Energy News Digest for August 31, 2010

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.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

BPA Won’t Reconsider Pearl Route as Alternative for SW Washington Power Line (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/article_8e0b33e8-b4be-11df-bbe7-001cc4c03286.html

Once-In-A-Century Salmon Run Hits Canada’s West Coast (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67T57C20100830

John Deere Sells Wind Energy Business, to Exelon Subsidiary for $900 Million (Minneapolis Star, MN)

http://www.startribune.com/business/101866398.html

Port Angeles - Nippon Manager Describes Plans for Biomass Generator (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100831/news/308319993/nippon-manager-describes-plans-for-biomass-generator

US Finding Expected On Chinese Aluminum Exports (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012765687_apususchinatrade.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• BPA Won’t Reconsider Pearl Route as Alternative for SW Washington Power Line
• Energy Rate Increase Could Impact Clallam PUD Customers
• Pacific Power Rate Hike - Washington State Panel Solicits Comments
• Mason County PUD 3 Holding Hearing on Integrated Resource Plan Tuesday
• Spokane - SNAP Smooths Process for Helping With Heating Bills
• Pacific Gas & Electric PG&E Pushes ‘Pumped Hydro’ for Energy Storage
• Department of Agriculture to Issue $1.2 Billion in Loans to Rural Electric Coops
• Colorado Regulators Hold Hearings On Xcel Smart Grid
• Energy Use Is Way Down - But Wind Surges
• Nuclear Industry Takes New Path for New Plants
• EPA to decide whether coal ash is hazardous waste
• New York - Yahoo! seeks low-cost hydropower
• Deregulation - Changes Jolt Small Utilities
• How Nigeria’s Plan to Privatize Its Electricity Company Could Light Up Africa
• Once-In-A-Century Salmon Run Hits Canada’s West Coast
• Canada - Surprising Salmon Run Masks an Industry in Crisis
• Non-Profits, Agencies Pooling Resources to Save Salmon in Northwest
• Salmon & Mining - A Mind-Boggling Alaska Mine
• Con Edison Goes ‘Lights Out’ for NYC Audubon Campaign to Save Birds
• Special Adhesive Helps Oysters Stick Together
• Guide to Tell Water Health of Puget Sound
• Op/Ed -Puget Sound Partnership Should Prioritize Environmental Benefit, Not Politics
• Clallam PUD Approves Sewer System Plan for Carlsborg
• Study Says Unhealthy Air in Fairbanks Linked to Rise in Hospital Visits
• John Deere Sells Wind Energy Business, to Exelon Subsidiary for $900 Million
• Port Angeles - Nippon Manager Describes Plans for Biomass Generator
• Wisconsin - Biomass Assessment Vague On Emissions, Jobs, Traffic
• Coal to Wood Pellets - FirstEnergy Cleared for $200 Million Ohio Biomass Project
• Biomass Heat is Not Coal
• North Carolina - Backers of Waste for Energy Challenge Renewables Provision
• $147,000 Grant to Promote Biomass Energy Conservation
• Green Energy: Why We’re Still Not Using It
• Oregon Couple Plan Home Wind Turbines, Need City OK
• Renewable Energy Kiosk; The Newest Creation at Franklin PUD
• Hybrid Turbine: For When the Wind Doesn’t Blow
• The Federal Policy Landscape Is Now More Favorable to Wind Energy than at Any Other Time in the Past Decade
• Cash Grant That Propped Up Alternative Power Due to Expire
• Wind Energy Gets Huge Subsidies - So Where Are the Carbon Dioxide Reductions?
• Editorial - Just How Dirty Is Wind Power?
• Renewable Portfolio Standards Work, But at What Cost?
• Small/Low Impact Hydropower Program
• Conn. One of Top Green Power Purchasers
• Kansas City - Utility Programs Succeed in Cooling Off Summertime Demand for Electricity
• Report: Climate Science Panel Needs Change at Top
• Virginia Case Against Climate Researcher Is Rejected
• Op/Ed - Climate Change: At Least Science Admits Its Errors
• As India Looks at Cutting Carbon, A Wind Farm Scandal
• Friends of the Earth Urges End to ‘Land Grab’ for Biofuels
• Hygroelectricity: Possible New Energy Source
• Nissan Starts Selling All-Electric Leaf Sedan Today
• Pedal Power Takes Off as Exercise Produces Electricity
• Whole Lotta Love for Zeppelins - A new-generation airship is visiting Puget Sound
• How the FCC Can Best Regulate the Internet
• Newsflash: Cable/Telcos Write Telecom Law
• New Cables Tie West Africa Closer to Internet
• Google Offers Respite from Inbox Overload
• This Week Is a Coming-Out Party for Android Tablets
• Where States Get Their Money
• Senator Patty Murray Visits Whatcom County Today
• Moving Benton County Seat Could Cost $3.5 Million
• US Finding Expected On Chinese Aluminum Exports
• Washington Schools Superintendent to Name Failing Schools
• Morton Parents Protest Return of Teacher, Pull Kids from His Classes

