The Energy News Digest: May 2015

WECC, Energy Oversight Body, to Pay $16 Million Penalty for 2011 Blackout
Pacific Gas & Electric President to Exit
Peace River Dam Construction Could Create Lucrative Real Estate Market, Says British Columbia Realtor
Helicopter Aids in Tillamook Area Transmission Pole Replacement
Benton PUD Receives National Recognition for Operational Excellence
Group Says Phone Records Show Close Ties Between Head Regulator, Arizona Public Service Company
Toward Greater U-S – Canadian Energy Integration
Co-ops Champion Right-of-Way Reform in Congress
Utility Plans Would Further Divide Industrial, Residential Users
Columbia River Cormorant Culling Underway to Save Salmon
WSU Researcher Says Washington State Drought Could Get Worse
Washington State Senate Eager to Add More Money for Drought Prep
Nestle Bottled-Water Plan Draws Fight in Drought-Stricken Oregon
Western U-S Drought Might Raise Food Prices: Reuters/Ipsos Poll
Tips for Doing Co-op Community Solar
Solar Shines as Sellers Sometimes Pay Buyers to Use Power
Two Cool Maps That Show How Wind Power is Poised to Go Big – Really Big
Indiana: Critics Say New Energy Efficiency Effort ‘Worse than Doing Nothing’
Exclusive: How Opower Is Pushing Behavioral Demand Response into the Mainstream
For Marijuana Companies, Biggest Security Concern Comes From the Inside
Pacific Northwest Push for Clean Fuels Could Mean More Crude, New Refinery
Utilities Seek Larger Part in Charging Station Rollout
Free Wi-Fi Hits Winslow, Poulsbo Airwaves
Seattle Partners With Google for Wi-Fi Lending Service
Google Fi Invites May Not Come Until July or August
Broadband at the Center of Charter-Time Warner Cable Deal
Cowlitz PUD Picks Up Cyber Security Insurance
Win Over Members during Power Outages
Twitter Reportedly Talked With Flipboard about $1 Billion Deal
Editorial: Washington State Senate’s Social Media Policy Defines ‘Lame’
Feds: Troy Kelley Paid Law Firm $900K Out of Funds in Question
Oregon: Who Leaked John Kitzhaber’s Emails? The Answer Emerges
Mason County Unemployment Drops in April
Apple Producers Dumping Lots of Fruit
Data Thieves Gain Access to 100,000 U-S Taxpayers’ Information: IRS
Port of Longview Port Considering Oil Refinery near Columbia River
Soccer Swoon: Top FIFA Officials Detained in Corruption Raids

WORD OF THE DAY

Effete • \ih-FEET\ • adjective - 1: no longer fertile 2a: having lost character, vitality, or strength b: marked by weakness or decadence *c: soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence 3: effeminate

The Carthaginians were justifiably angry. Arms akimbo, the survivors of the Roman scourge watched the invading fleet head out to the Mediterranean, the once fertile fields in the North African empire left effete by the salt, which had been sown by the merciless invaders.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

WECC, Energy Oversight Body, to Pay $16 Million Penalty for 2011 Blackout (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/243143-energy-oversight-body-to-pay-16m-penalty-for-2011-blackout

Pacific Gas & Electric President to Exit (San Francisco Business Times, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2015/05/pg-e-christopher-johns-san-bruno-explosion-email.html

Peace River Dam Construction Could Create Lucrative Real Estate Market, Says British Columbia Realtor (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/site-c-dam-could-create-lucrative-real-estate-market-says-b-c-realtor-1.3088490?cmp=rss

Helicopter Aids in Tillamook Area Transmission Pole Replacement (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Helicopter-aids-transmission-pole-replacement.aspx

Benton PUD Receives National Recognition for Operational Excellence (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/05/26/3579114_benton-pud-receives-national-recognition.html?rh=1

Group Says Phone Records Show Close Ties Between Head Regulator, Arizona Public Service Company (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/ariz-group-phone-records-show-close-ties-between-head-regulator-aps/399795/

Toward Greater U-S – Canadian Energy Integration (Morning Consult)

http://morningconsult.com/opinions/toward-greater-u-s-canadian-energy-integration-a-partnership-on-clean-energy/

Co-ops Champion Right-of-Way Reform in Congress (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/electricco-ops-champion-right-of-way-reform-in-congress/81545

Utility Plans Would Further Divide Industrial, Residential Users (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2015/05/26/utility-plans-would-further-divide-industrial-residential-users/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Columbia River Cormorant Culling Underway to Save Salmon (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2015/05/26/cormorant-culling-underway-to-save-salmon/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

