Energy News Digest for February 28, 2014

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THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for February 28, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_28.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-county-pud-investigating-crack-in-pillar-at-wanapum-dam/article_44305c3c-a018-11e3-be39-001a4bcf6878.html

Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140228/news/302289964/nippon-temporarily-shut-down-because-of-biomass-fuel-problems-at

Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2014/02/bully-for-biomass-washington-supreme-court-rejects-greenhouse-gas-claims-upholds-finding-of-no-signi.html

Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-public-power-beat-2013-conservation-targets.aspx

Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts (Associated Press)

http://www.kapptv.com/article/2014/feb/27/washington-state-supreme-court-people-have-right-p/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam
• Pacific Gas & Electric Wants to Lower Electricity Rates for California’s High-Use Customers & Raise Rates for Low-Use Customers
• Cowlitz PUD/U-S Forest Service Officials to Celebrate Power Line Transfer
• Utility CEO: Generators Will Soon Make Electric Grid an ‘Antiquated System’
• News Release:  ComEd Seeks Faster Schedule to Deliver Smart Meters & Consumer Benefits to Customers
• Oregon: Mt. Hood Snowpack Doubles in One Month
• Skokomish River Information & Meeting Announced
• Warnick, Manweller Secure Moses Lake Dam Funding in Washington State House Capital Budget Proposal
• Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant
• Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility
• Energy Storage: California’s New Green Tech Battleground
• Op/Ed: Wind Industry Study: Electricity Prices Skyrocketing in Largest Wind Power States
• Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets
• Opower Launches Platform Update Ahead of IPO
• American Public Power Association Says the Use of Estimates of the Social Cost of Carbon Should Be Limited
• America’s First Carbon-Trading Program Can Boast Some Impressive Numbers
• Environmental Group Pushing Washington State Governor to Adopt Clean Fuels Standard
• Is the Future of Clean Energy in the Janitor’s Closet?
• CenturyLink Service Restored to North Mason Customers
• New $18 Million King County Phone System Dropping Calls, Causing Other Problems
• Push for Web Addresses in Era of Search, Apps
• Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts
• Amazon Mulls Streaming Music Service for Prime Subscribers
• Tokyo Bitcoin Exchange Files for Bankruptcy, Significant Amount of Virtual Currency Missing
• Using Skype to Build a Business
• Woman Spends Harrowing 45 Minutes Locked Inside Department Store, Live-Tweets the Experience
• Washington State Senate Passes Budget Proposal
• Editorial: Proposed Washington State Law Overreacts to Signature Gatherers
• Unauthorized Video of U-S Supreme Court Protest Posted Online
• Special Weather Statement - Lowland Snow Possible in Western Washington this Weekend
• Chance of Snow in the Weekend Forecast for Puget Sound Area
• Kitsap Sheriff: No Foul Play in Women’s Death near Hood Canal Navy Base
• Shelton Police Chief Announces Retirement
• Marijuana Business Means Big Business in Washington State
• What Part of the U-S Has Perfect Weather? Nowhere

WORD OF THE DAY

Semiotics • \sem-ee-AW-ticks\ • Noun - The study of signs & symbols & how they are used; a general philosophical theory of signs & symbols that deals especially with their function in both artificially constructed & natural languages & comprises syntactics, semantics, & pragmatics.

Calling professor Langdon.

The symbols on the alien restrooms on this spaceship have no resemblance to the male & female icons for washrooms on earth.

Can your vast knowledge of semiotics determine which is which?

No. Ask the Doctor.

Who?

