The Energy News Digest for August 31, 2022

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Weeklong Heat Wave in California & Other Western States Will Test Power Grid (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/31/weeklong-heat-wave-in-california-and-other-western-states-will-test-power-grid/

Copper Thieves Are Cutting Electric Car Charging Cables & Stealing Them (Vice)

https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkgkxn/copper-thieves-are-cutting-electric-car-charging-cables-and-stealing-them

Skepticism Abounds After Crypto Miners Say They Want to Restart Paper Mill in Usk (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/aug/30/skepticism-abounds-after-crypto-miners-say-they-wa/

WA State: Hecate Energy – The Second Offshore Wind Proposal for Grays Harbor/Pacific County Coast (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

https://www.kxro.com/hecate-energy-the-second-offshore-wind-proposal-for-grays-harbor-pacific-county-coast/

Federal Cyber Mandate Looms for Local Water Systems (E&E News)

https://www.eenews.net/articles/federal-cyber-mandate-looms-for-local-water-systems/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Weeklong Heat Wave in California & Other Western States Will Test Power Grid

2.      California Nears Vote on Proposal to Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Online as Deadlines Loom

3.      Why Even Environmentalists Are Supporting Nuclear Power Today

4.      Nuclear Power Is Having a Resurgence

5.      Ag Stakeholders Consider Next Steps on Snake River Dams

6.      Yakama Nation Leaders Praise Official Report on Breaching Lower Snake River Dams

7.      Avista, Pacific Northwest Utilities, Power Trader Commit to Next Phase of Southwest Power Pool Western Market Initiative

8.      WA State: Chelan County PUD Begins Air-Lubricated Turbine Project

9.      California: Two Rescued from Electrical Towers in Separate Incidents in Sacramento & Stockton

10.   Outdoor Climbing Lab Teaches Students About Careers in Electrical Engineering & Linemen Training

11.   Canadian Hydropower – Maine Supreme Court Opens Pathway for Avangrid’s $1B New England Transmission Project

12.   Olsen: Snake River Report from Murray Inslee Offers Very Little Direction

13.   Guest Essay: Drained Snake River Reservoirs Would Resemble Parched Rhine Riverbeds

14.   Editorial: Is Oregon Ready for Growth in Electricity Use?

15.   Opinion: Idaho Water Wars Threaten to Restart

16.   Editorial: Gov. Jay Inslee Is Taking a Well-Earned Climate Victory Lap

17.   WA State: Hecate Energy – The Second Offshore Wind Proposal for Grays Harbor/Pacific County Coast

18.   Renewable Fuel Site in Clatskanie Gets State Permit Approval

19.   OSU Researches Ways to Modernize Hydroelectric Power & Energy Storage

20.   First Solar to Invest $1.2 Billion in U.S. Plants, Spurred by Climate Law

21.   U.S. to See Renewable Energy Boom in Wake of Historic Climate Bill

22.   Geothermal: The Energy of the Future Is Thousands of Years Old

23.   Finally, a Heat-Pump Water Heater That Plugs into a Standard Outlet

24.   Unplug These Appliances to Save $100 Each Year

25.   Idaho: Older Steelhead Making Up Bulk of Return

26.   Federal Cyber Mandate Looms for Local Water Systems

27.   Congress, It’s Time for Reforms to Ensure Universal Digital Connectivity

28.   WA State: Jefferson PUD OKs Loan to Upgrade Internet

29.   Officials Want Alaskans to Map Their Broadband Speed

30.   Comcast & Charter Face a Grim New Reality: Actual Competition

31.   Skepticism Abounds After Crypto Miners Say They Want to Restart Paper Mill in Usk

32.   Gov. Kate Brown Seeks Emergency Funds to Speed Environmental Reviews for New Oregon Chip Factories

33.   Data Centers, Backbone of the Digital Economy, Face Water Scarcity & Climate Risk

34.   Copper Thieves Are Cutting Electric Car Charging Cables & Stealing Them

35.   15 States Should Be Prioritized for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, EV Council Report Suggests

36.   Reader Survey Shows Strong Preference, Loyalty for Print

37.   Chinook Indian Nation Members Rally for Federal Recognition

38.   10 States with the Best Infrastructure – Oregon, Nevada, Utah on the List

WORD OF THE DAY – HORRIBLE HAIKU EDITION

Kayfabe /KAY-fabe/ Noun – 1. (in professional wrestling) the fact or convention of presenting staged performances as genuine or authentic.