WSU Researcher Says Washington State Drought Could Get Worse (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/05/21/3571546/wsu-researcher-says-drought-could.html

Washington State Senate Eager to Add More Money for Drought Prep (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/05/senate-eager-to-add-more-money-for-drought-prep/

Nestle Bottled-Water Plan Draws Fight in Drought-Stricken Oregon (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/may/27/nestle-bottled-water-plan-draws-fight-in-drought-s/

Western U-S Drought Might Raise Food Prices: Reuters/Ipsos Poll (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/us-usa-drought-poll-idUSKBN0OC0ZL20150527

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Tips for Doing Co-op Community Solar (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/tips-for-doing-co-op-community-solar/81478

Solar Shines as Sellers Sometimes Pay Buyers to Use Power (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-26/solar-as-fastest-growing-u-s-power-source-rivals-shale-boom

Two Cool Maps That Show How Wind Power is Poised to Go Big – Really Big (Grist Online – Good Luck with that offshore win in WA State)

http://grist.org/climate-energy/2-cool-maps-that-show-how-wind-power-is-poised-to-go-big-really-big/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Indiana: Critics Say New Energy Efficiency Effort ‘Worse than Doing Nothing’ “…each utility company…can raise rates to cover any revenue lost because of decreased energy usage…” (WFYI, Indianapolis, IN)

http://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/critics-say-new-energy-efficiency-effort-worse-than-doing-nothing

Exclusive: How Opower Is Pushing Behavioral Demand Response into the Mainstream (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/exclusive-how-opower-is-pushing-behavioral-demand-response-into-the-mainst/399790/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

For Marijuana Companies, Biggest Security Concern Comes From the Inside (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/for-marijuana-companies-biggest-security-concern-comes-from-the-inside/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Pacific Northwest Push for Clean Fuels Could Mean More Crude, New Refinery (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/nw-push-for-clean-fuels-could-mean-more-crude-new-refinery/

Utilities Seek Larger Part in Charging Station Rollout (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060019101

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Free Wi-Fi Hits Winslow, Poulsbo Airwaves (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://tinyurl.com/osvlkt5

Seattle Partners With Google for Wi-Fi Lending Service (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2015/05/seattle-partners-with-google-for-wi-fi-lending.html

Google Fi Invites May Not Come Until July or August (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Google-Fi-Invites-May-Not-Come-Until-July-or-August-133927

Broadband at the Center of Charter-Time Warner Cable Deal (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/business/dealbook/charter-communications-agrees-to-acquire-time-warner-cable.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Cowlitz PUD Picks Up Cyber Security Insurance (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-picks-up-cyber-security-insurance/article_4fafb6db-c516-5342-b5d2-7c7aa77e0442.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Win Over Members during Power Outages (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/trends-reports-analyses/win-over-members-during-power-outages/81491

Twitter Reportedly Talked With Flipboard about $1 Billion Deal (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Twitter-reportedly-talked-with-Flipboard-about-1-6287514.php

Editorial: Washington State Senate’s Social Media Policy Defines ‘Lame’ (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/opinion/washington-senate-s-social-media-policy-defines-lame/article_93e80835-ac8e-57b0-9233-421d16dd0855.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Feds: Troy Kelley Paid Law Firm $900K Out of Funds in Question (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/feds-troy-kelley-paid-law-firm-900k-out-funds-question

Oregon: Who Leaked John Kitzhaber’s Emails? The Answer Emerges (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/05/who_leaked_john_kitzhabers_ema.html

GENERAL NEWS

Mason County Unemployment Drops in April (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/15318

Apple Producers Dumping Lots of Fruit (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/may/25/apple-producers-dumping-lots-of-fruit/

Data Thieves Gain Access to 100,000 U-S Taxpayers’ Information: IRS (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/26/us-usa-tax-cybersecurity-idUSKBN0OB2H520150526

Port of Longview Port Considering Oil Refinery near Columbia River (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/money/business/2015/05/26/longview-port-in-talks-over-oil-refinery-on-columbia-river/27976559/

Soccer Swoon: Top FIFA Officials Detained in Corruption Raids (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/fifa-officials-arrested-zurich-us-corruption-charges-nyt-054311351--sow.html

DIVERSIONS

The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody in Six Parts (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-story-of-bohemian-rhapsody-in-six.html

Hiker Finds Camera on Mount St. Helens, Tracks Down Owner

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Tracking-Down-Lost-Cameras-Owner-305087581.html

The Economist Disses Vancouver as ‘Mind-Numbingly Boring’

