Energy News Digest for December 31, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 31, 2015

http://1.usa.gov/1SonACn

Air Stagnation Advisory

http://1.usa.gov/1OsEzxj

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/30/initiative-732-carbon-tax-washington/78106628/

California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016 (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/PG-E-details-how-much-your-bill-will-rise-in-2016-6728373.php

Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond (Associated Press)

http://www.ktvz.com/news/canadian-company-plans-solar-farm-near-redmond/37193852

Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/1230/Number-of-species-awaiting-endangered-protection-drops-to-all-time-low

Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/proposal-could-help-economy-and-ecosystem-of-yakima-basin/article_85b7fa40-af8c-11e5-881b-2f6254ac370f.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016
• Northern Wasco PUD Names New Manager
• Skagit PUD Interim General Manager Told to Step Down
• Grant PUD receives clean audit from the state for 2014
• FERC Rejects Permit for 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Project in Kentucky – Et tu Klickitat
• Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low
• California: Coho Salmon Benefit from Dam Removal on San Mateo County Coastal Creek
• Editorial: Salmon Forecasts Matter Less Than Responsive Management
• Canada: ‘Trap & Kill’ Starlings Program Approved in Abbotsford
• Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin
• Is the Drought Over? No – But December Snow Survey is Good News for California
• Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond
• Hydroelectric Power Could Grow in Kentucky with Interest in Renewable Energy
• Wood & Pellet Heating
• Emerging from the Shadows, Pot Industry Tries to Build Brands
• Oregon: Warm Springs Tribes Work Out Pot Regulations, Taxes
• Oregon: Scappoose Weighs New Vote to Ban Pot Businesses
• Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes
• Forests Face More Fire, Insects, Disease as Climate Warms
• Climate Chaos, Across the Map
• The Future of Architecture is Already Happening in Portland – And It’s Wood
• EPA Chief: Light Pollution ‘In Our Portfolio’
• Comcast Gets Most FCC Complaints by Wide Margin
• Microsoft to Warn of Nation-State Hacks
• Six Tips for Writing Headlines That Drive Traffic
• Amazon Says It Is Donating Its Revenues from a Song by a German Anti-Islam Group to Refugees
• Let Me Google That for You: Here’s What Washingtonians Searched for Most in 2015
• Editorial: Washington State Senate Inches toward Remote Access in Testimony
• Puerto Rico Says It Will Default on Some Bonds
• Body Found near North Mason County Home as Police Investigate Elderly Kitsap Man’s Disappearance
• Idaho: Commissioners Declare Disaster in Kootenai County
• Washington State Gets No Raise in 2016, Loses Distinction of Highest Minimum Wage
• Troopers on Lookout for Intoxicated Drivers Tonight

WORD OF THE DAY

Lachrymose • \ LACK-rim-mose\ • adjective – 1: given to tears or weeping: tearful 2: tending to cause tears: mournful

Tad’s ad campaign for a new variety of onion was not going over so well. After having sold the DeBarto Onion Company on the popular theme “An Onion a Day Keeps Your Spouse Away” he embarked on a new campaign for “Lachrymose Free Onions, They’re All Wet”. The executives were not amused.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

California: Pacific Gas & Electric Details How Much Your Bill Will Rise in 2016 (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/PG-E-details-how-much-your-bill-will-rise-in-2016-6728373.php

Northern Wasco PUD Names New Manager (The Dalles Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2015/dec/30/pud-names-new-manager/

Skagit PUD Interim General Manager Told to Step Down (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA)

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/pud-interim-general-manager-told-to-step-down/article_0024b1ca-0093-561f-8ca7-b3bf78351583.html

Grant PUD receives clean audit from the state for 2014 (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-receives-clean-audit-from-the-state-for/article_f18e8332-af4c-11e5-ba8c-fb6329cb7db0.html

FERC Rejects Permit for 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Project in Kentucky – Et tu Klickitat (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/ferc-rejects-permit-for-1-000-mw-pumped-storage-project-in-kentucky.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Number of Species Awaiting Endangered Protection Drops to All-Time Low (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/1230/Number-of-species-awaiting-endangered-protection-drops-to-all-time-low