All cheer pro wrestling

It is Kabuki in tights

Ultimate kayfabe

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Weeklong Heat Wave in California & Other Western States Will Test Power Grid (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/31/weeklong-heat-wave-in-california-and-other-western-states-will-test-power-grid/

2.      California Nears Vote on Proposal to Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Online as Deadlines Loom (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-diablo-canyon-nuclear-plant-legislature/630873/

3.      Why Even Environmentalists Are Supporting Nuclear Power Today (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/30/1119904819/nuclear-power-environmentalists-california-germany-japan

4.      Nuclear Power Is Having a Resurgence (Axios)

https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/nuclear-power-is-having-a-resurgence

5.      Ag Stakeholders Consider Next Steps on Snake River Dams (Capital Press)

https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/water/ag-stakeholders-consider-next-steps-on-snake-river-dams/article_4f07be0a-2879-11ed-8b2c-8f358d43907c.html

6.      Yakama Nation Leaders Praise Official Report on Breaching Lower Snake River Dams (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/29/think-out-loud-yakama-nation-praise-official-report-breaching-lower-snake-river-dams/

7.      Avista, Pacific Northwest Utilities, Power Trader Commit to Next Phase of Southwest Power Pool Western Market Initiative (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/avista-northwest-spp-bpa-bonneville-power-market-CAISO/630819/

8.      WA State: Chelan County PUD Begins Air-Lubricated Turbine Project (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/business/chelan-county-pud-begins-air-lubricated-turbine-project/article_e8085990-257f-11ed-80ef-c723340994cf.html

9.      California: Two Rescued from Electrical Towers in Separate Incidents in Sacramento & Stockton (KXTV-TV, Sacramento, CA)

https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/electrical-tower-rescues/103-574a85df-7894-4ef7-b808-20c6ae3c23e6

10.   Outdoor Climbing Lab Teaches Students About Careers in Electrical Engineering & Linemen Training (WJBF-TV, Augusta, GA)

https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/outdoor-climbing-lab-teaches-students-about-careers-in-electrical-engineering-and-linemen-training/

11.   Canadian Hydropower – Maine Supreme Court Opens Pathway for Avangrid’s $1B New England Transmission Project (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/maine-supreme-court-avangrid-cmp-necec-transmission-nextera/630886/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

12.   Olsen: Snake River Report from Murray Inslee Offers Very Little Direction (Pacific Northwest Ag Network)

https://pnwag.net/olsen-report-from-murray-inslee-offers-very-little-direction/

13.   Guest Essay: Drained Snake River Reservoirs Would Resemble Parched Rhine Riverbeds (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/don-brunell-commentary-drained-snake-river-reservoirs-would-resemble-parched-rhine-riverbeds,298969

14.   Editorial: Is Oregon Ready for Growth in Electricity Use? (Bend Bulletin, OR)

https://www.bendbulletin.com/opinion/editorial-is-oregon-ready-for-growth-in-electricity-use/article_45b64b6e-2883-11ed-9426-bf7dfc00863e.html

15.   Opinion: Idaho Water Wars Threaten to Restart (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/idaho-water-wars-threaten-to-restart/

16.   Editorial: Gov. Jay Inslee Is Taking a Well-Earned Climate Victory Lap (NY Times – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/31/opinion/environment/jay-inslee-ira-climate-change.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

17.   WA State: Hecate Energy – The Second Offshore Wind Proposal for Grays Harbor/Pacific County Coast (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

https://www.kxro.com/hecate-energy-the-second-offshore-wind-proposal-for-grays-harbor-pacific-county-coast/

