Order
* Computer Piracy – What To Do About the Zombie Lord Next Door?
* Gas prices spike overnight
* High gas prices drive down revenues – Washington Gas Tax Projects Still Underfunded
* King County could lose millions from poor investments
* Idaho officials blame software flaw for tax revenue shortfall
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Logy • \LOE-ghee\ • adjective – Marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality: groggy
“Ahhh…now that’s a turkey dinner to write home about,” exhaled the Professor after the annual “Zither Society” dinner. “I know that I’ve been paid a $50,000 honorarium for a speech, but my mind is a bit logy tonight. Therefore, in place of a speech, I will allow you to watch me sleep for the next 45 minutes.” “Enjoy,” he exclaimed as his breathing gave way to chainsaw-like snoring.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Avista Corp. appeals case to US Supreme Court – Three investor-owned utilities seek review of ruling on BPA payments (Journal of Business)
http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3489
Squeezing juice from aging infrastructure – Bonneville Power Administration says upgrades are needed to meet area's growing appetite for electricity. Central Oregon’s power network, pushed to the limit by a decade of growth, needs about $140 million worth of investment in the next (Bend Bulletin)
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/BIZ0102/802220425
Special Series: Coal development in Montana (KVTQ-TV, Billings)
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=7894944
FERC enters tinkering time: Power market changes sought – Federal commission's plan might improve wholesale competition after report of fast-rising electricity costs (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5561138.html
Montana – BP drops Flathead coal-bed plan. A controversial plan to extract coal-bed methane from the Canadian wilds north of Glacier National Park was scuttled Thursday, a surprise turnaround that drew praise from many downstream Montanans. (The Missoulian)
http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/local/news03.txt
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Lower Columbia River closes to salmon, steelhead fishing Feb. 25 (Bend Weekly News)
http://www.bendweekly.com/Public-Notices/13796.html
Grant County PUD looks to raise fish in Lake Wenatchee pens (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/NEWS04/559558111/1001/rss1001
Farm program helps environment – 67,000 trees have been planted to help streams, fish (Bellingham Herald)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/business/story/328593.html
Castle Rock residents simmering over water bills – The city's revamped water and sewer rates have some residents boiling mad - and they're asking city leaders for relief. (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/22/area_news/10122363.txt
Controversial Jefferson County septic program -- including higher fees -- delayed for year or more (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080222/NEWS/802220302
Water Wars – Georgia Claims a Sliver of the Tennessee River (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/us/22water.html?ex=1361336400&en=264ca4787ebf5c71&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
California – Governor, Feinstein to try to get water deal done – Schwarzenegger, senator attempt to persuade state lawmakers to reach a compromise on a bond (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8334166?source=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Governors try to advance clean energy – Governors who want clean energy to be a national priority are trying to bring together states with wildly different ways of producing power (Associated Press, via Yahoo! News)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_us/governors_global_warming_3
A Solar Grand Plan – By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions (Scientific American)
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-solar-grand-plan
Oregon nonprofit lands funding for solar electric system (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/18/daily31.html?ana=from_rss
Wind Power Development Surging in US (Voice of America)
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-02-21-voa23.cfm
Xcel Energy wants wind farms – Xcel Energy Inc. on Thursday issued a request for proposals for companies to build wind farms capable of generating up to 150 megawatts of power. (Denver Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/02/18/daily49.html?ana=from_rss
Qualms Over Clean Energy That Would Come From 12 Stories Up (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/nyregion/22turbine.html?_r=1&ex=1361422800&en=e6a531467f91ead2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
California neighbors wage battle over trees that shade solar panels (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/352131_greendispute21.html
Solar heater puts the power of the sun in the suds – Lucky Labrador's new Solar Flare ale glows as golden as sunbeams in a glass, but a new solar water-heating system makes it Portland's greenest beer. (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1203648901175020.xml&coll=7