California: Coho Salmon Benefit from Dam Removal on San Mateo County Coastal Creek (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_29322478/coho-salmon-benefit-from-dam-removal-san-mateo?source=rss

Editorial: Salmon forecasts matter less than responsive management (Daily Astorian, OR)

http://www.dailyastorian.com/editorials/20151231/editorial-salmon-forecasts-matter-less-than-responsive-management

Canada: ‘Trap & Kill’ Starlings Program Approved in Abbotsford (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/abbotsford-farms-starlings-1.3382431?cmp=rss

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Water Reservoir Proposal Could Help Economy & Ecosystem of Yakima Basin (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/proposal-could-help-economy-and-ecosystem-of-yakima-basin/article_85b7fa40-af8c-11e5-881b-2f6254ac370f.html

Is the Drought Over? No – But December Snow Survey is Good News for California (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article52304910.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Oregon: Canadian Company Plans 10-Megawatt Solar Farm near Redmond (Associated Press)

http://www.ktvz.com/news/canadian-company-plans-solar-farm-near-redmond/37193852

Hydroelectric Power Could Grow in Kentucky with Interest in Renewable Energy (Lexington Herald-Leader, KY)

http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article52308185.html

Wood & Pellet Heating (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/12/29/wood-and-pellet-heating-2/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Emerging from the Shadows, Pot Industry Tries to Build Brands (Associated Press)

http://www.kpbj.com/newsletter/Emerging-from-shadows-pot-industry-tries-to-build-brands--363831471.html

Oregon: Warm Springs Tribes Work Out Pot Regulations, Taxes (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/warm-springs-works-out-pot-regulations-taxes-/

Oregon: Scappoose Weighs New Vote to Ban Pot Businesses (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://cni.pmgnews.com/scs/83-news/287214-163421-scappoose-weighs-new-vote-to-ban-pot-businesses

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State Carbon Initiative Aims to Raise & Cut Taxes (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/30/initiative-732-carbon-tax-washington/78106628/

Forests Face More Fire, Insects, Disease as Climate Warms (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/forests-face-more-fire-insects-disease-as-climate-warms/article_6bb65ba5-732d-5c94-9330-f35d21c08a1b.html

Climate Chaos, Across the Map (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/science/climate-chaos-across-the-map.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

The Future of Architecture is Already Happening in Portland – And It’s Wood (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/the-future-of-architecture-is-already-happening-in-port-1750319689

EPA Chief: Light Pollution ‘In Our Portfolio’ (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/epa-chief-light-pollution-in-our-portfolio/article/2579307

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Comcast Gets Most FCC Complaints by Wide Margin (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2015/12/comcast-most-fcc-internet-service-complaints.html

Microsoft to Warn of Nation-State Hacks (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35204917

MARKETING & MEDIA

Six Tips for Writing Headlines That Drive Traffic (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-tips-for-writing-headlines-that-drive-traffic/

Amazon Says It Is Donating Its Revenues from a Song by a German Anti-Islam Group to Refugees (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015-12-31/amazon-gives-revenue-from-anti-islam-group-song-to-refugees

Let Me Google That for You: Here’s What Washingtonians Searched for Most in 2015 (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2015/12/let-me-google-that-for-you-heres-what.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Editorial: Washington State Senate Inches toward Remote Access in Testimony (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article51585560.html

Puerto Rico Says It Will Default on Some Bonds (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-says-it-will-default-on-some-bonds.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

GENERAL NEWS

Body Found near North Mason County Home as Police Investigate Elderly Kitsap Man’s Disappearance (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/body-found-as-police-investigate-elderly-kitsap-mans-disappearance

Idaho: Commissioners Declare Disaster in Kootenai County (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/commissioners-declare-disaster-in-kootenai-county/37202466

Washington State Gets No Raise in 2016, Loses Distinction of Highest Minimum Wage (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/washington-gets-no-raise-wont-have-the-highest-state-minimum-wage-in-2016/