Exactly

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Local Weather Forecast for February 28, 2014

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-county-pud-investigating-crack-in-pillar-at-wanapum-dam/article_44305c3c-a018-11e3-be39-001a4bcf6878.html

Pacific Gas & Electric Wants to Lower Electricity Rates for California’s High-Use Customers & Raise Rates for Low-Use Customers (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_25243311

Cowlitz PUD/U-S Forest Service Officials to Celebrate Power Line Transfer (Vancouver Business Journal, WA)

http://www.vbjusa.com/news/news-briefs/9907-officials-to-celebrate-power-line-transfer

Utility CEO: Generators Will Soon Make Electric Grid an ‘Antiquated System’ (U-S News & World Report)

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/27/utility-ceo-generators-will-soon-make-electric-grid-an-antiquated-system

News Release:  ComEd Seeks Faster Schedule to Deliver Smart Meters & Consumer Benefits to Customers (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=472296&cat=;90

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Oregon: Mt. Hood Snowpack Doubles in One Month (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/Mt-Hood-snowpack-doubles-in-one-month-247676891.html

Skokomish River Information & Meeting Announced (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12253-skokomish-river-information-and-meeting-announced

Warnick, Manweller Secure Moses Lake Dam Funding in Washington State House Capital Budget Proposal (Washington State House Republicans)

http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/news/warnick-manweller-secure-moses-lake-dam-funding-in-house-capital-budget-proposal/

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140228/news/302289964/nippon-temporarily-shut-down-because-of-biomass-fuel-problems-at

Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2014/02/bully-for-biomass-washington-supreme-court-rejects-greenhouse-gas-claims-upholds-finding-of-no-signi.html

Energy Storage: California’s New Green Tech Battleground (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2014/02/28/energy-storage-californias-new-green-tech-battleground/

Op/Ed: Wind Industry Study: Electricity Prices Skyrocketing in Largest Wind Power States (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2014/02/27/wind-industry-study-electricity-prices-skyrocketing-in-largest-wind-power-states/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-public-power-beat-2013-conservation-targets.aspx

Opower Launches Platform Update Ahead of IPO (Washington Business Times, DC)

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/techflash/2014/02/opower-launches-platform-update-ahead.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

American Public Power Association Says the Use of Estimates of the Social Cost of Carbon Should Be Limited (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=255758&issueID=34804

America’s First Carbon-Trading Program Can Boast Some Impressive Numbers (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/news/americas-first-carbon-trading-program-can-boast-some-impressive-numbers/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Environmental Group Pushing Washington State Governor to Adopt Clean Fuels Standard (KPLU Radio, Tacoma, WA)

http://kplu.org/post/enviro-group-pushing-gov-inslee-adopt-clean-fuels-standard

Is the Future of Clean Energy in the Janitor’s Closet? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2014/0228/Is-the-future-of-clean-energy-in-the-janitor-s-closet

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

CenturyLink Service Restored to North Mason Customers (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12258-cable-restored-to-north-mason-customers

New $18 Million King County Phone System Dropping Calls, Causing Other Problems (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/new-18-million-king-county-phone-system-dropping-c/nd28C/

Push for Web Addresses in Era of Search, Apps (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Push-for-Web-addresses-in-era-of-search-apps-5276054.php

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING

Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts (Associated Press)

http://www.kapptv.com/article/2014/feb/27/washington-state-supreme-court-people-have-right-p/

Amazon Mulls Streaming Music Service for Prime Subscribers (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/02/amazon-mulling-streaming-music-service.html

Tokyo Bitcoin Exchange Files for Bankruptcy, Significant Amount of Virtual Currency Missing (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/tokyo-bitcoin-exchange-files-bankruptcy-102841684--finance.html

Using Skype to Build a Business (NY Times)

http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/using-skype-to-build-a-business/?_php=true&_type=blogs&partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Woman Spends Harrowing 45 Minutes Locked Inside Department Store, Live-Tweets the Experience (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/02/27/woman-spends-harrowing-45-minutes-locked-inside-department-store-live-tweets-the-experience/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Senate Passes Budget Proposal (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/28/washington-state-senate-passes-budget-proposal/

Editorial: Proposed Washington State Law Overreacts to Signature Gatherers (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/28/editorial-public-needs-relief-from-signature/