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Oregon’s Climate Service Head and Global Warming Critic Retires (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/climate-service-head-and-global-warming-critic-retires/
China's carbon dragon (Christian Science Monitor, via Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/987/story/97163.html
Riding With Ed (Begley Jr.): An Actor Devoted to the Green Life (NY Times)
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/riding-with-ed-an-actor-devoted-to-the-green-life/index.html?ex=1361422800&en=3af8220088247bd2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Server-farm subsidies uncertain in WA Legislature – Major tech companies' campaign for a server-farm tax break appears stalled in Washington's Legislature, just a day after hometown favorite Microsoft Corp. won an incentive package from Iowa lawmakers. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366554.html
Internet-TV connection still far off, experts say – New sets allow users to watch Web videos from the couch, but many say technology isn't there yet (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8334161?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Microsoft to share some software secrets (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/02/18/daily23.html?ana=from_rss
San Jose Mercury News Editorial: Congress should act to preserve Net neutrality
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8332927?source=rss&nclick_check=1
AOL Really Kills Netscape This Time (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573F60061A2A2.html?ex=1361422800&en=887b320760708dd6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
FCC Relaxes Digital-TV Transition Order (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022102605.html?nav=rss_technology
Computer Piracy – What To Do About the Zombie Lord Next Door? (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2008/02/21/what-to-do-about-the-zombie-lord-next-door/
GENERAL NEWS
Gas prices spike overnight – If you're waking up this morning and getting ready to go on a weekend drive, bad news: Gas prices have shot up again overnight. (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_022208WAB_gas_prices_rise_LJ.1933faaa.html
High gas prices drive down revenues – Washington Gas Tax Projects Still Underfunded (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3608
King County could lose millions from investments – Local budgets may be hurt by sub-prime mortgage woes (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352135_bonds21.html
Idaho officials blame software flaw for tax revenue shortfall – Kootenai County officials are blaming a software glitch for a shortfall in tax revenue collected last year from property owners. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366507.html
Remember the Seattle Mayor’s parking flap in Olympia? Seattle's free parking spots not free for long (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15868327.html
DIVERSIONS
Government Still Declares Living Woman Dead – Laura Todd has been dead off and on for eight years
http://www.kirotv.com/news/15365524/detail.html
Elvis Impersonator Acknowledged Fraud, Police Say (pretender pretends his pretend house burned down…)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23225901/
Mother Tries Stealing 90 DVDs — With Four Children in Tow
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/21/mother-tries-stealing-90-dvds-8212-with-four-in/
Police: Fake $100 Bills Had Lincoln's Image – Watermark Contained Abe Lincoln's Portrait (I know Ben Franklin, he is a friend of mine…and you sir are no Ben Franklin)
http://www.kirotv.com/money/15340698/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000202212008&ts=H
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* Avista Corp. appeals Residential Exchange case to US Supreme Court
* BPA – Squeezing juice from aging infrastructure
* Special Series: Coal development in Montana
* FERC enters tinkering time: Power market changes sought
* Montana – BP drops Flathead coal-bed plan
* Lower Columbia River closes to salmon, steelhead fishing Feb. 25
* Grant County PUD looks to raise fish in Lake Wenatchee pens
* Farm program helps environment – 67,000 trees have been planted
* Castle Rock residents simmering over water bills
* Controversial Jefferson County septic program
* Water Wars – Georgia Claims a Sliver of the Tennessee River
* California – Governor, Feinstein to try to get water deal done
* Governors try to advance clean energy
* A Solar Grand Plan
* Oregon nonprofit lands funding for solar electric system
* Wind Power Development Surging in US
* Qualms Over Clean Energy That Would Come From 12 Stories Up
* California neighbors wage battle over trees that shade solar panels
* Solar heater puts the power of the sun in the suds
* Oregon’s Climate Service Head and Global Warming Critic Retires
* China's carbon dragon
* Riding With Ed (Begley Jr.): An Actor Devoted to the Green Life
* Server-farm subsidies uncertain in WA Legislature
* Internet-TV connection still far off, experts say
* San Jose Mercury News Editorial: Congress should act to preserve Net neutrality
* AOL Really Kills Netscape This Time
* FCC Relaxes Digital-TV Transition Order
* Computer Piracy – What To Do About the Zombie Lord Next Door?