Troopers on Lookout for Intoxicated Drivers Tonight (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/31/troopers-on-lookout-for-intoxicated-drivers-tonight/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Corpse Comes Back to Life at Russian Morgue, Then Goes to Drink Vodka

http://mashable.com/2015/12/30/dead-russian-man-comes-back-to-life/#hjzh7pl4e8q5

Potent Joint Wrapped In 24-Karat Gold Creates a Buzz

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/marijuana/a-joint-wrapped-in-24-karat-gold-its-the-gift-for-new-years-eve/

Attack Owl Returns in Oregon, Targeting Government Workers

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-attackowl-idUSKBN0UD1Y620151230

Some Dude Sent His Fiancé’s Engagement Ring into Space on a Spatula

http://mashable.com/2015/12/31/ring-in-space/

SONG OF THE DAY

Manhattan Transfer - Spice of Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6wI4wYxk5Q

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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 December 30, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 30, 2015

http://1.usa.gov/1YOycPV

Air Stagnation Advisory for Mason County

http://1.usa.gov/1OsEzxj

El Nino Weather ‘Could be as Bad as 1998’, Says NASA (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-35197887

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/lower_valley/feds-say-no-to-klickitat-energy-project/article_64298b20-aec7-11e5-b221-6732a6a1e1f9.html

Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/power-line-impact-statement-delayed/

‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article52077085.html

Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/northwest-snow-piles-up-ahead-of-schedule/

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/12/29/460812946/tax-breaks-falling-costs-are-boosting-wind-and-solar

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project
• Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed
• Columbia River PUD Outages: “It Was the Worst I’ve Ever Seen…”
• Kootenai Electric Linemen Humble as People Send Thanks
• Move Over, Fixed Fees – Utilities See Demand Charges as Revenue Cure
• LA’s Gas Leak Is a Global Disaster
• Climate Change: Idaho Could Be Safe Haven for Native Fish
• Songbird Study Shows River Ecosystem Recovery after Dam Removal, Return of Salmon Nutrients
• SeaWorld to Sue over Ban on Orca Breeding
• This Giant Squid Looks Like a Robot Missile Lurking in the Ocean
• Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule
• Environmental Groups Oppose Yakima River Basin Water Plan
• Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar
• Biomass Power Could Help California’s Dying Forests
• Ohio: Local Prison Wants Help Conserving Energy
• ‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million
• Editorial: Carbon Tax May Well Be in Our Future
• California U-S House Rep Rolls Out Carbon Pricing Bill
• A Secret Weapon to Fight Climate Change: Soil
• Oregon: CenturyLink Complaints Spike as New Services Arrive
• America’s Internet Speed Tripled Since 2011 – Still Sucks Compared to the Rest of the World
• Making Strong Wi-Fi Available to All
• Facebook’s Free Internet Service for Egyptians Shuts Down
• Twitter Updates Cyberbullying Restrictions
• How to Extend the Life of Your Social Media Content
• Scientists Have Uncovered Exactly What Makes a Photo Memorable
• Bellevue Man Sues Washington State Auditor, Claims Being Ripped Off
• Epicenter near Victoria, B-C: Overnight Earthquake Felt across Western Washington
• Police: Teens’ Game of ‘Chicken’ Causes Train to Derail in Montesano
• Washington State Officials: Early Prisoner Release Fix Delayed 16 Times
• Washington State Officials Hope Repairs to U-S 12 Will Be Completed by the Summer
• City of Shelton Offers a HandUp to Mason County
• Legal ID? TSA May Ban Washington Driver’s Licenses

WORD OF THE DAY

Sylvan • \SILL-vun\ • Adjective – 1a: living or located in the woods or forest b: of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest 2a: made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees b: abounding in woods, groves, or trees: wooded

Chirping birds, a babbling brook, and the earthy, mossy smell of the forest…lit by filtered sunshine welcomed visitors to Bambi’s sylvan paradise.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Feds Say No to Klickitat PUD Energy Project (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/lower_valley/feds-say-no-to-klickitat-energy-project/article_64298b20-aec7-11e5-b221-6732a6a1e1f9.html

Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Impact Statement Delayed (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/power-line-impact-statement-delayed/