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2015/05/26/the-economist-disses-vancouver-mind-numbingly-boring/

Idaho Man Survives Being Struck by Lightning

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/05/27/idaho-man-storm-struck-lightning/28004153/

SONG OF THE DAY

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC86ZCtV6tI

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.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Energy News Digest for May 26, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for May 26, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/p8eb4vy

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http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Marijuana Growers Eyeing Conservation to Reduce Costs, Boost Image & Allay Energy Concerns (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-growers-eyeing-conservation-reduce-costs-improve-image-ease-energy-fears/

U-S Army Corps of Engineers Set to Begin Cormorant Removal at Mouth of Columbia River (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/corps-of-engineers-set-to-begin-cormorant-removal-at-mouth/article_2de1477a-252a-57ef-8516-3431a110b1e5.html

From Terrorist Attacks to Volcanic Eruptions, Richland Nuclear Power Plant Prepares for Emergencies (Tri-City Herald, WA)

www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/05/22/3574129_richland-nuclear-plant-prepares.html?rh=1

A $55 Billion Blockbuster: Charter Agrees to Buy Time Warner Cable (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2015/05/a-55b-blockbustercharter-agrees-to-buy-time-warner.html

Two Different Washington State Employment Snapshots from King, Mason Counties (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/05/10/3781180_two-different-washington-state.html?rh=1

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

From Terrorist Attacks to Volcanic Eruptions, Richland Nuclear Power Plant Prepares for Emergencies
Men and Women Divided on Nuclear Power
Op/Ed: Columbia Generating Station Going Strong
Port Angeles Utility Rate Hike Seen As Likelihood
Scheduled Power Outage for Some Mason PUD 1 Customers
Moody's Assigns Aa3 to Douglas County PUD’s Revenue Bonds. Outlook Stable
Proposed EPA Carbon Rules Will Mean Higher Bills and Fewer Coal Plants, New Federal Agency Report Says
FERC Approves Final Settlement in 2011 Southwest Blackout Case
Energy Industry Eyes 100-Year Life Cycle for Nuclear Plants
Approved Drone Use Grows among Electric Utilities
U-S Army Corps of Engineers Set to Begin Cormorant Removal at Mouth of Columbia River
Wildlife Detectives: Sturgeon Poachers Angling for Caviar on the Columbia
Agencies Up the Ante on the Columbia River's Unique Fish Bounty
Flows Increased at McNary to Move Fish through Columbia Dams; No More Dworshak Water Available
Skokomish Tribe, Tacoma Power Collaborate to Restore Salmon & Steelhead to the Upper North Fork Skokomish River
Don’t Touch Dead Squirrels in Idaho – They Might Have Plague
Video: Bear Climbs Electrical Tower to Raid Raven’s Nest
Hong Kong Lifts British Columbia Geoduck Ban
With New EPA Water Rule, Obama Again Takes Executive Action on Environment
Washington State Drought May Threaten Future of Craft Brewers
Solar Contractor SolTerra Kept Getting Cut from Developments for Cost, So It Became a Developer
Solar on the Rise: Will Arizona be the Persian Gulf of Solar?
Listen Up: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Can Seattle Go Any Greener? The City Looks to Become a Hub for Smart-Building Technology
Experts Share Water-Saving Tips Around the House
Making LED Light Bulbs Less Attractive to Insects
The Connected Home: Reaching Critical Mass for the Grid?
Marijuana Growers Eyeing Conservation to Reduce Costs, Boost Image & Allay Energy Concerns
Oregon's Big Marijuana Harvests: How Do You Bring All That Pot into the Legal Market?
Meet Washington State’s Official New Liquor & Cannabis Board
Oldest, Best Behaved Medical Marijuana Shops Most Likely to Get Licensed
British Columbia: Proposed Marijuana Grow-Op Will Overtax Water Supply, Maple Ridge Residents Say
Editorial: California’s Carbon Fees Generate Big Money
Oregon State University Solar Vehicle Team Faces Uncertain Future
Grant County Solar Cars Take to the Track
A $55 Billion Blockbuster: Charter Agrees to Buy Time Warner Cable
Google Fiber, Portland Nonprofit Launch Fellowship Program to Expand Internet Access
Bing No Longer a Search-Engine Blip
Op/Ed: Broadband Competition, Cajun Style
Social Media Giving Mariners Fans a Voice the Team Pays Attention To
This Start-Up Is Helping the Government Keep Track of Social Media
Make Your Infographics Stand Out
Courting the Millennials: A How-To Guide, Courtesy of Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Amazon’s ‘Life in Seattle’ Recruiting Video Gets Satirized
Tennessee Wanted Consistency but Elicited Mockery with Its New Logo
Marijuana, Real Estate Boost Washington Revenue Forecast
Mason County Rescue: Hiker Rescued After Sliding 300 Feet below State's Highest Bridge
Two Different Washington State Employment Snapshots from King, Mason Counties
Celebrate Our Forests at the Mason County Forest Festival
No Charges against Science Teacher Who Harnessed 'Lightning' in Controversial Classroom Demonstration
Homicide Probe to be Launched into B.B. King's Death: Officials