18.   Renewable Fuel Site in Clatskanie Gets State Permit Approval (Longview Daily News, WA)

https://tdn.com/news/local/renewable-fuel-site-in-clatskanie-gets-state-permit-approval/article_ead4fd02-288d-11ed-9629-bfb63f292fc0.html

19.   OSU Researches Ways to Modernize Hydroelectric Power & Energy Storage (KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR)

https://www.kezi.com/news/osu-researches-ways-to-modernize-hydroelectric-power-and-energy-storage/article_1549e7dc-006b-11ed-becf-afd16634cacc.html

20.   First Solar to Invest $1.2 Billion in U.S. Plants, Spurred by Climate Law (Wall Street Journal)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/first-solar-to-invest-1-2-billion-in-u-s-plants-spurred-by-climate-law-11661852700

21.   U.S. to See Renewable Energy Boom in Wake of Historic Climate Bill (The Guardian, OK)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/30/renewable-energy-climate-bill-solar-wind

22.   Geothermal: The Energy of the Future Is Thousands of Years Old (Esquire Magazine)

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a41029268/geothermal-energy-explained-climate-solutions/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

23.   Finally, a Heat-Pump Water Heater That Plugs into a Standard Outlet (Canary Media)

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/heat-pumps/finally-a-heat-pump-water-heater-that-plugs-into-a-standard-outlet

24.   Unplug These Appliances to Save $100 Each Year (C|Net News)

https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/unplug-these-appliances-to-save-100-each-year/

FISH & WILDLIFE

25.   Idaho: Older Steelhead Making Up Bulk of Return (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/outdoors/older-steelhead-making-up-bulk-of-return/article_0a007266-859d-507f-bd7c-faaf03423f1c.html

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

26.   Federal Cyber Mandate Looms for Local Water Systems (E&E News)

https://www.eenews.net/articles/federal-cyber-mandate-looms-for-local-water-systems/

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

27.   Congress, It’s Time for Reforms to Ensure Universal Digital Connectivity (Sacramento Bee, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article265059829.html

28.   WA State: Jefferson PUD OKs Loan to Upgrade Internet (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/jefferson-pud-oks-loan-to-upgrade-internet/

29.   Officials Want Alaskans to Map Their Broadband Speed (KUAC Radio, Fairbanks, AK)

https://fm.kuac.org/local-news/2022-08-30/officials-want-alaskans-to-map-their-broadband-speed

30.   Comcast & Charter Face a Grim New Reality: Actual Competition (Fast Company)

https://www.fastcompany.com/90782532/comcast-and-charter-face-a-grim-new-reality-actual-competition

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY & CYBERSECURITY

31.   Skepticism Abounds After Crypto Miners Say They Want to Restart Paper Mill in Usk (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/aug/30/skepticism-abounds-after-crypto-miners-say-they-wa/

32.   Gov. Kate Brown Seeks Emergency Funds to Speed Environmental Reviews for New Oregon Chip Factories (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2022/08/gov-kate-brown-seeks-emergency-funds-to-speed-environmental-reviews-for-new-oregon-chip-factories.html

33.   Data Centers, Backbone of the Digital Economy, Face Water Scarcity & Climate Risk (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/30/1119938708/data-centers-backbone-of-the-digital-economy-face-water-scarcity-and-climate-ris

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

34.   Copper Thieves Are Cutting Electric Car Charging Cables & Stealing Them (Vice)

https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkgkxn/copper-thieves-are-cutting-electric-car-charging-cables-and-stealing-them

35.   15 States Should Be Prioritized for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, EV Council Report Suggests (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ev-council-states-electric-vehicle-charging-station-infrastructure/630741/

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

36.   Reader Survey Shows Strong Preference, Loyalty for Print (Pioneer Utility Resources)

https://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/2022readersurvey/

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

37.   Chinook Indian Nation Members Rally For Federal Recognition (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/30/chinook-indian-nation-seattle-rally-federal-recognition/