Unauthorized Video of U-S Supreme Court Protest Posted Online (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/us-usa-court-video-idUSBREA1Q2AD20140228

GENERAL NEWS

Special Weather Statement - Lowland Snow Possible in Western Washington this Weekend (National Weather Service, Seattle, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/special-weather-statement-lowland-snow.html

Chance of Snow in the Weekend Forecast for Puget Sound Area (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2468346/Chance-of-snow-in-the-weekend-forecast-for-Puget-Sound-area

Kitsap Sheriff: No Foul Play in Women’s Death near Hood Canal Navy Base (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Sheriff-No-foul-play-in-womens-death-near-Navy-base-247802461.html

Shelton Police Chief Announces Retirement (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12285-shelton-police-chief-announces-retirement

Marijuana Business Means Big Business in Washington State (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24847913/marijuana-business-means-big-business-in-washington-state

What Part of the U-S Has Perfect Weather? Nowhere (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/Nowhere-to-hide-from-extreme-weather-247583671.html

DIVERSIONS

Fecal Fest - Get Your Hands on the Most Desired Dung in Seattle

http://q13fox.com/2014/02/28/get-your-hands-on-the-most-desired-poop-in-seattle/#axzz2udVyykyI

‘Citizen Kane’ Script Up for Sale at Sotheby’s

http://news.yahoo.com/citizen-kane-script-sale-sothebys-134915554.html

Local Company Creates Music Using Electric Spark

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Local-company-creates-music-using-electric-spark-247804151.html

Gigabit IPA Revival? With Google Fiber on Tap, Hopworks Says the Beer Could Be, Too

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/02/gigabit_ipa_revival_with_googl.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Bernard Herrmann - Citizen Kane Suite – Soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0sPzQWCHPE

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for February 27, 2014

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for February 27, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_27.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Mainzer-firms-up-BPA-front-office-with-appointment-of-Delwiche-and-Andrews.aspx

Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1961248-8/yakima-basin-snowpack-now-just-above-average

Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2014/feb/26/trash-burner-power-bill-dies/

Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/oregon_energy_department_allow.html

Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-scam-is-targeting-lewis-county.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews
• Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers
• Consumer Alert — ‘Phony Utility Bill’ Email Scam Heating Up in Washington State
• Cowlitz PUD Expands Online Billing System
• IDACORP, Inc. Announces Year-End & Fourth Quarter 2013 Results, Initiates 2014 Earnings Guidance
• Michigan: Consumers Energy-Funded Group Running Ads against Electric Choice/Deregulation
• Illinois: ComEd Customers Refusing Smart Meter Will Be Charged $21.53 a Month
• Natural Gas Prices Break $6.00 per MMBtu to Reach a Five-Year High
• Living Smart: Electrical System
• Columbia Basin’s Chinook Boom: Could Wild Salmon Be Fair Game?
• Scientists Solve Mystery of Chile’s Massive Whale Graveyard
• Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average
• California’s Drought is Extreme; But the Government is Making It Worse
• Fertilizer Limits Sought Near Lake Erie to Fight Spread of Algae
• How Much Energy are We Flushing Down the Drain?
• Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again
• Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature
• Utility Interests Push for Protectionism in State of Washington
• Massachusetts Legislation Raises Question: What Is Clean Energy?
• Energy Dept.: Non-Hydro Renewables Are on a Roll
• Massachusetts: Cape Wind Project Gets Major Boost with $600 Million Loan from Danish Agency
• Offshore Wind Farms Could Knock Down Hurricanes
• What If Money DID Grow on Trees? Powerful Advice – Energy Insights from Mason PUD 3
• Op/Ed: California Carbon Tax Proposal Shines Light on Climate Change Policies
• Op/Ed: The Unscientific Consensus
• Editorial: Climate Science, Inescapable Truths
• Tesla Unveils $5 Billion Plan for Massive ‘Gigafactory’ to Manufacture Batteries
• Harsh Winter Brings Shortage of Pellet Fuel for Pellet Stoves
• Op/Ed: Why Super-Fast Internet Is Coming Super Slowly
• Target CEO Promises “Eye-Popping Irresistible Deals” after Profits Destroyed by Data Breach
• Washington Legislature on Collision Course over Tax Breaks
• Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill on Refusal of Service to Gays
• More Snow Possible This Weekend - Early Summer Forecast Looking Warm & Dry
• Special Weather Statement for Possible Lowland Snow in Puget Sound Region
• Victims’ Relatives Criticize Inslee’s Death Penalty Moratorium
• Lawsuit: Washington State Patrol Breaks the Law When Hiring Veterans
• Warehouses to Open Across State for Marijuana Businesses to Share Space
• States Push Public Lands for Designation as Monuments – Includes Sites in Oregon & Idaho

