The Energy News Digest: July 2015

Idaho Falls Power Pays Off Bonds, Gets Ready for Rate Reduction & ‘Bond Fire’
New Bonneville Power Administration Rates Could Impact Mason PUD 1 Rates This Winter
Vegas-Area Coal Plant Owners to Pay $4.3 Million to Settle Lawsuit
Electricity from Natural Gas Surpasses Coal for First Time, But Just for One Month
U-S Senate Panel Advances Broad Energy Bill
Salmon Habitat Protected In E. Idaho Bonneville Power Administration Conservation Easement
Fraser River Sockeye Return Still Lagging Behind Preseason Forecast
Op/Ed: Sockeye Death Toll a Predictable Disaster
Warm Water 'Blob' Invades Puget Sound
Alcoa Fined over Columbia River Discharge
Effluent Levels in Spokane River Higher Due to Drought
Epic Drought Reveals Lake Mead's Hidden Historic Sites
Franklin PUD Plans New Solar Carport
Hydropower: The Renewable Energy Source That’s About to Boom Again
Need a Weatherman – Though Wind Generation Is Growing Fast, Much Remains Wrong with the Industry
Feds to Vacate Energy Efficiency Rule for Commercial Walk-In Coolers & Freezers, Industry Group Says
Customers Want to Control Energy Use as They Use iPads
Northwest Senators Push to Open Banking to Cannabis Businesses
Pot-Centric Colorado Credit Union Sues Federal Reserve Bank for Denying Account
Editorial: California – Growing Pot Outdoors Is Indeed a Waste of Water
California: $2.2 Million Approved for 12 Bay Area Hydrogen Refueling Stations
This Idea by the FCC is Terrifying Apple, Amazon & Microsoft
Facebook to Test 747-Sized Drones That Will Beam Broadband to the Entire World
Cable Companies Refuse to Reveal How Much They Make Off of Set-Top Boxes
Broadband for Baltimore
Google Fights Effort to Apply ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ Ruling Worldwide
Tough Week for Social Media Stocks – No One is Spared
Boeing Chairman Threatens to Move Operations Overseas over Political Flap
Judge Hits Greenpeace with $2,500 per Hour Fine for Blocking Portland Exit of Shell Icebreaker
Man Reported Missing In Puget Sound Found Alive, Well
Counties Finding Texts to 911 Mostly Bogus, Misdials
Russell Wilson, Seahawks Reach Contract Extension
As Americans Figure Out the Roundabout, It Spreads Across the U-S

WORD OF THE DAY

Unfettered • \un-FETT-terd\ • Adjective – Free, unrestrained

Unfettered ferret

Swirls and dances for his treats

Count fingers, post treat

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Idaho Falls Power Pays Off Bonds, Gets Ready for Rate Reduction & ‘Bond Fire’ (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=44276

New Bonneville Power Administration Rates Could Impact Mason PUD 1 Rates This Winter (Mason Web-TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/16356

Vegas-Area Coal Plant Owners to Pay $4.3 Million to Settle Lawsuit (ABC News)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/vegas-area-coal-plant-owners-pay-43m-settle-32788429

Electricity from Natural Gas Surpasses Coal for First Time, But Just for One Month (U-S Energy Information Administration)

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=22312

U-S Senate Panel Advances Broad Energy Bill (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/senate-panel-advances-broad-energy-bill/article/2569264?custom_click=rss

FISH & WILDLIFE

Salmon Habitat Protected In E. Idaho Bonneville Power Administration Conservation Easement (Associated Press)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/salmon-habitat-protected-e-idaho-conservation-ease/nm9Qw/

Fraser River Sockeye Return Still Lagging Behind Preseason Forecast (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/fraser-river-sockeye-return-still-lagging-behind-preseason-forecast/

Op/Ed: Sockeye Death Toll a Predictable Disaster (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/07/31/3917661_guest-opinion-sockeye-death-toll.html?rh=1

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Warm Water 'Blob' Invades Puget Sound (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/07/30/blob-in-puget-sound/30916753/

Alcoa Fined over Columbia River Discharge (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=30471

Effluent Levels in Spokane River Higher Due to Drought (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/effluent-levels-in-spokane-river-higher-due-to-drought/34451222

Epic Drought Reveals Lake Mead's Hidden Historic Sites (CBS News)

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drought-increases-tourism-nevada-lake-mead-historic-sites-revealed/?ftag=YHF4eb9d17