Columbia River PUD Outages: “It Was the Worst I’ve Ever Seen…” (St Helens Chronicle, OR)

http://www.thechronicleonline.com/news/it-was-the-worst-i-ve-ever-seen/article_7a6e5052-ae89-11e5-b0f3-731f53b2af2f.html

Kootenai Electric Linemen Humble as People Send Thanks (KREM-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.krem.com/story/news/local/kootenai-county/2015/12/29/kootenai-electric-linemen-humble-as-people-send-thanks/78015532/

Move Over, Fixed Fees – Utilities See Demand Charges as Revenue Cure (Midwest Energy News)

http://midwestenergynews.com/2015/12/02/move-over-fixed-fees-utilities-see-demand-charges-as-revenue-cure/

LA’s Gas Leak Is a Global Disaster (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/las-gas-leak-disaster-is-a-bigger-problem-than-you-real-1750035270

FISH & WILDLIFE

Climate Change: Idaho Could Be Safe Haven for Native Fish (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/climate-change-idaho-could-be-safe-haven-for-native-fish/article_c3a50cd5-450c-50be-befe-324970cf4221.html

Songbird Study Shows River Ecosystem Recovery after Dam Removal, Return of Salmon Nutrients (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/435773.aspx

SeaWorld to Sue over Ban on Orca Breeding (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/29/seaworld-to-sue-over-ban-on-orca-breeding/

This Giant Squid Looks Like a Robot Missile Lurking in the Ocean (Gizmodo)

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/this-giant-squid-looks-like-a-robot-missile-lurking-in-1750214000

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Pacific Northwest Snow Piles Up Ahead of Schedule (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/northwest-snow-piles-up-ahead-of-schedule/

Environmental Groups Oppose Yakima River Basin Water Plan (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/dec/28/environmental-groups-oppose-yakima-water-plan/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind & Solar (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/12/29/460812946/tax-breaks-falling-costs-are-boosting-wind-and-solar

Biomass Power Could Help California’s Dying Forests (Capital Public Radio, Sacramento, CA)

http://www.capradio.org/63471

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Ohio: Local Prison Wants Help Conserving Energy (Columbus Business First, OH)
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/ohio-energy-inc/2015/12/local-prison-wants-help-conserving-energy.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

‘Revenue Neutral’ Carbon-Tax Initiative Could Cost Washington State $675 Million (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article52077085.html

Editorial: Carbon Tax May Well Be in Our Future (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article51972650.html

California U-S House Rep Rolls Out Carbon Pricing Bill (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-us-house-rep-rolls-out-carbon-pricing-bill/411380/

A Secret Weapon to Fight Climate Change: Soil (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/business/agriculture/a-secret-weapon-to-fight-climate-change-soil/article_0b7ac7bd-a80c-59f5-9db3-d4ac08579752.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Oregon: CenturyLink Complaints Spike as New Services Arrive (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/12/centurylink_complaints_spike_a.html

America’s Internet Speed Tripled Since 2011 – Still Sucks Compared to the Rest of the World (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/americas-internet-speed-tripled-since-2011-still-sucks-1750297538

Making Strong Wi-Fi Available to All (Washington Examiner)

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/making-strong-wi-fi-available-to-all/article/2579241?custom_click=rss

Facebook’s Free Internet Service for Egyptians Shuts Down (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_29325576/facebooks-free-internet-service-egyptians-shut-down?source=rss

MARKETING & MEDIA

Twitter Updates Cyberbullying Restrictions (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35198313

How to Extend the Life of Your Social Media Content (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-social-media-content/

Scientists Have Uncovered Exactly What Makes a Photo Memorable (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/12/29/forget-beautiful-sunrises-embrace-absurdity-heres-how-to-take-memorable-photos/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Bellevue Man Sues Washington State Auditor, Claims Being Ripped Off (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/12/30/troy-kelley-state-auditor-lawsuit-federal-indictment/78060334/

GENERAL NEWS

Epicenter near Victoria, B-C: Overnight Earthquake Felt across Western Washington (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2015/12/30/overnight-earthquake-felt-across-western-washington/

