The Energy News Digest for November 25, 2020

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HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

SoCal Edison Could Shut Off Power on Thanksgiving Due to High Winds, Fire Danger (KABC-TV, Los Angeles, CA)

https://abc7.com/power-shutoff-southern-california-edison-sce-wildfire-danger/8238640/

Oregon Threatens Lawsuit Over Columbia & Snake River Dam Operations (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/2020/11/oregon-threatens-lawsuit-over-columbia.html

Fish Passage Studies Sought in Seattle City Light’s Skagit River Dam Relicensing (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt Vernon, WA)

https://www.goskagit.com/news/local_news/fish-passage-studies-sought-in-skagit-river-dam-relicensing/article_2209b032-716a-5825-bb88-45aafaf033a6.html

Pebble Mine: Trump Administration Denies Permit for Divisive Alaska Mine (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2020-11-25/trump-administration-denies-permit-for-divisive-alaska-mine

How Much Energy Can LEDs Really Save in Greenhouses? (Horticulture Daily)

https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9270610/how-much-energy-can-leds-really-save-in-greenhouses/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      SoCal Edison Could Shut Off Power on Thanksgiving Due to High Winds, Fire Danger

2.      Oregon Threatens Lawsuit Over Columbia & Snake River Dam Operations

3.      News Release: Northwest RiverPartners Disappointed, Concerned Over Oregon Gov Brown’s Divisive Move Towards Litigation

4.      Op/Ed: Thankful for Snake River Dams

5.      Fish Passage Studies Sought in Seattle City Light’s Skagit River Dam Relicensing

6.      WA State: US Judge Voids Permits for Columbia River Methanol Plant

7.      Puget Sound Energy Electric Rates to Slightly Increase

8.      Former Executive Faces Prison Time in South Carolina Nuclear Debacle

9.      New York: ConEd Faces $102 Million Penalty, Possible License Revocation for Hurricane Isaias Response

10.   Arizona Public Service Utility to Assist Navajo Energy Transition

11.   CAISO Approves Hybrid Storage Policies as California Preps to Add 1.5 GW by 2022

12.   California: San Jose Invests in Wind Energy from New Mexico

13.   California: Wind Harvest Gets Funding to Test Its Near-Ground Wind Technology

14.   Power from the Prairie Aims to Link West Coast Sun with Midwest Wind

15.   How Renewable Energy Could Power Your State

16.   How Much Energy Can LEDs Really Save in Greenhouses?

17.   Pandemic Crowds Bring ‘Rivergeddon’ to Montana’s Rivers

18.   Protecting Orcas Starts with Listening... Underwater

19.   Connecting Orcas to Oklahoma: Project Introduces Inlanders to Salish Sea’s Endangered Species

20.   Pebble Mine: Trump Administration Denies Permit for Divisive Alaska Mine

21.   Op/Ed: Lummi Nation Asks for Meaningful Action on Nooksack Water Rights Issues

22.   Georgia: Judge Says New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Can’t Be Removed If Water Level Will Fall

23.   Landmark Carbon Fee on Major Polluters Floated in Portland, Ore.

24.   The Carbon Footprint of a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

25.   Stop Sending These Ten Unnecessary Email Responses, & You Can Help Reduce Carbon Emissions

26.   Republicans Call for Audit of $1.4 Billion ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, Citing Overbuilding

27.   Former FCC Chair Explains Why the Government Might Need 5G Access, Outlines Biden Priorities

28.   Comcast Prepares to Screw Over Millions with Data Caps in 2021

29.   Winter Weather Advisory Issued for the Cascade Mountains

30.   Signs Point to a Strong Polar Vortex to Start Winter. Here’s What That May Mean.

WORD OF THE DAY

Oxford English Dictionary “Word of the Year” expanded for ‘unprecedented’ 2020

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55016543

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      SoCal Edison Could Shut Off Power on Thanksgiving Due to High Winds, Fire Danger (KABC-TV, Los Angeles, CA)

https://abc7.com/power-shutoff-southern-california-edison-sce-wildfire-danger/8238640/

2.      Oregon Threatens Lawsuit Over Columbia & Snake River Dam Operations (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/2020/11/oregon-threatens-lawsuit-over-columbia.html

3.      News Release: Northwest RiverPartners Disappointed, Concerned Over Oregon Gov Brown’s Divisive Move Towards Litigation (Northwest RiverPartners, Vancouver, WA)

https://energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/2020/11/news-release-northwest-riverpartners.html

4.      Op/Ed: Thankful for Snake River Dams (Tri-City Herald, WA)

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article247385735.html

5.      Fish Passage Studies Sought in Seattle City Light’s Skagit River Dam Relicensing (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt Vernon, WA)

https://www.goskagit.com/news/local_news/fish-passage-studies-sought-in-skagit-river-dam-relicensing/article_2209b032-716a-5825-bb88-45aafaf033a6.html

6.      WA State: US Judge Voids Permits for Columbia River Methanol Plant (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2020/11/24/kalama-washington-methanol-refinery-permits/