WORD OF THE DAY

Solatium • \so-LAY-shee-yum\ • Noun - A compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings.

“We’re sorry for your loss,” grinned the golden-toothed attorney to the bereaved energy trader. “Here’s your settlement for your poor decision making.” The solatium included a box of out-dated Snickers bars and a ten million dollar check.

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

Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Mainzer-firms-up-BPA-front-office-with-appointment-of-Delwiche-and-Andrews.aspx

Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-scam-is-targeting-lewis-county.html

Consumer Alert — ‘Phony Utility Bill’ Email Scam Heating Up in Washington State (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140227/NEWS/140229980/consumer-alert-8212-phony-utility-bill-email-scam-heating-up-in

Cowlitz PUD Expands Online Billing System (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-expands-online-billing-system/article_5b120532-9f54-11e3-8d3b-001a4bcf887a.html

IDACORP, Inc. Announces Year-End & Fourth Quarter 2013 Results, Initiates 2014 Earnings Guidance (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=471163&cat=%3B90

Michigan: Consumers Energy-Funded Group Running Ads against Electric Choice/Deregulation (MLive Media Group, Lansing, MI)

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/02/michigan_consumers_energy_elec.html

Illinois: ComEd Customers Refusing Smart Meter Will Be Charged $21.53 a Month (Chicago Tribune, IL)

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-02-06/business/chi-comed-smart-meter-fee-20140206_1_comed-meters-energy-infrastructure-modernization-act

Natural Gas Prices Break $6.00 per MMBtu to Reach a Five-Year High (Market Realist)

http://marketrealist.com/2014/02/natural-gas-prices-hit-5-year-high-since-end-2008/

Living Smart: Electrical System (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/02/27/3006915/living-smart-electrical-system.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Columbia Basin’s Chinook Boom: Could Wild Salmon Be Fair Game? (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/1826698-151/columbia-basins-chinook-boom-could-wild-salmon-be#

Scientists Solve Mystery of Chile’s Massive Whale Graveyard (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/scientists-solve-mystery-chiles-massive-whale-grav/ndzzL/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1961248-8/yakima-basin-snowpack-now-just-above-average

California’s Drought is Extreme; But the Government is Making It Worse (Washington Post)

http://knowmore.washingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/californias-drought-is-extreme-but-the-government-is-making-it-worse/

Fertilizer Limits Sought Near Lake Erie to Fight Spread of Algae (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/fertilizer-limits-sought-near-lake-erie-to-fight-spread-of-algae.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

How Much Energy are We Flushing Down the Drain? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/catherinewolfram/345391/how-much-energy-are-we-flushing-down-drain

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/oregon_energy_department_allow.html

Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2014/feb/26/trash-burner-power-bill-dies/

Utility Interests Push for Protectionism in State of Washington (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2014/02/utility-interests-push-for-protectionism-in-state-of-washington?cmpid=rss

Massachusetts Legislation Raises Question: What Is Clean Energy? “…would allow utilities to meet the state’s mandates to cut greenhouse gases by acquiring power from large-scale hydroelectric projects…” (Boston Globe, MA)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/02/26/legislation-would-increase-clean-energy-requirements-for-utilities/xrcj54IRKPudoYjmPZAFCK/story.html