WORD OF THE DAY

Regale • \ruh-GAIL\ • verb - 1: to entertain sumptuously: to feast with delicacies 2: to give pleasure or amusement to

The clueless participants in the high-pressure, no money down real estate seminar were regaled with numerous stories from the slick, well-oiled presenter about how he had scammed hundreds of unsuspecting homeowners from their hard earned money. Regaled, that is, until one sharp participant realized he had just plunked down $2,000 of his hard-earned money to participate in a worthless real estate seminar scam.

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

BPA Won’t Reconsider Pearl Route as Alternative for SW Washington Power Line (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/article_8e0b33e8-b4be-11df-bbe7-001cc4c03286.html

Energy Rate Increase Could Impact Clallam PUD Customers (Sequim Gazette, WA)

http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2010-08-30_energy_rate_increase_could_impact_customers

Pacific Power Rate Hike - Washington State Panel Solicits Comments (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2010/08/30/panel-solicits-comments-on-21-percent-power-rate-hike

Mason County PUD 3 Holding Hearing on Integrated Resource Plan Tuesday (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.net/news/3120-pud-3-holding-hearing-on-integrated-resource-plan-tuesday

Spokane - SNAP Smooths Process for Helping With Heating Bills (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/aug/30/snap-smooths-process-helping-heating-bills/

Pacific Gas & Electric PG&E Pushes ‘Pumped Hydro’ for Energy Storage (CNET News)

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20014426-54.html

Department of Agriculture to Issue $1.2 Billion in Loans to Rural Electric Coops - Montana: Big Flat Electric Co-Op to get $2,177,000 guaranteed loan (Electric Marketing Livewire)

http://livewire.electricalmarketing.com/2010/08/30/department-of-agriculture-to-issue-1-2-billion-in-loans-to-rural-electric-coops/

Colorado Regulators Hold Hearings On Xcel Smart Grid - Since project in Boulder was announced in 2008, its costs have nearly tripled from initial estimates (Associated Press)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gGT80l6kbkxl0ogfoqZFugLQ7A3gD9HU3DLG2

Energy Use Is Way Down - But Wind Surges (CNN Money)

http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/26/news/economy/energy_use/index.htm

Nuclear Industry Takes New Path for New Plants (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012765709_apusnuclearpowerdesign.html

EPA to decide whether coal ash is hazardous waste (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2010-08-27-coalash27_ST_N.htm

New York - Yahoo! seeks low-cost hydropower (Business First of Buffalo, NY)

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2010/08/23/daily47.html

Deregulation - Changes Jolt Small Utilities (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, IA)

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_93565012-98e5-5817-b0e6-c44c13429975.html

How Nigeria’s Plan to Privatize Its Electricity Company Could Light Up Africa (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/0830/How-Nigeria-s-plan-to-privatize-its-electricity-company-could-light-up-Africa