Police: Teens’ Game of ‘Chicken’ Causes Train to Derail in Montesano (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://komonews.com/news/local/police-teens-game-of-chicken-causes-train-to-derail-in-montesano

Washington State Officials: Early Prisoner Release Fix Delayed 16 Times (Associated Press)

http://tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/washington/officials-early-prisoner-release-fix-was-delayed-times/article_6ed2c6ab-7d20-5f08-abe0-a8c219a40cd0.html

Washington State Officials Hope Repairs to U-S 12 Will Be Completed by the Summer (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/officials-hope-repairs-to-u-s-will-be-completed-by/article_e6b4fade-aec7-11e5-b8a6-e7ce681d8724.html

City of Shelton Offers a HandUp to Mason County (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26103-city-offers-a-handup-to-the-county

Legal ID? TSA May Ban Washington Driver’s Licenses (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/12/29/tsa-ban-washington-licenses/78048104/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Woman Who Won Lottery during Divorce Can Keep It All - Dutch Court

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-lottery-court-idUSKBN0UC0Y320151229

Strong Solar Storm to Hit Earth Before New Year’s Eve – Northern Lights to Be Visible in Northern States

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/science/article/Strong-solar-storm-to-hit-Earth-before-New-Year-s-6726537.php

Star Wars’ Abandoned Tunisian Locations – In Pictures

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/03/star-wars-abandoned-tunisian-locations-in-pictures?CMP=fb_gu

On the Question of Dog Pants

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/on-the-topic-of-dog-pants/422193/

SONG OF THE DAY

Average White Band - Cut the Cake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75bYDYLSP0o

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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 December 29, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 29, 2015

http://1.usa.gov/22woJwc

Stevens Pass Reporting Record Snow Depth (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://kpq.com/stevens-pass-reporting-record-snow-depth/

El Nino: A Weather Force Awakens (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/12/el-nino-weather-force-awakens.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Heavy Snows Hampering North Idaho Power Restoration Efforts (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/heavy-snows-hampering-north-idaho-power-restoration-efforts/37168624

Group Rejects Alternative, Moves Forward with Carbon Tax Plan (Associated Press)

http://kpq.com/group-rejects-alternative-moves-forward-with-carbon-tax-plan/

Otters, Beavers Feasting around Fish Ladder at Rocky Reach Dam (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/otters-beavers-feasting-around-fish-ladder-at-rocky-reach-dam/article_ff3e32b8-aa0e-11e5-be35-138c005b4780.html

Marijuana Bank Begs for Access to Nation’s Banking System (Associated Press)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/pot-bank-begs-access-nations-banking-system-35979092

Wind Giant Iberdrola Joins $30 Billion Utility Group (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/12/iberdrola-renewables-parent-company-merger-means.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Heavy Snows Hampering North Idaho Power Restoration Efforts
• In Windstorm Aftermath, Arborists Suggest Evaluations before Removing More Trees
• Orcas Power & Light Explains January 5 Percent Rate Hike Line By Line
• What Climate Change Will Mean for Idaho’s Energy Supply
• The Bushy-Tailed, Nut-Loving Menace Coming after America’s Power Grid
• Western Area Power Administration: Federal Agency That Markets, Provides Hydroelectric Power Ordered to be Transparent & Accountable
• Addressing Remaining Concerns about Nuclear Energy
• Otters, Beavers Feasting around Fish Ladder at Rocky Reach Dam
• Columbia River Smelt Watch Has Started - Some Already Seen as Far Up as the Cowlitz River
• English Ivy Invades Pacific Northwest Forests
• Wind Giant Iberdrola Joins $30 Billion Utility Group
• Nevada Overhauls Net Metering Rules despite Objections from Distributed Solar Industry
• Southwest Power Pool Hits New Peak for Wind Power in December
• Idaho Falls Power Presents Energy Conservation Rebate Checks
• Marijuana Bank Begs for Access to Nation’s Banking System
• A Big Drag – Pot Growers Put Huge Energy Demand on the Grid
• Indoor Grows Could Prove Costly for Hawaii Medical Marijuana Businesses
• Group Rejects Alternative, Moves Forward with Carbon Tax Plan
• Climate Change Could Help Idaho Wine Growers – If Temperatures Don’t Rise Too Much
• Which Cheese Produces More Electricity: Brie or Beaufort?
• Pie in the Sky: Wood-Fired Pizza & Air Quality Issues
• Grant PUD Expands Wireless Broadband Network
• People Are Ditching Broadband, Relying on Their Smartphones’ LTE for Internet Access
• Clickbait Conundrum: Regulators Have a Warning for Ads That Masquerade as Real Content
• This Was the Year Social Networks Turned into News Organizations
• How to Handle Customer Complaints via Social Media
• Database of 191 Million U-S Voters Exposed on Internet
• Derek Kilmer, Come on Down; These Are the Ten Most Effective Lawmakers in the U-S Congress
• Group to Sue City of Shelton over “C” Street Dump
• Public Hearing Slated on Permit Application for Sierra Pacific Industries’ Shelton Mill
• Report: Washington State Troopers Underpaid, Unhappy with Management
• Drivers in Rural Oregon Will Pump Their Own Gas Starting January 1
• Tumwater Brewery Sold to Hotel Tycoon for $4 Million
• No, Facebook Isn’t Giving You Money