* Gas prices spike overnight
* High gas prices drive down revenues – Washington Gas Tax Projects Still Underfunded
* King County could lose millions from poor investments
* Idaho officials blame software flaw for tax revenue shortfall
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Logy • \LOE-ghee\ • adjective – Marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality: groggy
“Ahhh…now that’s a turkey dinner to write home about,” exhaled the Professor after the annual “Zither Society” dinner. “I know that I’ve been paid a $50,000 honorarium for a speech, but my mind is a bit logy tonight. Therefore, in place of a speech, I will allow you to watch me sleep for the next 45 minutes.” “Enjoy,” he exclaimed as his breathing gave way to chainsaw-like snoring.
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Avista Corp. appeals case to US Supreme Court – Three investor-owned utilities seek review of ruling on BPA payments (Journal of Business)
http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3489
Squeezing juice from aging infrastructure – Bonneville Power Administration says upgrades are needed to meet area's growing appetite for electricity. Central Oregon’s power network, pushed to the limit by a decade of growth, needs about $140 million worth of investment in the next (Bend Bulletin)
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/BIZ0102/802220425
Special Series: Coal development in Montana (KVTQ-TV, Billings)
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=7894944
FERC enters tinkering time: Power market changes sought – Federal commission's plan might improve wholesale competition after report of fast-rising electricity costs (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5561138.html
Montana – BP drops Flathead coal-bed plan. A controversial plan to extract coal-bed methane from the Canadian wilds north of Glacier National Park was scuttled Thursday, a surprise turnaround that drew praise from many downstream Montanans. (The Missoulian)
http://missoulian.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/local/news03.txt
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Lower Columbia River closes to salmon, steelhead fishing Feb. 25 (Bend Weekly News)
http://www.bendweekly.com/Public-Notices/13796.html
Grant County PUD looks to raise fish in Lake Wenatchee pens (Wenatchee World)
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/NEWS04/559558111/1001/rss1001
Farm program helps environment – 67,000 trees have been planted to help streams, fish (Bellingham Herald)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/business/story/328593.html
Castle Rock residents simmering over water bills – The city's revamped water and sewer rates have some residents boiling mad - and they're asking city leaders for relief. (Daily News, Longview)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/22/area_news/10122363.txt
Controversial Jefferson County septic program -- including higher fees -- delayed for year or more (Peninsula Daily News)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080222/NEWS/802220302
Water Wars – Georgia Claims a Sliver of the Tennessee River (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/us/22water.html?ex=1361336400&en=264ca4787ebf5c71&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
California – Governor, Feinstein to try to get water deal done – Schwarzenegger, senator attempt to persuade state lawmakers to reach a compromise on a bond (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8334166?source=rss
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Governors try to advance clean energy – Governors who want clean energy to be a national priority are trying to bring together states with wildly different ways of producing power (Associated Press, via Yahoo! News)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_us/governors_global_warming_3
A Solar Grand Plan – By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions (Scientific American)
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-solar-grand-plan
Oregon nonprofit lands funding for solar electric system (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/02/18/daily31.html?ana=from_rss
Wind Power Development Surging in US (Voice of America)
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-02-21-voa23.cfm
Xcel Energy wants wind farms – Xcel Energy Inc. on Thursday issued a request for proposals for companies to build wind farms capable of generating up to 150 megawatts of power. (Denver Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/02/18/daily49.html?ana=from_rss
Qualms Over Clean Energy That Would Come From 12 Stories Up (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/nyregion/22turbine.html?_r=1&ex=1361422800&en=e6a531467f91ead2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
California neighbors wage battle over trees that shade solar panels (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/352131_greendispute21.html
Solar heater puts the power of the sun in the suds – Lucky Labrador's new Solar Flare ale glows as golden as sunbeams in a glass, but a new solar water-heating system makes it Portland's greenest beer. (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1203648901175020.xml&coll=7