7.      Puget Sound Energy Electric Rates to Slightly Increase (Covington Reporter, WA)

https://www.covingtonreporter.com/northwest/pse-electric-rates-to-slightly-increase/

8.      Former Executive Faces Prison Time in South Carolina Nuclear Debacle (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2020-11-25/former-executive-faces-prison-time-in-sc-nuclear-debacle

9.      New York: ConEd Faces $102 Million Penalty, Possible License Revocation for Hurricane Isaias Response (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/coned-faces-102m-penalty-possible-license-revocation-for-hurricane-isaias/589619/

10.   Arizona Public Service Utility to Assist Navajo Energy Transition (Durango Herald, CO)

https://durangoherald.com/articles/354725

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

11.   CAISO Approves Hybrid Storage Policies as California Preps to Add 1.5 GW by 2022 (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/caiso-approves-hybrid-storage-policies-as-california-preps-for-addition-of/589609/

12.   California: San Jose Invests in Wind Energy from New Mexico (San Jose Spotlight, CA)

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-invests-in-wind-energy-from-new-mexico/

13.   California: Wind Harvest Gets Funding to Test Its Near-Ground Wind Technology (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)

https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2020/11/23/wind-harvest-gets-funding.html

14.   Power from the Prairie Aims to Link West Coast Sun with Midwest Wind (Energy News Network)

https://energynews.us/2020/11/24/west/power-from-the-prairie-aims-to-link-west-coast-sun-with-midwest-wind/

15.   How Renewable Energy Could Power Your State (EcoWatch)

https://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy-states-2648995223.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

16.   How Much Energy Can LEDs Really Save in Greenhouses? (Horticulture Daily)

https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9270610/how-much-energy-can-leds-really-save-in-greenhouses/

FISH & WILDLIFE

17.   Pandemic Crowds Bring ‘Rivergeddon’ to Montana’s Rivers (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/pandemic-montana-wilderness-rush.html

18.   Protecting Orcas Starts with Listening... Underwater (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/protecting-orcas-starts-with-listening-underwater/ISIGX6W4CFAERPZZEE2LLCG3EY/

19.   Connecting Orcas to Oklahoma: Project Introduces Inlanders to Salish Sea’s Endangered Species (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2020/11/24/project-introduces-oklahoma-residents-southern-resident-orcas/6366481002/

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

20.   Pebble Mine: Trump Administration Denies Permit for Divisive Alaska Mine (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2020-11-25/trump-administration-denies-permit-for-divisive-alaska-mine

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE

21.   Op/Ed: Lummi Nation Asks for Meaningful Action on Nooksack Water Rights Issues (Bellingham Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article247292854.html

22.   Georgia: Judge Says New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Can’t Be Removed If Water Level Will Fall (Associated Press)

https://www.sacbee.com/news/business/technology/article247416925.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

23.   Landmark Carbon Fee on Major Polluters Floated in Portland, Ore. (Bloomberg News)

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/landmark-carbon-fee-on-major-polluters-floated-in-portland-ore

24.   The Carbon Footprint of a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal (Quartz)

https://qz.com/1935797/how-to-make-your-thanksgiving-meal-more-climate-friendly/

25.   Stop Sending These Ten Unnecessary Email Responses, & You Can Help Reduce Carbon Emissions (Fast Company)

https://www.fastcompany.com/90578552/stop-sending-these-10-unnecessary-email-responses-and-you-can-help-reduce-carbon-emissions

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

26.   Republicans Call for Audit of $1.4 Billion ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, Citing Overbuilding (Telecompetitor)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/republicans-call-for-audit-of-1-4-billion-reconnect-rural-broadband-program-citing-overbuilding/

27.   Former FCC Chair Explains Why the Government Might Need 5G Access, Outlines Biden Priorities (Telecompetitor)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/former-fcc-chair-makes-case-for-nationalized-5g-network-outlines-biden-priorities/

28.   Comcast Prepares to Screw Over Millions with Data Caps in 2021 (Gizmodo)

https://gizmodo.com/comcast-prepares-to-screw-over-millions-with-data-caps-1845741662

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

29.   Winter Weather Advisory Issued for the Cascade Mountains (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/winter-weather-advisory-issued-cascades/U2INQT2SWBESDFTOOMMA4RIJZQ/

30.   Signs Point to a Strong Polar Vortex to Start Winter. Here’s What That May Mean. (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/signs-point-to-a-strong-polar-vortex-to-start-winter-heres-what-that-may-mean/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Unexplained Monolith Discovered in Rural Utah’s Red Rock Country

https://gizmodo.com/unexplained-monolith-discovered-in-rural-utahs-red-rock-1845745303

More “Clark Griswold” Mega Christmas Displays Expected This Year: BC Hydro

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bigger-christmas-light-displays-expected-bc-hydro

United Kingdom: The Trick to Making the Royal Family’s Boozy Christmas Pudding

https://www.mashed.com/284539/the-trick-to-making-the-royal-familys-boozy-christmas-pudding/

Ouch! Florida Women Break Guinness Record for Lego Walking Relay

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/11/25/Florida-woman-break-Guinness-record-for-Lego-walking-relay/3921606322520/

SONG OF THE DAY

Strauss – Also Sprach Zarathustra (Deodato)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJK3eUP5Hvg

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in the news digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Possible Paywall restrictions are noted in the media attribution.