WORD OF THE DAY

Gazpacho • \gaz-PATCH-oh\ • Noun – A spicy soup that is usually made from chopped raw vegetables (as tomato, onion, pepper, & cucumber) & that is served cold

Vichyssoise • \VISH-ee-swaz\ • Noun – A soup typically made of pureed leeks or onions and potatoes, cream, and chicken stock and usually served cold

“Soups like gazpacho and vichyssoise just leave me cold,” sniffed the snobbish chef to his minions.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

From Terrorist Attacks to Volcanic Eruptions, Richland Nuclear Power Plant Prepares for Emergencies (Tri-City Herald, WA)

www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/05/22/3574129_richland-nuclear-plant-prepares.html?rh=1

Men and Women Divided on Nuclear Power (Morning Consult)

http://morningconsult.com/2015/05/men-and-women-divided-on-nuclear-power/

Op/Ed: Columbia Generating Station Going Strong (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/05/25/4304229/guest-column.html

Port Angeles Utility Rate Hike Seen As Likelihood – City Council starts budget priorities discussion at Tuesday work session (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150525/news/305259993/utility-rate-hike-seen-as-a-likelihood-as-port-angeles-city-council

Scheduled Power Outage for Some Mason PUD 1 Customers (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/23162-scheduled-power-outage-for-some-pud1-customers

Moody's Assigns Aa3 to Douglas County PUD’s Revenue Bonds. Outlook Stable (Moody’s Investors Service)

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-assigns-Aa3-to-Douglas-County-Public-Utility-District-1--PR_325804

Proposed EPA Carbon Rules Will Mean Higher Bills and Fewer Coal Plants, New Federal Agency Report Says (Wall Street Journal)

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2015/05/22/proposed-epa-carbon-rules-will-mean-higher-bills-and-fewer-coal-plants-says-new-report/

FERC Approves Final Settlement in 2011 Southwest Blackout Case (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

http://www.ferc.gov/media/news-releases/2015/2015-2/05-26-15.asp#.VWSYTM9VhBc

Energy Industry Eyes 100-Year Life Cycle for Nuclear Plants (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/energy/2015/05/industry-eyes-100-year-life-cycle-for-nuclear.html

Approved Drone Use Grows among Electric Utilities (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/05/25/approved-drone-use-grows-among-electric-utilities/

FISH & WILDLIFE

U-S Army Corps of Engineers Set to Begin Cormorant Removal at Mouth of Columbia River (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/corps-of-engineers-set-to-begin-cormorant-removal-at-mouth/article_2de1477a-252a-57ef-8516-3431a110b1e5.html

Wildlife Detectives: Sturgeon Poachers Angling for Caviar on the Columbia (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/wildlife-detectives-sturgeon-poachers-angling-caviar-columbia

Agencies Up the Ante on the Columbia River's Unique Fish Bounty (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/bill_monroe/index.ssf/2015/05/post_169.html

Flows Increased at McNary to Move Fish through Columbia Dams; No More Dworshak Water Available (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/434082.aspx

Skokomish Tribe, Tacoma Power Collaborate to Restore Salmon & Steelhead to the Upper North Fork Skokomish River (Thurston Talks, Olympia WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2015/05/25/skokomish-fish-ladder-salmon/

Don’t Touch Dead Squirrels in Idaho – They Might Have Plague (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/don-t-touch-dead-squirrels-idaho-they-might-have-plague

Video: Bear Climbs Electrical Tower to Raid Raven’s Nest (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/pets-and-animals/2015/05/24/bear-climbs-electrical-tower-to-raid-ravens-nest/27887683/

Hong Kong Lifts British Columbia Geoduck Ban (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/business/hong-kong-lifts-b-c-geoduck-ban-1.1940711

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

With New EPA Water Rule, Obama Again Takes Executive Action on Environment (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-sej-water-rules-20150525-story.html

Washington State Drought May Threaten Future of Craft Brewers (KOMO TV, Seattle WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-drought-may-threaten-future-of-craft-brewers-304782731.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar Contractor SolTerra Kept Getting Cut from Developments for Cost, So It Became a Developer (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/05/solar_contractor_solterra_kept.html