WORD OF THE DAY

Favonian / fuh-VOH-nee-un / Adjective – Of or relating to the west wind: mild.

Favonian winds

Salty fragrance from the sea

Push whitecaps to shore

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Heavy Snows Hampering North Idaho Power Restoration Efforts (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/heavy-snows-hampering-north-idaho-power-restoration-efforts/37168624

In Windstorm Aftermath, Arborists Suggest Evaluations before Removing More Trees (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/dec/25/in-windstorm-aftermath-arborists-suggest-evaluatio/?print-friendly

Orcas Power & Light Explains January 5 Percent Rate Hike Line By Line (San Juan Journal, Friday Harbor, WA)

http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/363677381.html

What Climate Change Will Mean for Idaho’s Energy Supply (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/what-climate-change-will-mean-for-idaho-s-energy-supply/article_6811d04a-7b00-5f56-8e80-f1fae66fb598.html

The Bushy-Tailed, Nut-Loving Menace Coming after America’s Power Grid (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/the-bushy-tailed-nut-loving-menace-coming-after-americas-power-grid/2015/12/25/d4b4c2b6-a8db-11e5-9b92-dea7cd4b1a4d_story.html

Western Area Power Administration: Federal Agency That Markets, Provides Hydroelectric Power Ordered to be Transparent & Accountable (Wilcox Range News, AZ)

http://www.willcoxrangenews.com/news/article_1c758bfe-ada9-11e5-bdb6-bfe1501abd30.html

Addressing Remaining Concerns about Nuclear Energy (The Energy Collective)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/rodadams/2304987/addressing-remaining-concerns-about-nuclear-energy

FISH & WILDLIFE

Otters, Beavers Feasting around Fish Ladder at Rocky Reach Dam (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/otters-beavers-feasting-around-fish-ladder-at-rocky-reach-dam/article_ff3e32b8-aa0e-11e5-be35-138c005b4780.html

Columbia River Smelt Watch Has Started - Some Already Seen as Far Up as the Cowlitz River (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/columbia-river-smelt-watch-has-started-and-some-already-seen-as-far-up-as-the-cowlitz-river/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

English Ivy Invades Pacific Northwest Forests (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/english-ivy-invades-pacific-northwest-forests/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wind Giant Iberdrola Joins $30 Billion Utility Group (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/12/iberdrola-renewables-parent-company-merger-means.html

Nevada Overhauls Net Metering Rules despite Objections from Distributed Solar Industry (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2015/12/23/nevada-overhauls-net-metering-rules-despite-objections-from-distributed-solar-industry/

Southwest Power Pool Hits New Peak for Wind Power in December (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/southwest-power-pool-hits-new-peak-for-wind-power-in-december.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Idaho Falls Power Presents Energy Conservation Rebate Checks (Idaho Business Review)

http://idahobusinessreview.com/2015/12/25/idaho-falls-power-presents-energy-conservation-rebate-checks/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Marijuana Bank Begs for Access to Nation’s Banking System (Associated Press)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/pot-bank-begs-access-nations-banking-system-35979092