Energy Dept.: Non-Hydro Renewables Are on a Roll (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2014/02/feds-non-hydro-renewables-comprise.html

Massachusetts: Cape Wind Project Gets Major Boost with $600 Million Loan from Danish Agency (Boston Business Journal, MA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass_roundup/2014/02/cape-wind-lands-600m-loan.html

Offshore Wind Farms Could Knock Down Hurricanes (Scientific American)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/offshore-wind-farms-could-knock-down-hurricanes1/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

What If Money DID Grow on Trees? Powerful Advice – Energy Insights from PUD 3 (Mason County PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=1351

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Op/Ed: California Carbon Tax Proposal Shines Light on Climate Change Policies (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/27/6192372/viewpoints-carbon-tax-proposal.html

Op/Ed: The Unscientific Consensus (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexepstein/2014/02/27/the-unscientific-consensus/

Editorial: Climate Science, Inescapable Truths (The Economist Magazine)

http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2014/02/climate-science

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Tesla Unveils $5 Billion Plan for Massive ‘Gigafactory’ to Manufacture Batteries (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_25234367

Harsh Winter Brings Shortage of Pellet Fuel for Pellet Stoves (WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY)

http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/tipline/2014/02/26/wgrz-winter-pellet-stoveshortage/5850473/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Op/Ed: Why Super-Fast Internet Is Coming Super Slowly (Wall Street Journal)

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304315004579381463769362886?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304315004579381463769362886.html%3F

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Target CEO Promises “Eye-Popping Irresistible Deals” after Profits Destroyed by Data Breach (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/02/26/target-ceo-promises-eye-popping-irresistible-deals-after-profits-destroyed-by-data-breach/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington Legislature on Collision Course over Tax Breaks (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/washington-legislature-collision-course-over-tax-breaks

Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill on Refusal of Service to Gays (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/Brewer-arizona-gay-service-bill.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

More Snow Possible This Weekend - Early Summer Forecast Looking Warm & Dry (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2466692/More-snow-possible-this-weekend-but-early-summer-forecast-looking-warm-and-dry

Special Weather Statement for Possible Lowland Snow in Puget Sound Region (National Weather Service, Seattle, WA)

http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WA125143152FC4.SpecialWeatherStatement.12514322B900WA.SEWSPSSEW.b3cca49ca002a7af3d58ff253240fd68

Victims’ Relatives Criticize Inslee’s Death Penalty Moratorium (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Governors-death-penalty-move-criticized-by-victims-relatives-247378511.html

Lawsuit: Washington State Patrol Breaks the Law When Hiring Veterans (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Lawsuit-WSP-breaks-law-hiring-veterans.html

Warehouses to Open Across State for Marijuana Businesses to Share Space (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://kpbj.com/business_daily/2014-02-26/warehouses_to_open_across_state_for_marijuana_businesses_to_share_space

States Push Public Lands for Designation as Monuments – Includes Sites in Oregon & Idaho (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/27/stateline-public-lands-wilderness-national-monuments/5860291/

DIVERSIONS

Purge These Redundancies & Needless Phrases

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-reinalda/purge-these-redundancies-_b_4746250.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

This Is What Happens When You Put Pit Bulls in a Photo Booth

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/pit-bull-photo-booth_n_4848766.html

Talking Parrot ‘Helps’ UP Police Crack Murder Case

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Talking-parrot-helps-UP-Police-crack-murder-case/articleshow/31057661.cms?