Solar on the Rise: Will Arizona be the Persian Gulf of Solar? (Arizona Public Media)

https://news.azpm.org/p/pop-today/2015/5/26/64622-will-arizona-become-the-persian-gulf-of-solar/

Listen Up: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/05/listen-up-how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Can Seattle Go Any Greener? The City Looks to Become a Hub for Smart-Building Technology (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/next-economy/solutions-bank/can-seattle-go-any-greener-20150522

Experts Share Water-Saving Tips Around the House (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/05/25/beat-drought-with-water-saving-tips-around-the-house/27909671/

Making LED Light Bulbs Less Attractive to Insects (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/26/health/led-light-bulbs-insects.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

The Connected Home: Reaching Critical Mass for the Grid? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/jeffstjohn/2231161/connected-home-reaching-critical-mass-grid

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Marijuana Growers Eyeing Conservation to Reduce Costs, Boost Image & Allay Energy Concerns (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-growers-eyeing-conservation-reduce-costs-improve-image-ease-energy-fears/

Oregon's Big Marijuana Harvests: How Do You Bring All That Pot into the Legal Market? (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2015/05/oregons_big_marijuana_harvests.html

Meet Washington State’s Official New Liquor & Cannabis Board (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Meet-the-states-new-Liquor-and-Cannabis-Board-304914491.html

Oldest, Best Behaved Medical Marijuana Shops Most Likely to Get Licensed (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/05/23/3805875_fate-of-medical-marijuana-shops.html?rh=1

British Columbia: Proposed Marijuana Grow-Op Will Overtax Water Supply, Maple Ridge Residents Say (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/proposed-marijuana-grow-op-will-overtax-water-supply-maple-ridge-residents-say-1.3084943

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Editorial: California’s Carbon Fees Generate Big Money (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/dan-walters/article22143216.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Oregon State University Solar Vehicle Team Faces Uncertain Future (Corvallis Gazette-Times, OR)

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/osu-solar-vehicle-team-faces-uncertain-future/article_5f2a9feb-4425-52f6-9319-4cb4fb93c422.html

Grant County Solar Cars Take to the Track (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/entertainment/solar-cars-take-to-the-track/article_a109c4cc-0000-11e5-9dc3-4f09ca697409.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

A $55 Billion Blockbuster: Charter Agrees to Buy Time Warner Cable (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2015/05/a-55b-blockbustercharter-agrees-to-buy-time-warner.html

Google Fiber, Portland Nonprofit Launch Fellowship Program to Expand Internet Access (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/05/google_fiber_portland_nonprofi.html

Bing No Longer a Search-Engine Blip (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/bing-no-longer-a-search-engine-blip/

Op/Ed: Broadband Competition, Cajun Style (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/05/21/3803110_broadband-competition-cajun-style.html?rh=1

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Giving Mariners Fans a Voice the Team Pays Attention To (KIRO-TV, Seattle)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2764812/Social-media-giving-Mariners-fans-a-voice-the-team-pays-attention-to

This Start-Up Is Helping the Government Keep Track of Social Media (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-it/this-start-up-is-helping-the-government-keep-track-of-social-media/2015/05/22/6107392e-fe4b-11e4-8b6c-0dcce21e223d_story.html?wprss=rss_technology

Make Your Infographics Stand Out (Electric Cooperative Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/trends-reports-analyses/make-your-infographics-stand-out/81340

Courting the Millennials: A How-To Guide, Courtesy of Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooks-profits/index.ssf/2015/05/courting_the_millennials_a_how.html

Amazon’s ‘Life in Seattle’ Recruiting Video Gets Satirized (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/amazons-life-in-seattle-recruiting-video-gets-satirized/

Tennessee Wanted Consistency but Elicited Mockery with Its New Logo – $46,000 for an icon ‘I could’ve made on MS Paint by accident’ (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/tennessee-wanted-consistency-elicited-mockery-its-new-logo-164941

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Marijuana, Real Estate Boost Washington Revenue Forecast (KUOW Radio, Seattle, WA)

http://kuow.org/post/marijuana-real-estate-boost-washington-revenue-forecast

GENERAL NEWS

Mason County Rescue: Hiker Rescued After Sliding 300 Feet below State's Highest Bridge (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Hiker-rescued-after-sliding-300-feet-beneath-High-Steel-Bridge-304904041.html

Two Different Washington State Employment Snapshots from King, Mason Counties (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/05/10/3781180_two-different-washington-state.html?rh=1