FISH & WILDLIFE

Once-In-A-Century Salmon Run Hits Canada’s West Coast (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67T57C20100830

Canada - Surprising Salmon Run Masks an Industry in Crisis (Globe & Mail)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/surprising-salmon-run-masks-an-industry-in-crisis/article1686603/

Non-Profits, Agencies Pooling Resources to Save Salmon in Northwest (Oregon Public Radio)

http://news.opb.org/article/12005-non-profits-agencies-pooling-resources-save-salmon-northwest/

Salmon & Mining - A Mind-Boggling Alaska Mine (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://www.seattlepi.com/connelly/425770_JOEL30.html

Con Edison Goes ‘Lights Out’ for NYC Audubon Campaign to Save Birds (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/?page=show_news&rss=1&id=139275

Special Adhesive Helps Oysters Stick Together (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/31/science/31oboyster.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Guide to Tell Water Health of Puget Sound (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/31/1321606/guide-to-tell-water-health.html

Op/Ed -Puget Sound Partnership Should Prioritize Environmental Benefit, Not Politics (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2012764293_guest31myers.html

Clallam PUD Approves Sewer System Plan for Carlsborg (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100831/news/308319989/clallam-pud-approves-sewer-system-plan-for-carlsborg

Study Says Unhealthy Air in Fairbanks Linked to Rise in Hospital Visits (Anchorage News Miner, AK)

http://newsminer.com/bookmark/9328753

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

John Deere Sells Wind Energy Business, to Exelon Subsidiary for $900 Million (Minneapolis Star, MN)

http://www.startribune.com/business/101866398.html

Port Angeles - Nippon Manager Describes Plans for Biomass Generator (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100831/news/308319993/nippon-manager-describes-plans-for-biomass-generator

Wisconsin - Biomass Assessment Vague On Emissions, Jobs, Traffic (Wausau Daily Herald, WI)

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20100831/WDH0101/8310609/Biomass-assessment-vague-on-emissions-jobs-traffic

Coal to Wood Pellets - FirstEnergy Cleared for $200 Million Ohio Biomass Project (Brighter Energy)

http://www.brighterenergy.org/14973/news/bioenergy/firstenergy-cleared-for-200m-biomass-co-firing-project-in-ohio/

Biomass Heat is Not Coal (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/08/biomass-heat-is-not-coal

North Carolina - Backers of Waste for Energy Challenge Renewables Provision (Triangle Business Journal)

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2010/08/30/story10.html

$147,000 Grant to Promote Biomass Energy Conservation (The Telegram, Worchester, MA)

http://www.telegram.com/article/20100827/NEWS/8270465/1003/NEWS03

Green Energy: Why We’re Still Not Using It “…Hydro power & nuclear power cost about the same amount. Both are more expensive than traditional electric plants…” WTF? (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/08/25/investopedia46566.DTL

Oregon Couple Plan Home Wind Turbines, Need City OK (KVAL-TV, Eugene, OR)

http://www.kval.com/news/tech/101836058.html

Renewable Energy Kiosk; The Newest Creation at Franklin PUD (KNDO-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=12979200

Hybrid Turbine: For When the Wind Doesn’t Blow (Smart Planet)

http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/intelligent-energy/hybrid-turbine-for-when-the-wind-doesnt-blow/2496/

The Federal Policy Landscape Is Now More Favorable to Wind Energy than at Any Other Time in the Past Decade (REVE)

http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=6931

Cash Grant That Propped Up Alternative Power Due to Expire (Associated Press)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hySskggOuVRTeyIvJvMiHQg7n2xgD9HSJJD82

Wind Energy Gets Huge Subsidies - So Where Are the Carbon Dioxide Reductions? “...Because the wind is not dependable, electric utilities must either keep their conventional power plants running all the time…or they must continually ramp up & down the output from conventional coal- or gas-fired generators…” (Energy Tribune)

http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm/5103/Wind-Energy-Gets-Huge-Subsidies-So-Where-Are-The-CO2-Reductions