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Franklin PUD Plans New Solar Carport (KVEW-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.kvewtv.com/article/2015/jul/30/franklin-pud-plans-new-solar-carport/

Hydropower: The Renewable Energy Source That’s About to Boom Again (TIME Magazine)

http://time.com/3978215/hydropower-us-growth/

Need a Weatherman – Though Wind Generation Is Growing Fast, Much Remains Wrong with the Industry (The Economist)

http://www.economist.com/news/china/21660164-though-wind-generation-growing-fast-much-remains-wrong-industry-need-weatherman?fsrc=rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Feds to Vacate Energy Efficiency Rule for Commercial Walk-In Coolers & Freezers, Industry Group Says (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/249905-energy-department-reaches-settlement-in-case-challenging-walk

Customers Want to Control Energy Use as They Use iPads (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=44274

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Northwest Senators Push to Open Banking to Cannabis Businesses (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/northwest-senators-push-open-banking-cannabis-businesses

Pot-Centric Colorado Credit Union Sues Federal Reserve Bank for Denying Account (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/07/31/pot-centric-colorado-credit-union-sues-federal-reserve-bank-for-denying-account/

Editorial: California – Growing Pot Outdoors Is Indeed a Waste of Water (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article29598118.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

California: $2.2 Million Approved for 12 Bay Area Hydrogen Refueling Stations (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_28561589/2-2m-approved-bay-area-hydrogen-refueling-stations

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

This Idea by the FCC is Terrifying Apple, Amazon & Microsoft (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/07/30/this-idea-by-the-fcc-is-terrifying-apple-amazon-and-microsoft/?wprss=rss_technology

Facebook to Test 747-Sized Drones That Will Beam Broadband to the Entire World (The Independent, UK)

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/facebook-is-building-747sized-drones-that-will-beam-broadband-to-the-entire-world-10138542.html

Cable Companies Refuse to Reveal How Much They Make Off of Set-Top Boxes (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/07/31/cable-companies-refuse-to-reveal-how-much-they-make-off-of-set-top-boxes/

Broadband for Baltimore (Baltimore Sun, MD)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-baltimore-broadband-20150726-story.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Fights Effort to Apply ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ Ruling Worldwide (NY Times)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/google-fights-effort-to-apply-right-to-be-forgotten-ruling-worldwide/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Tough Week for Social Media Stocks – No One is Spared (Associated Press)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/business/national/tough-week-for-social-media-stocks-no-one-is-spared/article_339f59b1-d08c-580e-8863-131804238ea3.html

GENERAL NEWS

Boeing Chairman Threatens to Move Operations Overseas over Political Flap (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/07/boeing_chairman_threatens_to_m.html

Judge Hits Greenpeace with $2,500 per Hour Fine for Blocking Portland Exit of Shell Icebreaker (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/judge-hits-greenpeace-2500-hour-fine-blocking-exit-shell-icebreaker

Man Reported Missing In Puget Sound Found Alive, Well (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2015/07/31/man-reported-missing-in-puget-sound-found-alive-well/

Counties Finding Texts to 911 Mostly Bogus, Misdials (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Counties-finding-texts-to-911-mostly-bogus-misdials--319687161.html

Russell Wilson, Seahawks Reach Contract Extension (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2015/07/31/russell-wilson-contract-extension-seahawks/30930175/

As Americans Figure Out the Roundabout, It Spreads Across the U-S (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/31/automobiles/wheels/as-americans-figure-out-the-roundabout-it-spreads-across-the-us.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

DIVERSIONS

90 Percent of Beer in the U-S is Made by These 11 Companies: Bottoms Up

http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2015/07/90_percent_of_beer_in_the_us_i.html

Blue Moon Celebrates 20th Birthday on Actual Blue Moon

http://www.9news.com/story/life/events/2015/07/31/blue-moon-anniversary/30925879/

Why Buffalo's Dirty Snow Pile Still Hasn't Melted Yet

http://gizmodo.com/why-havent-these-dirty-piles-of-snow-melted-already-1720866704

Washington State Man Arrested after Bizarre Standoff Involving Banjo

http://q13fox.com/2015/07/27/washington-man-arrested-after-bizarre-standoff-involving-banjo/

SONG OF THE DAY

This…Is…Awesome!!!