38.   10 States with the Best Infrastructure – Oregon, Nevada, Utah on the List (Money Talks News)

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/states-with-the-best-infrastructure/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

His Emotional Support Animal Is an Alligator. They Sleep in the Same Bed

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/30/can-an-alligator-be-man-best-friend-wallygator-emotional-support-animal

Star Trek Actress’ Ashes Will Be Launched into Space

https://www.pcmag.com/news/star-trek-actress-ashes-will-be-launched-into-space

A Tomato Spill Makes a Major California Highway a Marinara Mess

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/30/a-tomato-spill-makes-a-major-california-highway-a-marinara-mess/

The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz Would Like a Word With the FBI

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-monkees-micky-dolenz-fbi-1234584299/

SONG OF THE DAY

The Monkees - Pleasant Valley Sunday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boJlejbuyw0

The Energy News Digest for August 29, 2022

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

HOTSHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

U.S. Senator Murray & WA Gov. Inslee Conclude Breaching Snake River Dams ‘Not an Option Right Now,’ While Calling Status Quo Unsustainable for Salmon (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/aug/25/murray-and-inslee-conclude-breaching-snake-river-d/

California: Federal Report Boosts Plan to Remove Four Dams on Klamath River (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/federal-report-boosts-plan-to-remove-4-dams-on-calif-river/2022/08/26/7c43c08c-258e-11ed-a72f-1e7149072fbc_story.html

Wind Bust: How an Airborne Blade Exposed Broader Problems at Portland General Electric’s Flagship Wind Farm (Oregonian, Portland)

https://projects.oregonlive.com/wind-farms/

Concern for British Columbia Sockeye Salmon as Fraser River Return Estimates Drop by Millions (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sockeye-return-concerns-1.6561278

California Moves Toward Banning New Cars Running Only on Gas by 2035 (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/08/24/california-climate-cars/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      U.S. Senator Murray & WA Gov. Inslee Conclude Breaching Snake River Dams ‘Not an Option Right Now,’ While Calling Status Quo Unsustainable for Salmon