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Oregon’s Climate Service Head and Global Warming Critic Retires (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
http://news.opb.org/article/climate-service-head-and-global-warming-critic-retires/
China's carbon dragon (Christian Science Monitor, via Tri-City Herald)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/987/story/97163.html
Riding With Ed (Begley Jr.): An Actor Devoted to the Green Life (NY Times)
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/riding-with-ed-an-actor-devoted-to-the-green-life/index.html?ex=1361422800&en=3af8220088247bd2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Server-farm subsidies uncertain in WA Legislature – Major tech companies' campaign for a server-farm tax break appears stalled in Washington's Legislature, just a day after hometown favorite Microsoft Corp. won an incentive package from Iowa lawmakers. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366554.html
Internet-TV connection still far off, experts say – New sets allow users to watch Web videos from the couch, but many say technology isn't there yet (Contra Costa Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8334161?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Microsoft to share some software secrets (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/02/18/daily23.html?ana=from_rss
San Jose Mercury News Editorial: Congress should act to preserve Net neutrality
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8332927?source=rss&nclick_check=1
AOL Really Kills Netscape This Time (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573F60061A2A2.html?ex=1361422800&en=887b320760708dd6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
FCC Relaxes Digital-TV Transition Order (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022102605.html?nav=rss_technology
Computer Piracy – What To Do About the Zombie Lord Next Door? (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2008/02/21/what-to-do-about-the-zombie-lord-next-door/
GENERAL NEWS
Gas prices spike overnight – If you're waking up this morning and getting ready to go on a weekend drive, bad news: Gas prices have shot up again overnight. (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_022208WAB_gas_prices_rise_LJ.1933faaa.html
High gas prices drive down revenues – Washington Gas Tax Projects Still Underfunded (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=3608
King County could lose millions from investments – Local budgets may be hurt by sub-prime mortgage woes (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352135_bonds21.html
Idaho officials blame software flaw for tax revenue shortfall – Kootenai County officials are blaming a software glitch for a shortfall in tax revenue collected last year from property owners. (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366507.html
Remember the Seattle Mayor’s parking flap in Olympia? Seattle's free parking spots not free for long (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15868327.html
DIVERSIONS
Government Still Declares Living Woman Dead – Laura Todd has been dead off and on for eight years
http://www.kirotv.com/news/15365524/detail.html
Elvis Impersonator Acknowledged Fraud, Police Say (pretender pretends his pretend house burned down…)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23225901/
Mother Tries Stealing 90 DVDs — With Four Children in Tow
http://kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/21/mother-tries-stealing-90-dvds-8212-with-four-in/
Police: Fake $100 Bills Had Lincoln's Image – Watermark Contained Abe Lincoln's Portrait (I know Ben Franklin, he is a friend of mine…and you sir are no Ben Franklin)
http://www.kirotv.com/money/15340698/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_nots&tmi=sea_nots_1_01000202212008&ts=H
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Energy News Digest for February 21, 2008
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)
* Bill Virgin, Seattle Post Intelligencer – Jefferson County citizens group sees need for own PUD
* Avista Corp. earnings drop – Increase in Washington resident rates expected to earn $30.2 million this year
* Mail Tribune, Oregon Opinion – If Liquefied Natural Gas is wrong, what's right?
* News Release – Thieves damage Chehalis substation and steal copper wire
* News Release – Thieves hit Cardwell Substation in Kalama twice in recent weeks
* News Release – Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher's statement on wholesale competition in regions with organized electric markets
* United Kingdom – Regulator To Probe Electricity, Gas Markets
* Oregon – ACLU sues to place salmon ads on TriMet buses
* News Tribune Opinion – Sound strategy needs stormwater solution
* Canada – Environmentalists hatch plan to ferry wild salmon past fish farms
* Saturday could prove fruitful for smelt dipping on Cowlitz
* Road salt and deicer disorienting state birds
* King County sewer construction project backs up
* Berkeley report: Solar panels a 'loser'
* Oregon – Community solar project gets council go-ahead
* Minnesota – Teen launches energy-saving mission
* Investors Demand Info on Carbon Footprints
* How did Reichert get so green?