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin – Foggy Mountain Breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMTVV5Lwaw

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.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 30, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 30, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/pap642p

Red Flag Warning for Olympic Mountains

http://tinyurl.com/o4fm8m2

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST BLOG & TWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Mason PUD 3 Analyzing New Bonneville Power Administration Rates; Increase Coming (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/16345

Washington State Governor Issues Executive Order to Cap Carbon Emissions (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-gov-inslee-issues-executive-order-to-cap-carbon-emissions/403144/

Bonneville Power Administration Shares Tips on Coping with Hottest Day of Year (Go Local PDX)

http://www.golocalpdx.com/health/bpa-shares-tips-on-coping-with-hottest-day-of-year

Mason in the Cold – Hot Vs. Cold Housing Markets in Western Washington (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/07/29/the-few-buyers-markets-in-our-area/30858351/

Washington State Drought Provides “Critical Condition” Data for Hydrologists (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/drought-provides-critical-condition-data-hydrologists

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

Mason PUD 3 Analyzing New Bonneville Power Administration Rates; Increase Coming
Seattle City Light Proposes New Substation in South Lake Union
Could Next-Gen Reactors Spark Revival in Nuclear Power?
Customer Education is Key to Successful Smart Utility Initiatives
Nimby Nation: The High Cost to America of Saying No to Everything
‘I Am Trying to Save a Company’: FirstEnergy CEO Calls for Re-Regulation in Ohio
Missouri Regulators Looking into Decoupling Utility Revenues & Profits
Idaho: First Sockeye Salmon of Year Returns to Redfish Lake Creek
British Columbia: First Nations Tribal Council Suspends Okanagan Sockeye Salmon Fishery
In Drought, Conflict Emerges Between Fish & Man
Washington State Drought Provides “Critical Condition” Data for Hydrologists
Residents Fight for North Side of Mt. Hood
Port Angeles City Council Decides on Fluoridation Poll by Mail Rather Than Ballot Item
If Wind Energy is ‘Strong,’ Why Does It Need Subsidies?
California: Wind Farm Signs Deal with Edison
Can SolarCity Crack the Code on Small Commercial Solar?
Bonneville Power Administration Shares Tips on Coping with Hottest Day of Year
Trying to Keep Cool? Tips to Maintain Air Conditioning Units
Energy Adviser: Ductless Heat Pumps Are Coolers on Hot Days
Estimating Appliance & Home Electronic Energy Use
Native American Tribes Set to Begin Marijuana Sales
Washington State Governor Issues Executive Order to Cap Carbon Emissions
Inslee Says Cap Would Hit Washington State’s Largest Carbon Sources, Including Gas Distributors
Critics Say a Washington State Carbon Cap Would Raise Gas, Utility Bills
BMW’s Plan to Prevent Electric Cars from Overwhelming the Grid
Windows 10 Release May Break Internet Traffic Records
Beautiful Video Explains How Light’s Been Harnessed for Communication
Facebook is Tech’s It Company: Column
PicMonkey Grabs $41 Million Investment
Mason in the Cold – Hot Vs. Cold Housing Markets in Western Washington
Small Washington State Exporters ‘Kneecapped’ by Loss of Export-Import Bank
Greenpeace Protesters Dangle from Portland Bridge
Indian Ocean Debris Almost Certainly from Boeing 777: Malaysia
Washington State Cranberry Growers Anxious for Fall Rain at Harvest
‘New Yorker’ Magazine Tries to Calm Seattle’s Fears after Terrifying Earthquake Story

WORD OF THE DAY

Conundrum • \kuh-NUN-drum\ • Noun – 1: a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun 2a: a question or problems having only a conjectural answer b: an intricate and difficult problem

Cut, borrow, or tax

Congressional conundrum

The best we can do?

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Mason PUD 3 Analyzing New Bonneville Power Administration Rates; Increase Coming (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/16345

Seattle City Light Proposes New Substation in South Lake Union (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/city-light-proposes-new-substation-south-lake-unio/nm89J/

Could Next-Gen Reactors Spark Revival in Nuclear Power? (National Geographic)

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/07/150724-next-gen-reactors-seek-to-revive-nuclear-power/

Customer Education is Key to Successful Smart Utility Initiatives (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/07/30/customer-education-is-key-to-successful-smart-utility-initiatives/

Nimby Nation: The High Cost to America of Saying No to Everything (Forbes Magazine – CAVE People = Citizens Against Virtually Everything)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2015/07/30/nimby-nation-the-high-cost-to-america-of-saying-no-to-everything/?ss=energy