2.      Many Nonprofits Support Final Snake River Report, Want More Action

3.      Washington Governor, U.S. Senator Praised for Remarks on Snake River Dam Breaching

4.      U.S. Rep. Newhouse (WA) Responds to Final Dam Breach Report; Opposes Replacements

5.      Report: Benefits of Dams Must Be Replaced Before Breaching

6.      Lower Snake River Dams: Benefit Replacement Report

7.      California: Federal Report Boosts Plan to Remove Four Dams on Klamath River

8.      WA State: Okanogan PUD Supports Grant Application to Study Enloe Dam Removal

9.      California: Clashes Brew Over Diablo Canyon Extension Plan as 40% of Expected Renewables Fail to Come Online

10.   Idaho Power Company to Pay $1.5 Million in Civil Settlement for Powerline and Lime Hill Fires

11.   Lawsuit: PacifiCorp Electrical Equipment Sparked Deadly California Fire

12.   Washington UTC Approves Conditional Settlement Agreement for Cascade Natural Gas

13.   Drought Threatens Coal Plant Operations — And Electricity — Across the West

14.   Why the Energy Transition Broke the U.S. Interconnection System

15.   United Nations Agency to Inspect Ukraine Nuclear Plant in Urgent Mission

16.   2020 Inflation-Adjusted U.S. Energy Expenditures Lowest Since 2002

17.   Guest Essay: Makes No Sense to Remove Snake River Dams

18.   Guest Essay: Oregon Workers Need the Snake River Dams

19.   Opinion: When It Comes to Fish & Dams, Who Is Gaslighting Who?

20.   Why We Need Hydropower for a Resilient Grid

21.   Wind Bust: How an Airborne Blade Exposed Broader Problems at Portland General Electric’s Flagship Wind Farm

22.   California ISO’s First Geothermal Plant in 30 Years Comes Online

23.   U.S. Climate Law Could Jump-Start Public Power Sector’s Clean Energy Investment

24.   Four Questions to Consider Before You Go Solar

25.   The Inflation Reduction Act Offers Subsidies for Heat Pumps — Will U.S. Homeowners Warm to Them?

26.   WA Dept of Commerce Provides $1.8 Million Grants for Public Building Energy Efficiency

27.   Concern for British Columbia Sockeye Salmon as Fraser River Return Estimates Drop by Millions

28.   Alaska: The Salmon Mystery of Bristol Bay – Alaska’s biggest salmon run is booming despite warming water, and scientists are trying to understand why

29.   EPA to Designate ‘Forever Chemicals’ as Hazardous Substances

30.   Supreme Court Climate Ruling Could Impact Nuclear Waste Case

31.   The Future of the American West Is in Central Oregon

32.   ‘Zombie Ice’ from Greenland Will Raise Sea Level Ten Inches

33.   Get Ready for a New American West — Like It or Not

34.   A Drought in Canada Is Making It Impossible to Find Mustard in France

35.   Fiber Broadband Association: Fiber a Factor in Move Decisions as More Head for Rural Areas

36.   Fiber Broadband Association Report Shows Broadband’s Impact on Key Areas

37.   $18.9 Million Grant Awarded to Expand Internet Access to Carson Area, Nevada Tribal Communities

38.   Texas Crypto-Mining Rush May Need as Much Power as Entire State of New York

39.   California Moves Toward Banning New Cars Running Only on Gas by 2035

40.   Washington State Will No Longer Sell New Gas-Powered Cars by 2035, Inslee Says – Oregon Pondering Rules

41.   Electric Vehicle Interest Is Rising: How Can Utility Companies Educate Buyers & Manage the Grid?

42.   NASA Scrubs Launch of Its New Moon Rocket on a No-Crew Test Flight Because of Fuel Leaks

WORD OF THE DAY – THE HORRIBLE HAIKU EDITION

Götterdämmerung \gher-ter-DEM-uh-roong\ Noun – collapse (as of a society or regime) marked by catastrophic violence & disorder; broadly: downfall.

Götterdämmerung

Bad music. Unlike Wagner

It’s more like Spike Jones

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      U.S. Senator Murray & WA Gov. Inslee Conclude Breaching Snake River Dams ‘Not an Option Right Now,’ While Calling Status Quo Unsustainable for Salmon (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/aug/25/murray-and-inslee-conclude-breaching-snake-river-d/

2.      Many Nonprofits Support Final Snake River Report, Want More Action (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Yakima & Tri-Cities, WA)

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/national/many-nonprofits-support-final-snake-river-report-want-more-action/article_2d1fd8c6-25c3-11ed-bf8a-5765ebee57d4.html

3.      Washington Governor, U.S. Senator Praised for Remarks on Snake River Dam Breaching (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/regional_news/washington-governor-senator-praised-for-remarks-on-snake-river-dam-breaching/article_6c12d2c0-b868-5565-af23-dfe765ba3984.html

4.      U.S. Rep. Newhouse (WA) Responds to Final Dam Breach Report; Opposes Replacements (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Yakima & Tri-Cities, WA)

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/newhouse-responds-to-final-dam-breach-report-opposes-replacements/article_c345b7be-24ef-11ed-af29-37ed4a912a30.html

5.      Report: Benefits of Dams Must Be Replaced Before Breaching (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/washington-jay-inslee-dams-spokane-9e7a7320fc5f17653f69d9bfc9733ff6

6.      Lower Snake River Dams: Benefit Replacement Report (Governor Jay Inslee, WA – PDF File)

https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/images/LSRD%20Benefit%20Replacement%20Final%20Report_August%202022.pdf

7.      California: Federal Report Boosts Plan to Remove Four Dams on Klamath River (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/federal-report-boosts-plan-to-remove-4-dams-on-calif-river/2022/08/26/7c43c08c-258e-11ed-a72f-1e7149072fbc_story.html