* Congressman Baird wants to see green spent on environment
* Post Intelligencer Editorial – Seattle Mayor's Report: Emerald City still (green, that is)
* Canada – Laudable green initiatives come at expense of social needs
* Consumer group sues Comcast in D.C.
* New York – Chamber director: Data-processing firm interested in moving to Tupper — if there’s fiber-optic cable
* Justices say workers can sue over 401(k) losses
* Seattle inflation rate 4.6 percent exceeds national average
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Jaundiced • \JAWN-dist\ • adjective – 1: affected with or as if with a disease characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin *2: exhibiting or influenced by envy, distaste, or hostility
“It’s not a good idea to ask me about the benefits of energy deregulation,” sighed the jaundiced public power leader. “Not after the energy crisis of 2001, enormous rate increases pending for customers whose state rate freezes expire soon, stories of gaming the system, on and on.”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Bill Virgin, Seattle Post Intelligencer – Jefferson County citizens group sees need for own PUD (Well, its existing PUD taking more authority, anyway…)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/virgin/352071_virgin21.html
Avista Corp. earnings drop – Increase in Washington resident rates expected to earn $30.2 million this year (Coeur d’Alene Press)
http://www.cdapress.com/articles/2008/02/21/news/news03.txt
Mail Tribune, Oregon Opinion – If Liquefied Natural Gas is wrong, what's right? Energy needs won't go away, and there is no perfect source
http://mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/OPINION/802170306/-1/OPINION02
News Release – Thieves damage Chehalis substation and steal copper wire; reward offered (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/192760/
News Release – Thieves hit Cardwell Substation in Kalama twice in recent weeks; reward offered (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/192759/
News Release – Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher's statement on wholesale competition in regions with organized electric markets (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
http://www.ferc.gov/news/statements-speeches/kelliher/2008/02-21-08-kelliher-E-1.asp
United Kingdom – Regulator To Probe Electricity, Gas Markets (NASDAQ)
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080221%5cACQDJON200802211000DOWJONESDJONLINE000733.htm&
Energy Pulse Commentary – Recurring Payments Revival: Answering Consumer Preferences for Cards
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1671
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Oregon – ACLU sues to place salmon ads on TriMet buses. Speech issue - The placards criticize dams' presence on the Klamath River (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/120356071220740.xml&coll=7
News Tribune Opinion – Sound strategy needs stormwater solution
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/story/288993.html
Canada – Environmentalists hatch plan to ferry wild salmon past fish farms. A group of ecotourism businesses, native organizations and environmentalists have a wild plan to save salmon on British Columbia's central coast. (The Globe and Mail)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080221.BCSALMON21/TPStory/Environment
Saturday could prove fruitful for smelt dipping on Cowlitz (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/story/365842.html
Road salt and deicer disorienting state birds (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15826117.html
King County sewer construction project backs up (Examiner.com – Ha! Ha! Nice headline…Hee! Hee!)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1233619~King_County_sewer_construction_project_backs_up.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Berkeley report: Solar panels a 'loser' (Pacific Business News)
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/02/18/daily33.html?ana=from_rss
Oregon – Community solar project gets council go-ahead (Ashland Tidings)
http://www.dailytidings.com/2008/0220/stories/0220_council.php
CONSERVATION
Minnesota – Teen launches energy-saving mission (The Post-Bulletin, Rochester)
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=329482&z=2
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Investors Demand Info on Carbon Footprints (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19226037&ft=1&f=3
How did Reichert get so green? (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004193126_reichert21m.html