Celebrate Our Forests at the Mason County Forest Festival (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2015/05/26/mason-forest-festival/

No Charges against Science Teacher Who Harnessed 'Lightning' in Controversial Classroom Demonstration (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/05/no_charges_against_science_tea.html

Homicide Probe to be Launched into B.B. King's Death: Officials (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/26/us-usa-nevada-bbking-idUSKBN0OB0AI20150526

DIVERSIONS

‘Bear-Hugging’ Employee Stops Accused Shoplifter

http://koin.com/2015/05/25/bear-hugging-employee-stops-accused-shoplifter/

‘It Was Just a Pain That I Have Never Felt Before,’ Woman Undergoes Emergency Surgery after BBQ

http://q13fox.com/2015/05/26/it-was-just-a-pain-that-i-have-never-felt-before-woman-undergoes-emergency-surgery-after-bbq/

Woman Uses Obituary to Say Brady Innocent in 'Deflategate'

http://news.yahoo.com/woman-uses-obituary-brady-innocent-deflategate-050326327.html

Oregon Community Takes Unusual Approach to Sea Lion Problem

http://news.yahoo.com/oregon-community-takes-unusual-approach-sea-lion-problem-173624900.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Queen – Killer Queen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULZ9oCwY1pA

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.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Energy News Digest for May 14, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for May 14, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/mcfedyy

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

New Electrical Meters Coming to Grant PUD Customers (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/news/new-electrical-meters-coming-to-pud-customers/article_417403ba-f9c0-11e4-9fcf-4764d553fb93.html

Cowlitz River Dams Built to Withstand Most Earthquakes (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.chronline.com/crime/article_81d6fdc8-f8cf-11e4-9b2a-73888de70b76.html

Mason PUD 3 Fiber – Fast Internet Coming to a Home near You (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/2014-04-07-17-28-24/daybreak/22954-fast-internet-coming-to-a-home-near-you

British Columbia: Victoria Releases Potential Sites for Sewage Treatment Plant (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/victoria-releases-potential-sites-for-sewage-treatment-plant/article24425227/?cmpid=rss1

Former Washington State Auditor Says Kelley Should Be Impeached (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/former-washington-auditor-says-kelley-should-be-impeached

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

New Electrical Meters Coming to Grant PUD Customers
Cowlitz River Dams Built to Withstand Most Earthquakes
NRC Orders more Research on Earthquake Risk at Nuclear Power Plants
Portland Environmental Groups Call on Port to Drop $500 Million Propane Facility Support
Okanogan PUD Warns of Scam
'Spectacular, Bizarre' Crash Injures Two, Knocks Out Power in Oregon
Idaho: Weiser’s in Power – Rates Stay Low for Consumers in City That Manages Own Electricity
Sacramento Municipal Utility District: Time-of-Use Is the Future of Rate Design
California ISO Says Power Supply Adequate for Summer
With Air Standards in Effect, Coal Unit Retirements to Hit Peak in 2015
Regulators: More Delays Possible for Georgia Nuclear Plant
As Smart Advanced Meters Spread, Alternative Rate Plans Gain Traction
Minnesota: Judge Orders New Power Lines in Crow Wing Power Stray Voltage Case
Op/Ed: Climate Scientists Get Respect, So Why Don't Nuclear Scientists?
Asian Demand Turning Puget Sound's Geoducks into Gold
Final Two Razor Clam Digs of Season Cancelled
British Columbia: Victoria Releases Potential Sites for Sewage Treatment Plant
U-S Senator Wyden Introduces Bill to Boost Biomass Production
Tesla Powerwall Battery Attracted $800 Million in Reservations in First Week
Tesla's New Battery Doesn't Work That Well with Solar Yet
What’s in a Name? That Which We Call a Solar Microgrid is by Any Other Name a Solar Installation
Pacific Gas & Electric Inks $90 Million Contract with Opower
Large Banks Say Cannabis Business Risks Still Outweigh Benefits
Good News! Climate Change Could Make Weed More Potent
U.K. Company Cultivates Controversy in British Columbia Interior
Climate Forecasters: El Niño Is Here to Stay
In Clean Fuels Fight, Oregon Republicans Say They Haven't Wavered
SolaRoad Performs Better Than Expected, Remains Pointless
Mason PUD 3 Fiber – Fast Internet Coming to a Home near You
Mason PUD 3 Broadband Expo: Learn About Your Connection Options
Municipal Broadband in Seattle? New Group Lobbies City for Public Internet
Samsung Announces New Push into Internet-Connected Gadgets
The Internet of Things: Game Changer or Hype?
For Most Countries, a Nationwide Internet Outage is a Big Deal – For North Korea, It’s Routine
Op/Ed: Obama's Broadband Legacy
KitKat Changes Its Name to 'YouTube Break' on 600,000 Candy Wrappers
Former Washington State Auditor Says Kelley Should Be Impeached
Fed Up, Nikki Haley Turns Her Web Site into a Wall of Shame for Nearly Every Lawmaker in Her State
Fifteen “Now” Advocates Disrupt Thurston Chamber Meeting over Minimum Wage
Woman Fired after Disabling GPS on Work Phone