‘I Am Trying to Save a Company’: FirstEnergy CEO Calls for Re-Regulation in Ohio (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/i-am-trying-to-save-a-company-firstenergy-ceo-calls-for-re-regulation-in/403164/

Missouri Regulators Looking into Decoupling Utility Revenues & Profits (Midwest Energy News)

http://midwestenergynews.com/2015/07/30/missouri-regulators-looking-into-decoupling-utility-revenues-and-profits/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Idaho: First Sockeye Salmon of Year Returns to Redfish Lake Creek (Associated Press)

http://newsradio1310.com/first-sockeye-salmon-of-year-returns-to-redfish-lake-creek/

British Columbia: First Nations Tribal Council Suspends Okanagan Sockeye Salmon Fishery (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/first-nations-tribal-council-suspends-okanagan-sockeye-salmon-fishery/article25769695/?cmpid=rss1

In Drought, Conflict Emerges Between Fish & Man (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/07/drought-forces-difficult-questions-on-washingtons-fish/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Washington State Drought Provides “Critical Condition” Data for Hydrologists (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/drought-provides-critical-condition-data-hydrologists

Residents Fight for North Side of Mt. Hood (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/07/29/residents-fight-for-north-side-of-mt-hood.htm

Port Angeles City Council Decides on Fluoridation Poll by Mail Rather Than Ballot Item (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150730/news/307309974/port-angeles-city-council-decides-on-fluoridation-poll-by-mail-rather

RENEWABLE ENERGY

If Wind Energy is ‘Strong,’ Why Does It Need Subsidies? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2015/0729/If-wind-energy-is-strong-why-does-it-need-subsidies

California: Wind Farm Signs Deal with Edison (San Diego Union-Tribune, CA)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jul/29/tule-wind-farm-contract-signed/

Can SolarCity Crack the Code on Small Commercial Solar? (The Energy Collective)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/eric-wesoff/2254512/can-solarcity-crack-code-small-commercial-solar

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Bonneville Power Administration Shares Tips on Coping with Hottest Day of Year (Go Local PDX)

http://www.golocalpdx.com/health/bpa-shares-tips-on-coping-with-hottest-day-of-year

Trying to Keep Cool? Tips to Maintain Air Conditioning Units (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

http://koin.com/2015/07/29/trying-to-keep-cool-tips-to-maintain-ac-units/

Energy Adviser: Ductless Heat Pumps Are Coolers on Hot Days (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/jul/30/ductless-heat-pumps-are-coolers-on-hot-days/

Estimating Appliance & Home Electronic Energy Use (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/07/29/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use-3/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Native American Tribes Set to Begin Marijuana Sales (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/07/29/3671296_indian-tribes-set-to-begin-marijuana.html?rh=1

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State Governor Issues Executive Order to Cap Carbon Emissions (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-gov-inslee-issues-executive-order-to-cap-carbon-emissions/403144/

Inslee Says Cap Would Hit Washington State’s Largest Carbon Sources, Including Gas Distributors (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article29527189.html

Critics Say a Washington State Carbon Cap Would Raise Gas, Utility Bills (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/politics/2015/07/29/inslee-carbon-cap-gas-prices-ericksen/30843835/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

BMW’s Plan to Prevent Electric Cars from Overwhelming the Grid (The Atlantic)

http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/07/bmws-plan-to-prevent-electric-cars-from-overwhelming-the-grid/399821/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Windows 10 Release May Break Internet Traffic Records (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Windows-10-Release-May-Break-Internet-Traffic-Records-134646

Beautiful Video Explains How Light’s Been Harnessed for Communication (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/beautiful-video-explains-how-lights-been-harnessed-for-1721021935

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook is Tech’s It Company: Column (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2015/07/29/facebook-google-microsoft-twitter-youtube-tech-amazon--column/30500175/

PicMonkey Grabs $41 Million Investment (TechCrunch)

http://techcrunch.com/2015/07/30/picmonkey-grabs-41-million-investment/

GENERAL NEWS

Mason in the Cold – Hot Vs. Cold Housing Markets in Western Washington (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/07/29/the-few-buyers-markets-in-our-area/30858351/

Small Washington State Exporters ‘Kneecapped’ by Loss of Export-Import Bank (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2015/07/29/small-washington-state-exporters-kneecapped-by.html

Greenpeace Protesters Dangle from Portland Bridge (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/greenpeace-protesters-dangle-portland-bridge