News Release: Northwest RiverPartners Disappointed, Concerned Over Oregon Gov Brown’s Divisive Move Towards Litigation (Northwest RiverPartners, Vancouver, WA)

(VANCOUVER, WA) - - Yesterday the State of Oregon sent a 60-day notice of its intent to sue the federal government over its 2020 NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion on Columbia River System Operations. The NOAA document examined the potential impact on fish and wildlife from proposed hydroelectric operations and found that the recommended operations were consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. 

Northwest RiverPartners is highly disappointed and concerned by Governor Kate Brown’s decision, which threatens a retrenchment in litigation and signals a move away from genuinely collaborative discussions that could benefit salmon, the environment, and Northwest communities.

As a co-convenor of the Four-State Process, and presumably, as one of four parties with the final say in discussion outcomes, it is wholly inappropriate for Oregon to consider simultaneously pursuing litigation on the very same issues.

We fear the Governor’s decision will bring our region’s ability to have productive conversations to a grinding halt. It is imperative that a collaborative dialogue is upheld and that the region, as a whole, works to restore healthy salmon populations without jeopardizing fair and equitable access to affordable electricity for rural and other vulnerable communities.

It is well known that communities of color and other traditionally disadvantaged groups already carry a higher utility burden than the rest of society. The Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement made clear that the removal of the four lower Snake River dams would greatly increase utility costs, adding further hardship to those who are already struggling to make ends meet during a time of economic crisis.

Further, this threatened litigation ignores a slew of recent scientific studies which convincingly tie salmon declines to poor ocean conditions, due largely to climate change and acidification. These issues cannot be meaningfully addressed by Governor Brown’s preferred method of breaching the four lower Snake River dams, and the removal of renewable resources only furthers our climate crisis.

As a result of Oregon’s decision, many regional stakeholders are now questioning whether those who hold differing opinions will be welcomed to the table when the Four-State Process begins. If key stakeholders are not included, the legitimacy of the process may be called into question. At a time when collaboration is crucial to making real progress, actions that have the potential to create further division are deeply troubling. 

We urge Governor Brown to reconsider Oregon’s intent to seek litigation—which is almost certain to set back years’ long efforts to bring the region together—if she wants to truly lead a meaningful and collaborative salmon recovery effort.

Oregon Threatens Lawsuit Over Columbia & Snake River Dam Operations (Portland Business Journal, OR)

By Pete Danko – Staff Reporter, Portland Business Journal

Nov 24, 2020, 5:28pm EST

(SALEM, or) -- The state of Oregon has threatened to sue two federal agencies over a recent environmental review of Columbia River System dam operations, agreeing with conservationists that it doesn’t do enough to protect imperiled salmon.

A 60-day notice of intent to sue, dated Monday, is targeted at the Army Corps of Engineers, which operates 12 dams in the system, and the Bureau of Reclamation, with operates two.

A spokesperson for Gov. Kate Brown said the state took the action “to preserve all legal options in case our collaborative efforts are not successful,” adding, “It is our hope that these issues can be resolved without litigation.”

The two federal agencies, along with the Bonneville Power Administration led a court-ordered review of dam operations that called for continued maintenance of four lower Snake River dams. Environmental groups believe the dams should be removed to aid salmon runs and Puget Sound orca that feed on the fish.

The federal analysis, fast-tracked by the Trump administration said dam removal would benefit fish, but at the costly and potentially dangerous loss of emissions-free hydropower. Instead the decision leaned heavily on spilling more water in the spring to aid juvenile fish passage.

Brown last month agreed with the governors of Washington, Idaho and Montana to work together to find solutions to the Columbia Basin salmon issue. But a letter signed by the four governors explicitly noted there could be varying views on the “adequacy” of the federal review that could lead them “to act on that assessment differently.”

In its notice, Oregon said “legal violations of the (Endangered Species Act) and its implementing regulations … must be rectified.”

Oregon alleges myriad issues with the record of decision and biological opinion by the agencies that essentially add up to allowing salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake to become extinct.

It questions the agencies’ commitment to increased spill.

“After the 2021 spill season, the spill operation is not specified; instead, the action agencies express an intent to engage in some nebulous ‘adaptive management’ process to determine a yet to be defined voluntary spill operation,” the Oregon letter said.

The conservation group Earthjustice filed a similar notice of intent to sue a month ago, although it also named Bonneville as a target.

Northwest RiverPartners, which advocates for power, agriculture and shipping interests that believe the dams are essential, said it was disappointed by the Oregon move.

The notice “calls into question their ability to be a neutral overseer” and “undermines the credibility of the four-state process,” Kurt Miller, the group’s executive director, said.