Editorial - Just How Dirty Is Wind Power? (Las Vega Review-Journal, NV)

http://www.lvrj.com/blogs/mitchell/Just_how_dirty_is_wind_power.html?ref=149

Renewable Portfolio Standards Work, But at What Cost? (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/08/renewable-portfolio-standards-work-but-at-what-cost

Small/Low Impact Hydropower Program (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/gen-info/licensing/small-low-impact.asp

Conn. One of Top Green Power Purchasers (WSFB-TV, Hartford, CT)

http://www.wfsb.com/news/24814598/detail.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Kansas City - Utility Programs Succeed in Cooling Off Summertime Demand for Electricity (Kansas City Star, MO)

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/30/2188883/utility-programs-succeed-in-cooling.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Report: Climate Science Panel Needs Change at Top (Associated Press)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i_YFEJdtVUVXs1Z-liZHKntQpO3AD9HTUQ1G4

Virginia Case Against Climate Researcher Is Rejected (Associated Press)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/31/science/earth/31climate.html

Op/Ed - Climate Change: At Least Science Admits Its Errors (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/opinion/2010/08/30/climate-change-at-least-science-admits-its-errors/

As India Looks at Cutting Carbon, A Wind Farm Scandal (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0831/As-India-looks-at-cutting-carbon-a-wind-farm-scandal

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Friends of the Earth Urges End to ‘Land Grab’ for Biofuels (The Guardian, UK)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/30/biofuels-land-grab-friends-of-the-earth

Hygroelectricity: Possible New Energy Source (Epoch Times)

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/41694/

Nissan Starts Selling All-Electric Leaf Sedan Today (USA Today)

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/08/nissan-starts-selling-all-electric-leaf-sedan-today/1?csp=34money

Pedal Power Takes Off as Exercise Produces Electricity (USA Today)

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/08/pedal-power-green-gyms/1

Whole Lotta Love for Zeppelins - A new-generation airship is visiting Puget Sound (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2010/08/31/mossback/20103/Whole-lotta-love-for-zeppelins/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

How the FCC Can Best Regulate the Internet (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/25/AR2010082506053.html

Newsflash: Cable/Telcos Write Telecom Law - But it’s a rare politician that’s proud of that fact (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Newsflash-CableTelcos-Write-Telecom-Law-110100

New Cables Tie West Africa Closer to Internet (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_15941224

Google Offers Respite from Inbox Overload (NY Times)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/google-offers-respite-from-inbox-overload/

This Week Is a Coming-Out Party for Android Tablets (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2010/08/31/this-week-is-a-coming-out-party-for-android-tablets/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Where States Get Their Money (NY Times)

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/where-states-get-their-money/

Senator Patty Murray Visits Whatcom County Today “…worked with the Department of Energy to secure a contract between the Bonneville Power Administration & Intalco…” (KGMI Radio, Bellingham, WA)

http://kgmi.com/Senator-Patty-Murray-Visits-Whatcom-County-Today/8041048

Moving Benton County Seat Could Cost $3.5 Million (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/31/1353182/moving-benton-county-seat-could.html

GENERAL NEWS

US Finding Expected On Chinese Aluminum Exports (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012765687_apususchinatrade.html

Washington Schools Superintendent to Name Failing Schools (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012766171_apwaschoolimprovement.html

Morton Parents Protest Return of Teacher, Pull Kids from His Classes (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/31/1321596/morton-parents-protest-return.html

DIVERSIONS

Freddie Mercury: Rock ‘N’ Roll’s Humble Showman

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129476462&ft=1&f=3

An Emmy for Rebuilding a Galaxy - “Star Wars Uncut,” a remake in 15-second increments of “Star Wars: A New Hope”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/arts/television/28uncut.html

Facebook Post Gets Detroit-Area Juror in Hot Water

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_15940530

What Are Germiest Places at School? Pencil Sharpener among Dirtiest Items in School

http://www.kirotv.com/backtoschool/19826029/detail.html

Don’t Try This at Home - Teen Who Zapped (Body Parts) During Shop Class Sues (Note: PG-13 rating)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012768008_apusstudentshocked.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Queen - Don’t Stop Me Now