Congressman Baird wants to see green spent on environment (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02212008_Baird-wants-to-see-green-spent-on-environment.cfm/
Post Intelligencer Editorial – Seattle Mayor's Report: Emerald City still. Both Seattle and the state of Washington appear to recognize the need and opportunities in changing energy usage to create a healthier environment
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/352053_greened.html?source=rss
Canada – Laudable green initiatives come at expense of social needs (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=014ec699-c3fd-41fb-9ce1-e7043cb870b4
Dream big when creating plan for going green (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/16/HOTRUA2PF.DTL
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Consumer group sues Comcast in D.C. (Washington Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/18/daily40.html?ana=from_rss
New York – Chamber director: Data-processing firm interested in moving to Tupper — if there’s fiber-optic cable (Adirondack Press)
http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=10496
GENERAL NEWS
Justices say workers can sue over 401(k) losses (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/289036.html
Seattle inflation rate 4.6 percent exceeds national average (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366046.html
DIVERSIONS
Port of Olympia cancels chowder challenge due to lack of parking spaces
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/365228.html
Drunk driver parks at police station
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2139418520080221?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Pig farmers trot out Internet song to save bacon
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080221/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_bacon_song;_ylt=ApoJzFzif9j3OgTDeuEgiKTtiBIF
Meatloaf the cat heads home after trek
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_fe_st/odd_meatloaf_the_cat;_ylt=AjawEaiNtRjvwKrzXL6c3MztiBIF
$8,000? That's our water bill? (Time for a check read)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_fe_st/odd_big_water_bill;_ylt=AjQcrEt2YlietDWw9ICM.wntiBIF
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)
* Bill Virgin, Seattle Post Intelligencer – Jefferson County citizens group sees need for own PUD
* Avista Corp. earnings drop – Increase in Washington resident rates expected to earn $30.2 million this year
* Mail Tribune, Oregon Opinion – If Liquefied Natural Gas is wrong, what's right?
* News Release – Thieves damage Chehalis substation and steal copper wire
* News Release – Thieves hit Cardwell Substation in Kalama twice in recent weeks
* News Release – Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher's statement on wholesale competition in regions with organized electric markets
* United Kingdom – Regulator To Probe Electricity, Gas Markets
* Oregon – ACLU sues to place salmon ads on TriMet buses
* News Tribune Opinion – Sound strategy needs stormwater solution
* Canada – Environmentalists hatch plan to ferry wild salmon past fish farms
* Saturday could prove fruitful for smelt dipping on Cowlitz
* Road salt and deicer disorienting state birds
* King County sewer construction project backs up
* Berkeley report: Solar panels a 'loser'
* Oregon – Community solar project gets council go-ahead
* Minnesota – Teen launches energy-saving mission
* Investors Demand Info on Carbon Footprints
* How did Reichert get so green?
* Congressman Baird wants to see green spent on environment
* Post Intelligencer Editorial – Seattle Mayor's Report: Emerald City still (green, that is)
* Canada – Laudable green initiatives come at expense of social needs
* Consumer group sues Comcast in D.C.
* New York – Chamber director: Data-processing firm interested in moving to Tupper — if there’s fiber-optic cable
* Justices say workers can sue over 401(k) losses
* Seattle inflation rate 4.6 percent exceeds national average
These and links to more stories in today’s Energy News Digest
WORD OF THE DAY
Jaundiced • \JAWN-dist\ • adjective – 1: affected with or as if with a disease characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin *2: exhibiting or influenced by envy, distaste, or hostility
“It’s not a good idea to ask me about the benefits of energy deregulation,” sighed the jaundiced public power leader. “Not after the energy crisis of 2001, enormous rate increases pending for customers whose state rate freezes expire soon, stories of gaming the system, on and on.”