Indian Ocean Debris Almost Certainly from Boeing 777: Malaysia (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/30/us-malaysia-airlines-crash-reunion-idUSKCN0Q32EM20150730

Washington State Cranberry Growers Anxious for Fall Rain at Harvest (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article29527552.html

‘New Yorker’ Magazine Tries to Calm Seattle’s Fears after Terrifying Earthquake Story (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2789962/aposNew-Yorkerapos-tries-to-calm-Seattleaposs-fears-after-terrifying-earthquake-story

DIVERSIONS

Waters for Rio de Janiero’s 2016 Olympics Are ‘Basically Raw Sewage’

http://mashable.com/2015/07/30/rio-olympic-waters-sewage/

New Hampshire Baby Receives Lifetime Hunting-Fishing License

http://news.yahoo.com/hampshire-baby-receives-lifetime-hunting-fishing-license-150219051.html

Three Sets of Twins Born Same Day at Montana Hospital

http://news.yahoo.com/3-sets-twins-born-same-day-montana-hospital-201102065.html

Florida Man Wins Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in Key West

http://news.yahoo.com/florida-man-wins-hemingway-look-alike-contest-key-165410593.html

SONG OF THE DAY

The Standells – Dirty Water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JLNnXgQeqU

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.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 29, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 29, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/o257fft

Special Weather Statement for Mason County

http://tinyurl.com/ovvxx92

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

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Businesses Wary as Inslee Rolls Out Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Washington State (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2015/07/29/businesses-wary-asinslee-rolls-out-plan-to-reduce.html

Avista Electric Rates Too High, Say Two Washington State Agencies (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jul/29/avista-electric-rates-too-high-say-two-state/

55,000 Streetlights, $1.5 Million in Savings: Portland LED Project Sets a Solid Pace (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/07/55-000-streetlights-1-5m-in-savings-portland-led.html

British Columbia: Sockeye Face ‘Catastrophic’ Collapse in South Okanagan (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sockeye-face-catastrophic-collapse-in-south-okanagan-1.3171768?cmp=rss

Still Offline: U-S Non-Internet Users Stuck at 15 Percent (Yahoo! Tech)

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/still-offline-us-non-internet-users-stuck-15-182508643.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

Avista Electric Rates Too High, Say Two Washington State Agencies
Franklin PUD to Increase Rate This Fall
Franklin PUD Commission Approves Rate Action
BPA Rates, Community Solar – Mason PUD 3 Commission Report – July 28, 2015 Business Meeting
Oregon: Columbia County Electric Rates Rise as Water Levels Fall
Portland General Electric Earnings Flat, Revenue Up as Company Stays on Track
California: Environmental Hurdle Adds a Year to SMUD’s Massive $800 Million Hydroelectric Project
Which Countries Have The Most Nuclear Reactors Under Construction?
Stealing Electricity to Power Phones is a Crime, But Solution Offered for Homeless Women
British Columbia: Sockeye Face ‘Catastrophic’ Collapse in South Okanagan
100,000 Fish Die from Drought at Green River Hatchery
Lake Wenatchee Sockeye Salmon Fishery to Open
Some Man-Made Rock Dams Being Removed from Area Rivers
Oregon Passes Sage Grouse Development Rules
Yakima Basin Water Plan Heads for U-S Senate Panel
Seattle Running Out of Water Quicker Than We Thought
55,000 Streetlights, $1.5 Million in Savings: Portland LED Project Sets a Solid Pace
Businesses Wary as Inslee Rolls Out Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Washington State
Inslee: I’ll Use My Authority to Impose Cap on Emissions in Washington State
Later Deadline Expected in Obama’s Climate Plan
Mayor Details Portland’s Plans to Battle Climate Change Following Vatican Trip
New Quick-Charging Station ‘Electric Avenue’ Opens in Portland
Still Offline: U-S Non-Internet Users Stuck at 15 Percent
Microsoft Launches Windows 10 with an Eye on Mobile Market
Twitter Shares Fall as Growth of Monthly Users Slows
Facebook’s Ascent Has Investors Betting on More Gains
Court Rejects Claim over Goat Goring in Olympic National Park
Washington State to Sell Former Island Park to Squaxin Island Tribe
Washington State Patrol Considers Larger Academy Class Size

WORD OF THE DAY

Fettle • \FET-tull\ • noun – State or condition of health, fitness, wholeness, spirit, or form.