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

Energy News Digest for August 30, 2010

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.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Oregon Regulators, Portland General Electric in Showdown over Closing Boardman Coal Plant (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/oregon_regulators_pge_in_showd.html

Tacoma Public Utilities Might Seek Rate Hikes (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/24/1312252/tpu-might-seek-rate-hikes.html

Contract to Remove Elwha Dams Goes to Montana Firm (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012733909_elwha27m.html

Grays Harbor, Pacific County PUD’s Explore Tidal Energy (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012722544_apwawillapabaytidal.html

City of Vancouver City Gets Cloudy Forecast on Biomass Plant - Project being mulled by county could produce dark smoke downtown, official says (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/30/city-gets-cloudy-forecast-on-biomass-plant-project/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

·         Oregon Regulators, Portland General Electric in Showdown over Closing Boardman Coal Plant

·         Tacoma Public Utilities Might Seek Rate Hikes

·         Grant PUD Talks about Surcharge Monday

·         Idaho Power - Environmental Impact Statement for the Swan Falls Hydroelectric Project

·         Northern Wasco County PUD Eyes White River Falls Power

·         Aluminum Manufacturer Alcoa Spends $680,000 to Lobby on Climate, Financial Issues

·         PUD 3 Commission to Hold Hearing on Integrated Resource Plan - Aug 31

·         Bellevue: Tree Trimmer Killed By Tree

·         Maine Regulators to Review Utility Takeover

·         Giant Metal Humanoids in Running to Conduct Iceland's Electricity

·         Contract to Remove Elwha Dams Goes to Montana Firm

·         Dam Removal Contract Comes in $13 Million under Estimate

·         Peninsula Company Will Gain Millions As Subcontractor In Elwha Dam Removal Project

·         Amended Complaint Filed in Columbia River Salmon Lawsuit

·         Salmon Season on the Skokomish

·         Huge Salmon Runs Bring Cash Bonanza for US & Canadian Fishermen

·         Critics Say Canadian Salmon Run Botched By the Government

·         Alaska Salmon Haul a Surprise

·         Pikeminnow Season Extended

·         Avista Adjusting Water Flow At Spokane Falls

·         Klamath Basin's Water Worries Extend to Wells

·         Canadian Government Approves Plan to Treat Vancouver Island Sewage – Finally

·         Disgusting Algae's Spread Perplexes Scientists in California

·         Grays Harbor, Pacific County PUD’s Explore Tidal Energy

·         City of Vancouver City Gets Cloudy Forecast on Biomass Plant

·         Port Townsend Mill's Proposed Biomass Generator Draws Heat

·         California - Modesto Irrigation District to Weigh Power Deal For Wood-Burn Plant

·         Editorial - Achieving 'Green' Through Biomass

·         Colorado - Biomass Plant Proposed in Vail

·         Michigan - DTE Energy Invests in Wood-Based Electricity, Landfill Gas

·         Wisconsin - Environmental Review Not Needed For Biomass Plant

·         Wind Forecast Accuracy Takes On Added Importance

·         Recipients Seek Renewed Grants for Renewable Energy Projects

·         California - Wind Turbine Projects Run into Resistance

·         Maine Wind Farm Not Soothing To All Ears - Turbines’ Sounds Have Town Divided

·         California - Green Goal Line in Sight: 33 Percent Renewable Electricity Bill Nearing Key Votes

·         Editorial - Smart Grid Projects Good For Economy, Efficiency

·         Washington State Weatherization Program Receives $10 Million

·         Devices That Help Plug Electrical Leaks

·         Not Such A Bright Idea - Making Lighting More Efficient Could Increase Energy Use

·         Pacific Northwest Forests Offer Carbon Dilemma

·         Obama Administration Sides with Utilities in Supreme Court Case about Climate Change