A Big Drag – Pot Growers Put Huge Energy Demand on the Grid (Source Weekly, Bend, OR)

http://www.bendsource.com/bend/a-big-drag-pot-growers-put-huge-energy-demand-on-the-grid/Content?oid=2578477

Indoor Grows Could Prove Costly for Hawaii Medical Marijuana Businesses (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/indoor-grows-could-prove-costly-for-hawaii-mmj-businesses/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Group Rejects Alternative, Moves Forward with Carbon Tax Plan (Associated Press)

http://kpq.com/group-rejects-alternative-moves-forward-with-carbon-tax-plan/

Climate Change Could Help Idaho Wine Growers – If Temperatures Don’t Rise Too Much (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/environment/article51756345.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Which Cheese Produces More Electricity: Brie or Beaufort? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2015/1221/Which-cheese-produces-more-electricity-Brie-or-Beaufort

Pie in the Sky: Wood-Fired Pizza & Air Quality Issues (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/food/pie-in-the-sky-wood-fired-pizza-and-air-quality-issues/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Grant PUD Expands Wireless Broadband Network (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/news/grant-pud-expands-wireless-network/article_3be26478-adc5-11e5-8bfb-d32e2f6c18cb.html

People Are Ditching Broadband, Relying on Their Smartphones’ LTE for Internet Access (Network World)

http://www.networkworld.com/article/3018316/mobile-wireless/people-are-ditching-broadband-relying-on-their-smartphones-lte-for-internet-access.html

MARKETING & MEDIA

Clickbait Conundrum: Regulators Have a Warning for Ads That Masquerade as Real Content (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/12/22/regulators-have-a-warning-for-ads-that-masquerade-as-real-content/

This Was the Year Social Networks Turned into News Organizations (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2015/12/28/this-was-the-year-social-networks-turned-into-news-organizations/

How to Handle Customer Complaints via Social Media (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-handle-customer-complaints-via-social-media/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Database of 191 Million U-S Voters Exposed on Internet (Reuters)

http://news.yahoo.com/database-191-million-u-voters-exposed-internet-researcher-002211793.html

Derek Kilmer, Come on Down; These Are the Ten Most Effective Lawmakers in the U-S Congress (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2015/12/28/these-are-the-top-10-most-effective-lawmakers-in-the-u-s-congress/

GENERAL NEWS

Group to Sue City of Shelton over “C” Street Dump (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26069-group-to-sue-city-over-c-street-dump

Public Hearing Slated on Permit Application for Sierra Pacific Industries’ Shelton Mill (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/18449

Report: Washington State Troopers Underpaid, Unhappy with Management (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://kpq.com/report-state-troopers-underpaid-unhappy-with-management/

Drivers in Rural Oregon Will Pump Their Own Gas Starting January 1 (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://katu.com/news/local/drivers-in-rural-oregon-will-pump-their-own-gas-starting-jan-1

Tumwater Brewery Sold to Hotel Tycoon for $4 Million (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/December-2015/Tumwater-Brewery-sold-to-hotel-tycoon-for-4M/

No, Facebook Isn’t Giving You Money (KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/no-facebook-isnt-giving-you-money/37165368

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Ex-Globetrotters Star Meadowlark Lemon Dies

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Ex-Globetrotters-star-Meadowlark-Lemon-dies-6723535.php

Motorhead Frontman ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister Dies at 70

http://koin.com/2015/12/28/motorhead-frontman-lemmy-kilmister-dies-at-70/

Portlanders Turn Up Their Noses at Edible Crickets

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/techflash/2015/12/portlanders-turn-up-theirnoses-at-edible-crickets.html

Cow Dung Patties Are Selling Like Hot Cakes Online in India

http://mashable.com/2015/12/29/cow-dung-cakes-india-online/

SONG OF THE DAY

Motörhead - Ace of Spades

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpwUTJsI3xI

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LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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.