“You are in fine fettle this morning,” chirped the attentive stenographer to her grumpy supervisor. “The old trout normally stumps in, all hunched over,” mused the rosy-cheeked employee. “Today she looks positively dewey. I wonder if that trip to the casino last night was profitable.”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Avista Electric Rates Too High, Say Two Washington State Agencies (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jul/29/avista-electric-rates-too-high-say-two-state/

Franklin PUD to Increase Rate This Fall (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/07/28/3670169/franklin-pud-to-increase-rate.html

Franklin PUD Commission Approves Rate Action (Franklin PUD, Pasco, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2015/07/franklin-pud-commission-approves-rate.html

BPA Rates, Community Solar – Mason PUD 3 Commission Report – July 28, 2015 Business Meeting (Mason PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?newsid=1527

Oregon: Columbia County Electric Rates Rise as Water Levels Fall (St Helens Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thechronicleonline.com/news_paid/electric-rates-rise-as-water-levels-fall/article_93f15996-3582-11e5-aa17-f339a569a81c.html

Portland General Electric Earnings Flat, Revenue Up as Company Stays on Track (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/07/pge-earnings-flat-revenue-up-as-company-stays-on.html

California: Environmental Hurdle Adds a Year to SMUD’s Massive $800 Million Hydroelectric Project (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2015/07/29/environmental-hurdle-adds-a-year-to-smuds-massive.html

Which Countries Have The Most Nuclear Reactors Under Construction? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2015/07/29/which-countries-have-the-most-nuclear-reactors-under-construction-infographic/?ss=energy

Stealing Electricity to Power Phones is a Crime, But Solution Offered for Homeless Women (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/07/stealing_a_pennys_worth_of_ele.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

British Columbia: Sockeye Face ‘Catastrophic’ Collapse in South Okanagan (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sockeye-face-catastrophic-collapse-in-south-okanagan-1.3171768?cmp=rss

100,000 Fish Die from Drought at Green River Hatchery (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/fish-die-from-drought-at-green-river-hatchery/article_883eb08b-9abe-5243-b11e-715a0f7012c6.html

Lake Wenatchee Sockeye Salmon Fishery to Open (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/319027821.html

Some Man-Made Rock Dams Being Removed from Area Rivers (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Some-man-made-rock-dams-being-removed-from-area-rivers-319080971.html

Oregon Passes Sage Grouse Development Rules (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/oregon-passes-sage-grouse-development-rules

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Yakima Basin Water Plan Heads for U-S Senate Panel (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/yakima-basin-water-plan-heads-for-senate-panel/article_b71d3d28-35b8-11e5-8992-cf723372344a.html

Seattle Running Out of Water Quicker Than We Thought (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2789562/Seattle-running-out-of-water-quicker-than-we-thought

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

55,000 Streetlights, $1.5 Million in Savings: Portland LED Project Sets a Solid Pace (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/07/55-000-streetlights-1-5m-in-savings-portland-led.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Businesses Wary as Inslee Rolls Out Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Washington State (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2015/07/29/businesses-wary-asinslee-rolls-out-plan-to-reduce.html

Inslee: I’ll Use My Authority to Impose Cap on Emissions in Washington State (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/inslee-acts-to-cap-carbon-emissions/?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=Newsline&utm_campaign=Newsline

Later Deadline Expected in Obama’s Climate Plan (NY Times)

http://tinyurl.com/odte7zo

Mayor Details Portland’s Plans to Battle Climate Change Following Vatican Trip (KUOW Radio, Seattle, WA)

http://kuow.org/post/mayor-details-portlands-plans-battle-climate-change-following-vatican-trip

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

New Quick-Charging Station ‘Electric Avenue’ Opens in Portland (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/green/2015/07/28/new-quick-charging-station-electric-avenue-opens-in-portland/30795619/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Still Offline: U-S Non-Internet Users Stuck at 15 Percent (Yahoo! Tech)

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/still-offline-us-non-internet-users-stuck-15-182508643.html

Microsoft Launches Windows 10 with an Eye on Mobile Market (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/29/us-microsoft-launch-windows-idUSKCN0Q318720150729

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Shares Fall as Growth of Monthly Users Slows (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/28/us-twitter-results-idUSKCN0Q22DR20150728

Facebook’s Ascent Has Investors Betting on More Gains (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/facebooks-ascent-investors-betting-more-gains-151819228--finance.html

GENERAL NEWS

Court Rejects Claim over Goat Goring in Olympic National Park (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jul/29/court-rejects-claim-over-goat-goring-in-olympic/