WORD OF THE DAY

Procrustean • \pruh-KRUSS-tee-un\ • adjective – 1: of, relating to, or typical of Procrustes *2: marked by arbitrary often ruthless disregard of individual differences or special circumstances

Amber was insistent with the nosy store clerk that the dress foisted upon her did NOT fit. In her best procrustean manner, the clerk urged Amber to suck in her gut, wiggle into the dress and “accept it for the size it is.” “After all, sniffed the snooty clerk, fashion knows no size.” “Tell that to Tyra Banks,” muttered the irritated Amber.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

New Electrical Meters Coming to Grant PUD Customers (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/news/new-electrical-meters-coming-to-pud-customers/article_417403ba-f9c0-11e4-9fcf-4764d553fb93.html

Cowlitz River Dams Built to Withstand Most Earthquakes (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA – Paywall Advisory)

http://www.chronline.com/crime/article_81d6fdc8-f8cf-11e4-9b2a-73888de70b76.html

NRC Orders more Research on Earthquake Risk at Nuclear Power Plants (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/29065398/nrc-orders-more-research-on-earthquake-risk-at-nuke-plants

Portland Environmental Groups Call on Port to Drop $500 Million Propane Facility Support (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/05/portland-environmental-groups-call-on-port-to-drop.html

Okanogan PUD Warns of Scam (Omak Chronicle, WA)

http://www.omakchronicle.com/news/2015/may/13/pud-warns-scam/

'Spectacular, Bizarre' Crash Injures Two, Knocks Out Power in Oregon (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/2-injured-during-spectacular-and-bizarre-crash-in-Oregon-303615231.html

Idaho: Weiser’s in Power – Rates Stay Low for Consumers in City That Manages Own Electricity (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)

http://www.argusobserver.com/news/weiser-s-in-power/article_892ea992-fa58-11e4-b32e-63c2ccc7c525.html

Sacramento Municipal Utility District: Time-of-Use Is the Future of Rate Design – After a pilot, the utility determined such rates should be the default for all customers (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/smud-time-of-use-is-the-future-of-rate-design/397098/

California ISO Says Power Supply Adequate for Summer (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article20833938.html

With Air Standards in Effect, Coal Unit Retirements to Hit Peak in 2015 (SNL Financial)

https://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/Article.aspx?cdid=A-32607383-10040

Regulators: More Delays Possible for Georgia Nuclear Plant (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Regulators-More-delays-possible-for-Georgia-6261195.php

As ~~Smart~~ Advanced Meters Spread, Alternative Rate Plans Gain Traction (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/as-smart-meters-spread-alternative-rate-plans-gain-traction/397236/

Minnesota: Judge Orders New Power Lines in Crow Wing Power Stray Voltage Case (Brainerd Dispatch, MN)

http://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/3743531-judge-orders-new-power-lines-crow-wing-power-stray-voltage-case

Op/Ed: Climate Scientists Get Respect, So Why Don't Nuclear Scientists? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2015/05/14/why-dont-nuclear-scientists-get-any-respect/?ss=energy

FISH & WILDLIFE

Asian Demand Turning Puget Sound's Geoducks into Gold (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Asian-demand-turning-Puget-Sounds-geoducks-into-gold-303764371.html

Final Two Razor Clam Digs of Season Cancelled (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://www.kxro.com/final-two-digs-of-season-cancelled/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

British Columbia: Victoria Releases Potential Sites for Sewage Treatment Plant (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/victoria-releases-potential-sites-for-sewage-treatment-plant/article24425227/?cmpid=rss1

RENEWABLE ENERGY

U-S Senator Wyden Introduces Bill to Boost Biomass Production (East Oregonian, Pendleton, OR)

http://www.eastoregonian.com/eo/local-news/20150513/wyden-introduces-bill-to-boost-biomass-production

Tesla Powerwall Battery Attracted $800 Million in Reservations in First Week (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_28077784/tesla-powerwall-battery-attracted-800-million-reservations-first