Shelter Dogs’ Before & After Photos Will Fetch Your Feels

http://mashable.com/2014/02/27/shelter-dogs-before-after/

SONG OF THE DAY

Toby Keith - Every Dog Has Its Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8j99ckhzA

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for February 26, 2014

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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http://twitter.com/energydigest

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for February 26, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_26.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

2014 Fall Chinook Returns Could Be Biggest on Record (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/2014-fall-chinook-returns-could-be-biggest-record

10,000 Hatchery Salmon Eggs Die; Pollution Feared (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/10000-hatchery-salmon-eggs-die-pollution-feared-247114811.html

Avista’s 2013 Income Up 42 Percent (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/26/avistas-2013-income-42-percent/

TV Cable Cut in North Mason County (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)
http://masonwebtv.com/archives/12333

Wind Turbines Propel Learning at WSU-Vancouver - They are key component of school's renewable energy track (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/feb/25/wind-turbine-washington-state-university-vancouver/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Avista’s 2013 Income Up 42 Percent
• Franklin PUD Commission Raises Electric Rates
• PenLight Keeps Rate Hike Down for One Year
• Editorial: Is It Time to Renew Nuclear Power?
• Radioactive Water from Japan's Fukushima Power Plant Reaches Canada
• 2014 Fall Chinook Returns Could Be Biggest on Record
• 10,000 Hatchery Salmon Eggs Die; Pollution Feared
• Controlling Dam Water Levels Could Increase Number of Salmon
• First Nations Push to Restore Columbia River Salmon Runs
• Acidic Ocean Deadly for Vancouver Island Scallop Industry
• Drought Rates Missing from Local Drought Plans in California
• Wind Turbines Propel Learning at WSU-Vancouver
• Kwoiek Creek Begins Operation of 50 MW Hydroelectric Facility in British Columbia
• Green Energy Expansion in Germany Comes at a Hefty Price
• Energy Efficiency Programs May Have Caused Decline in U-S Electricity Sales
• Ask the Expert: Do Ground-source Heat Pumps Raise Your Electricity Use?
• Ohio Senate Gets Anti-LEED Resolution
• The Weird, Wacky & Cool Energy Ideas Coming Out of Labs Across the U-S
• TV Cable Cut in North Mason County
• Idaho Broadband Contract Extended to 2019, Lawmakers Weren’t Informed
• T-Mobile Losses Mount as No. 4 Carrier Pushes Customer Gains
• FCC Speed Test App Released on Apple iPhone to Measure Mobile Broadband Connections
• APPA Concerned over Reports Tax Reform Proposal Would Put Surtax on Municipal Bond Interest
• Man Pumping Gas in Newport Lights Cigarette, Suffers Burns
• Oregon: Gas Thieves Set Estacada House on Fire
• Faulty Water Heater to Blame in Idaho Carbon Monoxide Deaths
• Newest Summer Outlook for Seattle: Hot & Dry

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

Avista’s 2013 Income Up 42 Percent (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/26/avistas-2013-income-42-percent/

Franklin PUD Commission Raises Electric Rates (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/02/25/2847146/franklin-pud-commission-raises.html

PenLight Keeps Rate Hike Down for One Year (Peninsula Gateway, Gig Harbor, WA)

http://www.gateline.com/2014/02/26/3067461/penlight-keeps-rate-hike-down.html

Editorial: Is It Time to Renew Nuclear Power? (The Daily Astorian, OR)

http://www.dailyastorian.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-is-it-time-to-renew-nuclear-power/article_6f500a06-9e43-11e3-b994-001a4bcf887a.html#.Uw0qlMkmHjQ.email

Radioactive Water from Japan's Fukushima Power Plant Reaches Canada (United Press International)

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/25/Radioactive-water-from-Japans-Fukushima-power-plant-reaches-Canada/8711393354629/

FISH & WILDLIFE

2014 Fall Chinook Returns Could Be Biggest on Record (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/2014-fall-chinook-returns-could-be-biggest-record

10,000 Hatchery Salmon Eggs Die; Pollution Feared (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/10000-hatchery-salmon-eggs-die-pollution-feared-247114811.html

Controlling Dam Water Levels Could Increase Number of Salmon (International Science Times)

http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles/6879/20140225/controlling-dam-water-levels-increase-number-salmon.htm