·         Cap-and-Trade Is Beginning to Raise Some Concerns

·         Environmental Groups Face Their Future in Climate-Change Debate

·         UN Climate Change Panel to be Warned over Reports

·         Climate Policy Wars: People Want Affordable Solutions

·         How to Stop Idling Trucks from Wasting 1.2 Billion Gallons of Fuel Annually in the US

·         Chelan County PUD Will Accept Feds $25 Million Fiber Grant

·         Editorial - Chelan County PUD: a Real Lesson on Making Decisions

·         Edmonds - City Owned Fiber Optics Starting to Pay Off

·         Idaho - City of Sandpoint Hits Slow Lane for Fiber-Optic Network

·         Ten Oregon Counties May be Facing a Whopping Cable Bill

·         Intel Buying Infineon's Wireless Operations

·         Microsoft Co-Founder Allen Sues Apple, Google, Other Tech Giants over Patents

·         Technology Notebook: Google Unveils Its Internet Phone Service

·         Governor and DNR Commissioner Cases & the limits Power of the State Attorney General

·         Shelton City Commission to Discuss Next Steps for Fire Services Monday

·         Struggling Cities Shut Firehouses in Budget Crisis

·         State Representative John McCoy Resigns as Quil Ceda General Manager

·         Unusually Heavy Rain for August in Western Washington

·         Farmers' Almanac: Kinder, Gentler Winter on Tap

·         Late Summer Brings a Spider Population Boom in Washington State

·         Solutions Sought For $240,000 Teacher Overpayment in Centralia

·         Smart and Fast, Marine Mammals Are Guarding Our Military Bases

WORD OF THE DAY

Panjandrum • \pan-JAN-drum\ noun • - A powerful personage or pretentious official

Ooh look, the internet collective that is the world’s lexicological panjandrum has threatened the existence of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Internet may phase out printed Oxford Dictionary (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012752481_apeubritaindictionarysdemise.html

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Oregon Regulators, Portland General Electric in Showdown over Closing Boardman Coal Plant (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/oregon_regulators_pge_in_showd.html

Tacoma Public Utilities Might Seek Rate Hikes (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/24/1312252/tpu-might-seek-rate-hikes.html

Grant PUD Talks about Surcharge Monday (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/politics/article_23ff5502-b229-11df-a816-001cc4c002e0.html

Idaho Power - Environmental Impact Statement for the Swan Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/enviro/eis/2010/08-26-10.asp

Northern Wasco County PUD Eyes White River Falls Power (Dalles Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2010/08/08-25-10-02.shtml

Aluminum Manufacturer Alcoa Spends $680,000 to Lobby on Climate, Financial Issues – Bonneville Power Administration energy one focus of lobbying effort (Canadian Business)

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D9HP790O3

PUD 3 Commission to Hold Hearing on Integrated Resource Plan - Aug 31 (Mason County PUD No. 3)

http://www.masonpud3.org/Newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=760

Bellevue: Tree Trimmer Killed By Tree (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_tree_trimming_death.html

Maine Regulators to Review Utility Takeover (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012761114_apusemerapucmaine.html

Giant Metal Humanoids in Running to Conduct Iceland's Electricity (Gawker – Note: comment section may contain PG-13 or worse language)

http://m.gawker.com/5614627/giant-metal-humanoids-in-running-to-conduct-icelands-electricity

FISH & WILDLIFE

Contract to Remove Elwha Dams Goes to Montana Firm (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012733909_elwha27m.html

Dam Removal Contract Comes in $13 Million under Estimate (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100827/NEWS/308279992/dam-removal-contract-comes-in-13-million-under-estimate

Peninsula Company Will Gain Millions As Subcontractor In Elwha Dam Removal Project (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100829/news/308299987/peninsula-company-will-gain-millions-as-subcontractor-in-dam-removal

Amended Complaint Filed in Columbia River Salmon Lawsuit (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/26/1315547/amended-complaint-filed-in-salmon.html