Washington State to Sell Former Island Park to Squaxin Island Tribe (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article28658533.html

Washington State Patrol Considers Larger Academy Class Size (Associated Press)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-state-patrol-considers-larger-academy-class-size/

DIVERSIONS

First Blue Moon since 2012 Will Cross Sky on Friday

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article29258752.html#emlnl=Morning_Newsletter

Seven Incredible Viewpoints & Stops Along Hood Canal

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2015/07/26/hood-canal-things-to-do/

Tom Brady is ‘Very Disappointed’ That NFL Will Uphold Deflategate Ban

http://mashable.com/2015/07/29/tom-brady-deflategate-response/

Cat Found Alive aboard Sunken Boat Pulled from Lake Havasu

http://news.yahoo.com/cat-found-alive-aboard-sunken-boat-pulled-lake-172718925.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Bill Monroe - Blue Moon of Kentucky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAVFpThoeb4

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 28, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for July 28, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/pfqaa56

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HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Google Lays Groundwork for another Data Center in the Dalles (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/07/google_lines_up_more_land_for.html

Washington Regulators Examine Cost of Closing Puget Sound Coal Facilities (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-regulators-examine-cost-of-closing-puget-sound-coal-facilities/402949/

Pacific Power’s High-Energy Parent Joins Climate Change Fight (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/07/pacific-powers-high-energy-parent-joins-climate.html

Will the Pacific Northwest Have a Water Problem This Fall? (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/07/will-northwest-have-water-problem-this.html

Inslee Weighs Action on Climate Change against ‘Poison Pill’ In Washington State Transportation Bill (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jul/25/inslee-weighs-action-on-climate-change-against/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

Washington Regulators Examine Cost of Closing Puget Sound Coal Facilities
Green Groups Split with Cantwell on Senate Energy Bill
New Study Highlights Impact of Increased Electricity Prices
FERC’s 2015 Energy Primer Reflects Changes in Energy Markets
Despite Court Setbacks, Michigan Smart-Meter Opponents ‘Not Going Away’
Why We Need Nuclear Power
Will the Pacific Northwest Have a Water Problem This Fall?
Capitol Land Trust Moves Forward on Black River, Goldsborough Creek & Nelson Family Ranch Projects
Pacific Northwest Tribal Members Report Early Start to Huckleberry Season
Buyer Beware of Solar Sales Pitches
Expansion-Minded Sacramento Biomass Company Takes Over Connecticut Plant
For Those without Electricity Solar is Shining Brighter
Spring & Summer Energy-Saving Tips
Let There Be More Light for Surprise Winner
Pacific Power’s High-Energy Parent Joins Climate Change Fight
Google Lays Groundwork for another Data Center in the Dalles
Wired to Fail
AT&T Fumes Over $100M FCC Fine for Throttling Unlimited Users
Google Pulling Back on Social Network as Key User Gateway
LinkedIn, Notorious for Sending Too Many Emails, Cuts Back
The Surprising Way Smartphones Are Changing the Way We Shop
Inslee Weighs Action on Climate Change against ‘Poison Pill’ In Washington State Transportation Bill
Editorial: Inslee: Don’t Forfeit Washington State Green Projects for Fuel Mandate
Puget Sound Cities Activate Drought Plans as River Levels Drop
City of Shelton, Mason County & EDC Talk Use of Simpson Mill Closure Relief Funds
Downtown Shelton Port-A-Potty Pilot Project Proposed
Pacific Northwest True Crime Writer Ann Rule Dead at 83

WORD OF THE DAY

Effulgence • \ih-FULL-junss\ • Noun - Radiant splendor: brilliance

The attending flacks stood in awe of their Chief Operating Officer’s dazzling effulgence. The rollout of a new light-emitting diode disco cape was apparently a huge success, with sparking lights from the COO’s clothes sending iridescent reflections off the mirror ball onto the slack-jawed faces of the media elites, whom had been called to witness the event.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Washington Regulators Examine Cost of Closing Puget Sound Coal Facilities (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-regulators-examine-cost-of-closing-puget-sound-coal-facilities/402949/

Green Groups Split with Cantwell on Senate Energy Bill (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/congress/green-groups-split-with-cantwell-on-senate-energy-bill-20150727

New Study Highlights Impact of Increased Electricity Prices (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)

http://www.nreca.coop/new-study-highlights-impact-of-increased-electricity-prices/