WEATHER
Forecast for Mason County, Washington
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=sew&smap=1&textField1=47.21528&textField2=-123.09944
(NOTE: Some readers have noted that the NWS forecast has not been updated regularly. Apparently there is a refresh issue with the weather web site. If you visit and the forecast isn’t updated, press F5 or refresh the web page. That should take care of the issue)
ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES
Bill Virgin, Seattle Post Intelligencer – Jefferson County citizens group sees need for own PUD (Well, its existing PUD taking more authority, anyway…)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/virgin/352071_virgin21.html
Avista Corp. earnings drop – Increase in Washington resident rates expected to earn $30.2 million this year (Coeur d’Alene Press)
http://www.cdapress.com/articles/2008/02/21/news/news03.txt
Mail Tribune, Oregon Opinion – If Liquefied Natural Gas is wrong, what's right? Energy needs won't go away, and there is no perfect source
http://mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/OPINION/802170306/-1/OPINION02
News Release – Thieves damage Chehalis substation and steal copper wire; reward offered (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/192760/
News Release – Thieves hit Cardwell Substation in Kalama twice in recent weeks; reward offered (Bonneville Power Administration)
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1582/192759/
News Release – Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher's statement on wholesale competition in regions with organized electric markets (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
http://www.ferc.gov/news/statements-speeches/kelliher/2008/02-21-08-kelliher-E-1.asp
United Kingdom – Regulator To Probe Electricity, Gas Markets (NASDAQ)
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080221%5cACQDJON200802211000DOWJONESDJONLINE000733.htm&
Energy Pulse Commentary – Recurring Payments Revival: Answering Consumer Preferences for Cards
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1671
WATER, FISH & THE ENVIRONMENT
Oregon – ACLU sues to place salmon ads on TriMet buses. Speech issue - The placards criticize dams' presence on the Klamath River (The Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/120356071220740.xml&coll=7
News Tribune Opinion – Sound strategy needs stormwater solution
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/story/288993.html
Canada – Environmentalists hatch plan to ferry wild salmon past fish farms. A group of ecotourism businesses, native organizations and environmentalists have a wild plan to save salmon on British Columbia's central coast. (The Globe and Mail)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080221.BCSALMON21/TPStory/Environment
Saturday could prove fruitful for smelt dipping on Cowlitz (The Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/story/365842.html
Road salt and deicer disorienting state birds (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/15826117.html
King County sewer construction project backs up (Examiner.com – Ha! Ha! Nice headline…Hee! Hee!)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1233619~King_County_sewer_construction_project_backs_up.html?cid=rss-Washington_Headlines
RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Berkeley report: Solar panels a 'loser' (Pacific Business News)
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/02/18/daily33.html?ana=from_rss
Oregon – Community solar project gets council go-ahead (Ashland Tidings)
http://www.dailytidings.com/2008/0220/stories/0220_council.php
CONSERVATION
Minnesota – Teen launches energy-saving mission (The Post-Bulletin, Rochester)
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=329482&z=2
CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT
Investors Demand Info on Carbon Footprints (National Public Radio)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19226037&ft=1&f=3
How did Reichert get so green? (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004193126_reichert21m.html
Congressman Baird wants to see green spent on environment (The Columbian)
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/02/02212008_Baird-wants-to-see-green-spent-on-environment.cfm/
Post Intelligencer Editorial – Seattle Mayor's Report: Emerald City still. Both Seattle and the state of Washington appear to recognize the need and opportunities in changing energy usage to create a healthier environment
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/352053_greened.html?source=rss
Canada – Laudable green initiatives come at expense of social needs (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=014ec699-c3fd-41fb-9ce1-e7043cb870b4
Dream big when creating plan for going green (San Francisco Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/16/HOTRUA2PF.DTL
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Consumer group sues Comcast in D.C. (Washington Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/18/daily40.html?ana=from_rss
New York – Chamber director: Data-processing firm interested in moving to Tupper — if there’s fiber-optic cable (Adirondack Press)
http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=10496
GENERAL NEWS
Justices say workers can sue over 401(k) losses (News Tribune, Tacoma)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/289036.html
Seattle inflation rate 4.6 percent exceeds national average (Associated Press, via the Olympian)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/366046.html
DIVERSIONS
Port of Olympia cancels chowder challenge due to lack of parking spaces
http://www.theolympian.com/breakingnews/story/365228.html
Drunk driver parks at police station
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2139418520080221?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Pig farmers trot out Internet song to save bacon
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080221/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_bacon_song;_ylt=ApoJzFzif9j3OgTDeuEgiKTtiBIF
Meatloaf the cat heads home after trek
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_fe_st/odd_meatloaf_the_cat;_ylt=AjawEaiNtRjvwKrzXL6c3MztiBIF
$8,000? That's our water bill? (Time for a check read)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_fe_st/odd_big_water_bill;_ylt=AjQcrEt2YlietDWw9ICM.wntiBIF
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