Salmon Season on the Skokomish (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/aug/27/salmon-season-on-the-skokomish/

Huge Salmon Runs Bring Cash Bonanza for US & Canadian Fishermen (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012724093_frasersockeye.html

Critics Say Canadian Salmon run botched by the Government - Expert says Ottawa too late in opening sockeye fishery (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Salmon+botched+critics/3456806/story.html

Alaska Salmon Haul a Surprise (Anchorage Daily News, AK)

http://www.adn.com/2010/08/28/1429386/alaska-salmon-haul-a-surprise.html

Pikeminnow Season Extended (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/29/1319466/pikeminnow-season-extended.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Avista Adjusting Water Flow At Spokane Falls (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/26/1348037/utility-adjusting-water-flow-at.html

Klamath Basin's Water Worries Extend to Wells (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2010/08/tapping_wells_in_klamath_basin.html

Canadian Government Approves Plan to Treat Vancouver Island Sewage - Finally (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/26/1348231/canadian-govt-approves-plan-to.html

Disgusting Algae's Spread Perplexes Scientists in California (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/30/2991654/disgusting-algaes-spread-perplexes.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Grays Harbor, Pacific County PUD’s Explore Tidal Energy (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012722544_apwawillapabaytidal.html

City of Vancouver City Gets Cloudy Forecast on Biomass Plant - Project being mulled by county could produce dark smoke downtown, official says (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/30/city-gets-cloudy-forecast-on-biomass-plant-project/

Port Townsend Mill's Proposed Biomass Generator Draws Heat (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100829/news/308299980/port-townsend-mills-proposed-biomass-generator-draws-heat

California - Modesto Irrigation District to Weigh Power Deal For Wood-Burn Plant (Modesto Bee, CA)

http://www.modbee.com/2010/08/30/1315605/mid-to-weigh-power-deal-for-wood.html

Editorial - Achieving 'Green' Through Biomass (Modesto Bee, CA)

http://www.modbee.com/2010/08/14/1294776/achieving-green-through-biomass.html

Colorado - Biomass Plant Proposed in Vail: Pine beetle problem could offer valuable alternative energy solutions to Vail Valley (SKI Magazine)

http://www.skinet.com/ski/resorts/2010/08/biomass-plant-proposed-in-vail

Michigan - DTE Energy Invests in Wood-Based Electricity, Landfill Gas (Michigan Messenger)

http://michiganmessenger.com/41274/dte-energy-invests-in-wood-based-electricity-landfill-gas

Wisconsin - Environmental Review Not Needed For Biomass Plant (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, WI)

http://www.jsonline.com/business/101699508.html

Wind Forecast Accuracy Takes On Added Importance (Oregon Public Radio)

http://opbnews.org/article/11598-wind-forecast-accuracy-takes-added-importance/

Recipients Seek Renewed Grants for Renewable Energy Projects - Idaho wind farm among federal aid beneficiaries (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/aug/30/recipients-seek-renewed-grants-for-renewable/

California - Wind Turbine Projects Run into Resistance (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/business/energy-environment/27radar.html

Maine Wind Farm Not Soothing To All Ears - Turbines’ Sounds Have Town Divided (Boston Globe, MA)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2010/08/30/maine_wind_farm_not_soothing_to_all_ears/

California - Green Goal Line in Sight: 33 Percent Renewable Electricity Bill Nearing Key Votes (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15917969

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Editorial - Smart Grid Projects Good For Economy, Efficiency (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/aug/25/editorial-smart-grid-projects-good-for-economy/

Washington State Weatherization Program Receives $10 Million (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/27/weatherization-funding/

Devices That Help Plug Electrical Leaks (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/garden/26hometech.html

Not Such A Bright Idea - Making Lighting More Efficient Could Increase Energy Use, Not Decrease It (The Economist,)

http://www.economist.com/node/16886228?story_id=16886228

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Pacific Northwest Forests Offer Carbon Dilemma (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/30/1320328/nw-forests-offer-carbon-dilemma.html