FERC’s 2015 Energy Primer Reflects Changes in Energy Markets (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

http://www.ferc.gov/media/news-releases/2015/2015-3/07-27-15.asp#.VbecOPl3mUk

Despite Court Setbacks, Michigan Smart-Meter Opponents ‘Not Going Away’ (Midwest Energy News)

http://midwestenergynews.com/2015/07/28/despite-court-setbacks-michigan-smart-meter-opponents-not-going-away/

Why We Need Nuclear Power – Some scientists are calling for 100 percent renewable energy, that’s the wrong approach (Mother Jones)

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/07/nuclear-power-renewables-climate-change

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Will the Pacific Northwest Have a Water Problem This Fall? (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/07/will-northwest-have-water-problem-this.html

Capitol Land Trust Moves Forward on Black River, Goldsborough Creek & Nelson Family Ranch Projects (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2015/07/28/capitol-land-trust/

Pacific Northwest Tribal Members Report Early Start to Huckleberry Season (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/tribal-members-see-early-huckleberry-season/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Buyer Beware of Solar Sales Pitches (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/electric-cooperative-hawaii-solar-sales-pitch/83148

Expansion-Minded Sacramento Biomass Company Takes Over Connecticut Plant (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2015/07/27/expansion-mindedsacramento-biomass-company-takes.html

For Those without Electricity Solar is Shining Brighter (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2015/0728/For-those-without-electricity-solar-is-shining-brighter

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Spring & Summer Energy-Saving Tips (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/07/24/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips/

Let There Be More Light for Surprise Winner (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/let-there-be-more-light-for-surprise-winner/83237

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Pacific Power’s High-Energy Parent Joins Climate Change Fight (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/07/pacific-powers-high-energy-parent-joins-climate.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Google Lays Groundwork for another Data Center in the Dalles (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/07/google_lines_up_more_land_for.html

Wired to Fail – How a little known agency mishandled several billion dollars of stimulus money trying to expand broadband coverage to rural communities (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/broadband-coverage-rural-area-fund-mishandled-120601.html

AT&T Fumes Over $100M FCC Fine for Throttling Unlimited Users (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Fumes-Over-100M-FCC-Fine-for-Throttling-Unlimited-Users-134629

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Pulling Back on Social Network as Key User Gateway (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Google-pulling-back-on-social-network-as-key-user-6408476.php

LinkedIn, Notorious for Sending Too Many Emails, Cuts Back (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/29/business/linkedin-notorious-for-sending-too-many-emails-cuts-back.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

The Surprising Way Smartphones Are Changing the Way We Shop (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/The-surprising-way-smartphones-are-changing-the-6404722.php

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Inslee Weighs Action on Climate Change against ‘Poison Pill’ In Washington State Transportation Bill (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jul/25/inslee-weighs-action-on-climate-change-against/

Editorial: Inslee: Don’t Forfeit Washington State Green Projects for Fuel Mandate (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/editorials/article29076553.html

GENERAL NEWS

Puget Sound Cities Activate Drought Plans as River Levels Drop (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Puget-Sound-cities-activate-drought-plans-as-rivers-dry-up-318850191.html

City of Shelton, Mason County & EDC Talk Use of Simpson Mill Closure Relief Funds (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/16292

Downtown Shelton Port-A-Potty Pilot Project Proposed (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/16307

Pacific Northwest True Crime Writer Ann Rule Dead at 83 (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Northwest-true-crime-writer-Ann-Rule-dead-at-83-318740251.html

DIVERSIONS

Man’s Selfie with Rattlesnake Lands Him $150,000 Hospital Bill

http://m.kirotv.com/news/news/national/mans-selfie-rattlesnake-lands-him-150k-hospital-bi/nm7C3/

Peaches or Plums? Tree Bears 40 Kinds of Fruit

http://koin.com/2015/07/27/peaches-or-plums-tree-bears-40-kinds-of-fruit/

ATM Workers Forget Bag of Cash, Man Drives Off with $150,000

http://news.yahoo.com/atm-workers-forget-bag-cash-man-drives-off-110740285.html

Fugitive’s Role in Horror Film Leads to His Olympia Arrest

http://news.yahoo.com/fugitives-role-horror-film-leads-arrest-174931772.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Somebody That I Used to Know – Walk off the Earth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M

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

Friday, July 31, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 31, 2015

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 30, 2015

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 29, 2015

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Energy News Digest for July 28, 2015

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