8.      WA State: Okanogan PUD Supports Grant Application to Study Enloe Dam Removal (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

https://methowvalleynews.com/2022/08/24/pud-supports-grant-application-to-study-enloe-dam-removal/

9.      California: Clashes Brew Over Diablo Canyon Extension Plan as 40% of Expected Renewables Fail to Come Online (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/diablo-canyon-nuclear-newsom-legislature/630661/

10.   Idaho Power Company to Pay $1.5 Million in Civil Settlement for Powerline and Lime Hill Fires (U.S. Dept. of Justice)

https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/idaho-power-company-pay-15-million-civil-settlement-powerline-and-lime-hill-fires

11.   Lawsuit: PacifiCorp Electrical Equipment Sparked Deadly California Fire (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-lawsuits-utilities-99b2bc5d5e4299cb62a4333ae1c711ed

12.   Washington UTC Approves Conditional Settlement Agreement for Cascade Natural Gas (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/36408-washington-utc-approves-conditional-settlement-agreement-for-cascade-natural-gas/

13.   Drought Threatens Coal Plant Operations — And Electricity — Across the West (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/26/1118719636/drought-threatens-coal-plant-operations-and-electricity-across-the-west

14.   Why the Energy Transition Broke the U.S. Interconnection System (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/energy-transition-interconnection-reform-ferc-qcells/628822/

15.   United Nations Agency to Inspect Ukraine Nuclear Plant in Urgent Mission (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-international-atomic-energy-agency-4945f31b924af958454aa4e3ee61e782

16.   2020 Inflation-Adjusted U.S. Energy Expenditures Lowest Since 2002 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=53620

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

17.   Guest Essay: Makes No Sense to Remove Snake River Dams (Bainbridge Island Review, WA)

https://www.bainbridgereview.com/opinion/makes-no-sense-to-remove-snake-river-dams/

18.   Guest Essay: Oregon Workers Need the Snake River Dams (Eugene Register-Guard, OR – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/08/28/oregon-workers-need-the-snake-river-dams-kate-brown/65418491007/

19.   Opinion: When It Comes to Fish & Dams, Who Is Gaslighting Who? (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/opinion/opinion-when-it-comes-to-fish-and-dams-who-is-gaslighting-who/article_a28398c8-1e92-5c62-aa07-212977c219cb.html

20.   Why We Need Hydropower for a Resilient Grid (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

https://www.newswise.com/doescience/why-we-need-hydropower-for-a-resilient-grid/?article_id=764722

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

21.   Wind Bust: How an Airborne Blade Exposed Broader Problems at Portland General Electric’s Flagship Wind Farm (Oregonian, Portland)

https://projects.oregonlive.com/wind-farms/

22.   California ISO’s First Geothermal Plant in 30 Years Comes Online (Power Magazine)

https://www.powermag.com/caisos-first-geothermal-plant-in-30-years-comes-online/

23.   U.S. Climate Law Could Jump-Start Public Power Sector’s Clean Energy Investment (S&P Global)

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/us-climate-law-could-jump-start-public-power-sector-s-clean-energy-investment-71861420

24.   Four Questions to Consider Before You Go Solar (Everett Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.heraldnet.com/life/four-questions-to-consider-before-you-go-solar/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

25.   The Inflation Reduction Act Offers Subsidies for Heat Pumps — Will U.S. Homeowners Warm to Them? (Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/the-inflation-reduction-act-offers-subsidies-for-heat-pumps-will-american-homeowners-warm-to-them-193136412.html

26.   WA Dept of Commerce Provides $1.8 Million Grants for Public Building Energy Efficiency (South Sound Business)

https://www.southsoundbiz.com/news/commerce-provides-1-8m-grants-for-public-building-energy-efficiency/article_f3240748-24a3-11ed-8291-a3c04e882f82.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

27.   Concern for British Columbia Sockeye Salmon as Fraser River Return Estimates Drop by Millions (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sockeye-return-concerns-1.6561278