Obama Administration Sides with Utilities in Supreme Court Case about Climate Change (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/26/AR2010082606632.html

Cap-and-Trade Is Beginning to Raise Some Concerns (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/business/energy-environment/30green.html

Environmental Groups Face Their Future in Climate-Change Debate (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/29/AR2010082903699.html

UN Climate Change Panel to be Warned over Reports (Telegraph, UK)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/7969460/UN-climate-change-panel-to-be-warned-over-reports.html

Climate Policy Wars: People Want Affordable Solutions (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2010/08/20/climate/20042/Climate-policy-wars:-People-want-affordable-solutions/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

How to Stop Idling Trucks from Wasting 1.2 Billion Gallons of Fuel Annually in the US (Earth & Industry)

http://earthandindustry.com/2010/08/how-to-stop-idling-trucks-from-wasting-1-2-billion-gallons-of-fuel-annually-in-the-u-s/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Chelan County PUD Will Accept Feds $25 Million Fiber Grant (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/aug/25/pud-will-accept-25-million-fiber-grant/

Editorial - Chelan County PUD: a Real Lesson on Making Decisions (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/aug/28/a-real-lesson-on-making-decisions/

Edmonds - City Owned Fiber Optics Starting to Pay Off (Edmonds Beacon, WA)

http://www.edmondsbeacon.com/news/article.exm/2010-08-26_city_owned_fiber_optics_starting_to_pay_off_

Idaho - City of Sandpoint Hits Slow Lane For Fiber-Optic Network Bonner County Daily Bee, Sandpoint, ID)

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2010/08/25/news/doc4c74ac8d48ea7606100525.txt

Ten Oregon Counties May be Facing a Whopping Cable Bill (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/08/post_35.html

Intel Buying Infineon's Wireless Operations (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012759438_apeugermanyinfineonintel.html

Microsoft Co-Founder Allen Sues Apple, Google, Other Tech Giants over Patents (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/27/AR2010082705753.html

Technology Notebook: Google Unveils Its Internet Phone Service (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100829/BIZ/708299916/-1/RSS03

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Governor and DNR Commissioner Cases - Cases May Limit Power of State Attorney General Rob Mckenna (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/28/1318272/cases-may-limit-power-of-state.html

Shelton City Commission to Discuss Next Steps for Fire Services Monday (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.net/news/3114-shelton-city-commission-to-discuss-next-steps-for-fire-services-monday

Struggling Cities Shut Firehouses in Budget Crisis (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/us/27cuts.html

State Representative John McCoy Resigns as Quil Ceda General Manager - Will start an economic development and public policy consulting firm (Indian Country Today)

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/northwest/McCoy-resigns-as-Quil-Ceda-general-manager-101647263.html

GENERAL NEWS

Unusually Heavy Rain for August in Western Washington (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/30/1351971/unusually-heavy-rain-for-august.html

Farmers' Almanac: Kinder, Gentler Winter on Tap (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012758749_apusfarmersalmanac.html

Late Summer Brings a Spider Population Boom in Washington State (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Late-summer-brings-a-spider-population-boom-in-WA-101728368.html

Solutions Sought For $240,000 Teacher Overpayment in Centralia (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/27/1317757/solutions-sought-for-240000-teacher.html

Smart and Fast, Marine Mammals Are Guarding Our Military Bases (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2012662209_pacificpdolphins29.html

DIVERSIONS

Kittitas Treasurer Refuses 33,000 Pennies

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/27/1349608/kittitas-treasurer-refuses-33000.html

Eastern Washington University’s New Red Turf a Hit with Players

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/aug/28/ewus-new-red-turf-hit-players/

Girl, 12, Fined $124 for Littering in Winthrop

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012750861_litterfine29m.html

Canadian Cattle Enjoy Red Wine With Their Feed

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012736021_apusfoodandfarmwinecows.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Sarah Vaughan - Pennies from Heaven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYxlUqyB7bY