Tesla's New Battery Doesn't Work That Well with Solar Yet (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_28081056/teslas-new-battery-doesnt-work-that-well-solar

What’s in a Name? That Which We Call a Solar Microgrid is by Any Other Name a Solar Installation (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/05/whats-in-a-name-that-which-we-call-a-solar-microgrid-is-by-any-other-name-a-solar-installation?cmpid=rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Pacific Gas & Electric Inks $90 Million Contract with Opower (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-inks-90m-contract-with-opower/397732/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Large Banks Say Cannabis Business Risks Still Outweigh Benefits (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/large-banks-say-cannabis-business-risks-still-outweigh-benefits/

Good News! Climate Change Could Make Weed More Potent (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/climate-energy/good-news-climate-change-could-make-weed-more-potent/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

U.K. Company Cultivates Controversy in British Columbia Interior – Plan to offset carbon emissions by planting trees on farmland has locals worried (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/affordability/company+cultivates+controversy+Interior/11050412/story.html

Climate Forecasters: El Niño Is Here to Stay (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2015/05/14/el-nino-is-here-to-stay/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

In Clean Fuels Fight, Oregon Republicans Say They Haven't Wavered (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/05/in-clean-fuels-fight-oregon-republicans-say-they.html

SolaRoad Performs Better Than Expected, Remains Pointless (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/05/13/solaroad-performs-better-than-expected-remains-pointless/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Mason PUD 3 Fiber – Fast Internet Coming to a Home near You (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/2014-04-07-17-28-24/daybreak/22954-fast-internet-coming-to-a-home-near-you

Mason PUD 3 Broadband Expo: Learn About Your Connection Options (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/2014-04-07-17-28-24/daybreak/22973-broadband-expo-learn-about-your-connection-options

Municipal Broadband in Seattle? New Group Lobbies City for Public Internet (Geekwire)

http://www.geekwire.com/2015/municipal-broadband-in-seattle-new-group-lobbies-city-leaders-for-public-internet/

Samsung Announces New Push into Internet-Connected Gadgets (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Samsung-announces-new-push-into-6258492.php

The Internet of Things: Game Changer or Hype? (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/radio/programs/thinkoutloud/segment/the-internet-of-things-game-changer-or-hype/

For Most Countries, a Nationwide Internet Outage is a Big Deal – For North Korea, It’s Routine (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/05/11/for-most-countries-a-nationwide-internet-outage-is-a-big-deal-for-north-korea-its-routine/?wprss=rss_technology

Op/Ed: Obama's Broadband Legacy (Huffington Post)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-m-eger/obamas-broadband-legacy_b_7191210.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

KitKat Changes Its Name to 'YouTube Break' on 600,000 Candy Wrappers (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/kitkat-changes-its-name-youtube-break-600000-candy-wrappers-164731

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Former Washington State Auditor Says Kelley Should Be Impeached (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/former-washington-auditor-says-kelley-should-be-impeached

Fed Up, Nikki Haley Turns Her Web Site into a Wall of Shame for Nearly Every Lawmaker in Her State (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/05/13/fed-up-nikki-haley-turns-her-web-site-into-a-wall-of-shame-for-nearly-every-lawmaker-in-her-state/

GENERAL NEWS

Fifteen “Now” Advocates Disrupt Thurston Chamber Meeting over Minimum Wage (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/May-2015/15-Now-advocates-disrupt-Thurston-Chamber-meeting/

Woman Fired after Disabling GPS on Work Phone (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2015/05/13/woman-fired-after-disabling-gps-on-work-phone/

DIVERSIONS

Please Don't Drunkenly Chase the Bears, Massachusetts Police Urge

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/12/us-massachusetts-bears-idUSKBN0NX21M20150512

Jets Fans on Patriots Quarterback: Just Call Him 'Tom Shady'

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/12874836/new-york-jets-fans-use-billboards-take-shot-new-england-patriots-quarterback-tom-brady

Police: Man Pitched a Condiment-Throwing Fit over Rest Stop’s Lack of Macaroni & Cheese, Potatoes

http://consumerist.com/2015/05/14/police-man-pitched-a-condiment-throwing-fit-over-rest-stops-lack-of-macaroni-cheese-potatoes/

Oops! Billboard Mistakenly Claims Pot Sold at Real Estate Office

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Oops-Billboard-mistakenly-claims-pot-sold-at-real-estate-office-303687991.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Elton John - Bennie and the Jets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5rQHoaQpTw

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.

The Energy News Digest

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Energy News Digest for May 27, 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Energy News Digest for May 26, 2015

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Energy News Digest for May 14, 2015

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