28.   Alaska: The Salmon Mystery of Bristol Bay – Alaska’s biggest salmon run is booming despite warming water, and scientists are trying to understand why (Anchorage Daily News, AK)

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2022/08/28/the-salmon-mystery-of-bristol-bay/

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

29.   EPA to Designate ‘Forever Chemicals’ as Hazardous Substances (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2022-08-26/epa-to-designate-forever-chemicals-as-hazardous-substances

30.   Supreme Court Climate Ruling Could Impact Nuclear Waste Case (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/texas-pollution-air-ken-paxton-f82c63a42fce1c778a89fb66989ae5bb

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

31.   The Future of the American West Is in Central Oregon (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-08-28/central-oregon-is-the-future-of-the-american-west#xj4y7vzkg

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

32.   ‘Zombie Ice’ from Greenland Will Raise Sea Level Ten Inches (Associated Press)

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/zombie-ice-greenland-raise-sea-level-10-inches-89003077

33.   Get Ready for a New American West — Like It or Not (Los Angeles Times, CA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2022-08-25/boiling-point-get-ready-for-a-new-american-west-like-it-or-not-boiling-point

34.   A Drought in Canada Is Making It Impossible to Find Mustard in France (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/29/1119882495/a-drought-in-canada-is-making-it-impossible-to-find-mustard-in-france

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

35.   Fiber Broadband Association: Fiber a Factor in Move Decisions as More Head for Rural Areas (Fierce Telecom)

https://www.fiercetelecom.com/broadband/fba-fiber-factor-move-decisions-more-head-rural-areas

36.   Fiber Broadband Association Report Shows Broadband’s Impact on Key Areas (Pioneer Utility Resources)

https://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/fbareport2022/

37.   $18.9 Million Grant Awarded to Expand Internet Access to Carson Area, Nevada Tribal Communities (Carson News, NV)

https://carsonnow.org/story/08/28/2022/189M-grant-awarded-expand-internet-access-to-Carson-area-nevada-tribal-communities

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY & CYBERSECURITY

38.   Texas Crypto-Mining Rush May Need as Much Power as Entire State of New York (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-26/texas-crypto-rush-may-need-as-much-power-as-entire-state-of-n-y#xj4y7vzkg

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

39.   California Moves Toward Banning New Cars Running Only on Gas by 2035 (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/08/24/california-climate-cars/

40.   Washington State Will No Longer Sell New Gas-Powered Cars by 2035, Inslee Says – Oregon Pondering Rules (KOIN-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.koin.com/news/washington/washington-will-no-longer-sell-new-gas-powered-cars-by-2035-inslee-says/

41.   Electric Vehicle Interest Is Rising: How Can Utility Companies Educate Buyers & Manage the Grid? (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/source/36441-electric-vehicle-interest-is-rising-how-can-utility-companies-educate-buyers-manage-the-grid/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

42.   NASA Scrubs Launch of Its New Moon Rocket on a No-Crew Test Flight Because of Fuel Leaks (Associated Press)

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/nasa-scrubs-launch-moon-rocket-crew-test-flight-88996294

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Nearly Flawless 1952 Mickey Mantle Card Sells for $12.6 Million, Shattering Records

https://sports.yahoo.com/nearly-flawless-1952-mickey-mantle-card-sells-for-126-million-shattering-records-144604692.html

Goats Climb on Alabama Deputy’s Patrol Car, Eat Paperwork

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/08/29/Madison-County-Sheriffs-Office-goats-eat-deputys-paperwork/9271661794889/

Man Paddles 38 Miles Down the Missouri River in a Hollowed-Out Pumpkin

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/08/29/Guinness-World-Records-longest-journey-by-pumpkin-boat/3881661792255/

Company Offering Dog Owners $150 to Get a Canine Tattoo

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/08/26/BARK-get-paid-for-dog-tattoo/6261661543300/

SONG OF THE DAY

Old Man River – Showboat Movie Soundtrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K_qWV4yqQ0