First Nations Push to Restore Columbia River Salmon Runs (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/first-nations-push-to-restore-columbia-river-salmon-runs/article17077250/?service=mobile

Acidic Ocean Deadly for Vancouver Island Scallop Industry (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/acidic-ocean-deadly-for-vancouver-island-scallop-industry-1.2551662?cmp=rss

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Drought Rates Missing from Local Drought Plans in California (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/345176/drought-rates-missing-most-local-drought-plans-california

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Wind Turbines Propel Learning at WSU-Vancouver - They are key component of school's renewable energy track (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/feb/25/wind-turbine-washington-state-university-vancouver/

Kwoiek Creek Begins Operation of 50 MW Hydroelectric Facility in British Columbia (Trading Charts)

http://futures.tradingcharts.com/news/futures/Kwoiek_Creek_begins_operation_of_hydroelectric_facility_in_British_Columbia_211109482.html

Green Energy Expansion in Germany Comes at a Hefty Price (Voice of America)

http://m.voanews.com/a/green-energy-expansion-in-germany-comes-at-a-hefty-price/1858699.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency Programs May Have Caused Decline in U-S Electricity Sales (Environmental Leader)

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/02/26/energy-efficiency-programs-may-have-cause-decline-in-us-electricity-sales-aceee-says/

Ask the Expert: Do Ground-source Heat Pumps Raise Your Electricity Use?  (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/02/ask-the-expert-do-ground-source-heat-pumps-raise-your-electricity-use?cmpid=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Ohio Senate Gets Anti-LEED Resolution (Columbus Business First, OH)

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2014/02/ohio-senate-gets-anti-leed-resolution.html

The Weird, Wacky & Cool Energy Ideas Coming Out of Labs Across the U-S (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2014/02/26/the-weird-wacky-cool-energy-ideas-coming-out-of-labs-across-the-u-s/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

TV Cable Cut in North Mason County (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)
http://masonwebtv.com/archives/12333

Idaho Broadband Contract Extended to 2019, Lawmakers Weren’t Informed (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://m.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/25/idaho-broadband-contract-extended-2019-lawmakers-w/

T-Mobile Losses Mount as No. 4 Carrier Pushes Customer Gains (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2022992414_tmobilelossxml.html

FCC Speed Test App Released on Apple iPhone to Measure Mobile Broadband Connections (International Business Times)

http://www.ibtimes.com/fcc-speed-test-app-released-apple-iphone-measure-mobile-broadband-connections-1558018

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

APPA Concerned over Reports Tax Reform Proposal Would Put Surtax on Municipal Bond Interest (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=255298&issueID=34802

GENERAL NEWS

Man Pumping Gas in Newport Lights Cigarette, Suffers Burns (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Man-pumping-gas-in-Newport-lights-cigarette-suffers-burns-247124221.html

Oregon: Gas Thieves Set Estacada House on Fire (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/Gas-thieves-set-Estacada-house-on-fire-247269361.html

Faulty Water Heater to Blame in Idaho Carbon Monoxide Deaths (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Faulty-water-heater-to-blame-in-death-of-Idaho-family-247181651.html

Newest Summer Outlook for Seattle: Hot & Dry (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Newest-summer-outlook-for-Seattle-Hot-and-dry-247173461.html

DIVERSIONS

California Couple Discovers $10 Million in Gold Coins While Walking Dog

http://www.kgw.com/news/Couple-discovers-10-million-in-gold-coins-while-walking-dog-247136461.html

Typing Takes Its Toll on Cursive Writing

http://www.katu.com/news/problemsolver/Kids-are-losing-the-ability-to-write-in-cursive-247188261.html

Eat Mushrooms That Grow Off the Top of This Living Lampshade

http://gizmodo.com/eat-mushrooms-that-grow-off-the-top-of-this-living-lamp-1530012184

SONG OF THE DAY

Fats Waller - I´M Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZRAU3DeOo

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.