Energy News Digest for September 20, 2013

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

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for September 20, 2013

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/09/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_20.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Special Weather Statement for Rain & Wind This Weekend (National Weather Service, Seattle)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/09/special-weather-statement-for-rain-wind.html

Ninth Circuit Orders Amendments to Northwest Power & Conservation Council's Sixth Power Plan (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2013/09/ninth-circuit-orders-amendments-to-northwest-power-conservation-councils-sixth-power-plan.html

Google Tax Deal Opens Door to $200 Million Data Center in the Dalles (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2013/09/google_reaches_new_data_center.html

Regulators: Renegotiate Columbia River Treaty (Associated Press)

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/20/3638987/regulators-renegotiate-columbia.html

Oregon’s Antelope Ridge Wind Farm Withdrawn (Oregon Department of Energy)

http://www.oregon.gov/energy/Siting/Pages/ARW.aspx

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Ninth Circuit Orders Amendments to Northwest Power & Conservation Council's Sixth Power Plan
• FERC Follow-Up: Odds Grow Longer for Obama’s Nominee to U-S Energy Panel
• Grays Harbor PUD Pulling the Plug on Harbor Paper Mill
• Port Angeles Officials Warn of Utility Phone Scam
• Addressing Error Could Mean Higher Tax Payments for Some Chelan PUD Customers
• Former Bonneville Power Employee: Richland Woman's Lawsuit Found Meritless
• Many Natural Gas Bills to Drop across British Columbia This Winter
• California Water Agency Sounds Alarm over Pacific Gas & Electric Hydropower Move
• Nevada: Wells Rural Electric Hosts Rate Information Workshops
• Editorial: Electricity Deregulation Is an Idea Ahead of Its Time
• Colorado Springs Utility Provider Facing Significant Flood Damage
• NRECA: EPA Enforcing an 'All-But-One' Energy Policy
• Why Utility Downgrades are a Big Deal
• Electricity in Japan - Power struggle
• Germany’s Effort at Clean Energy Proves Complex
• Returning Fish Face Thermal Blockage at Lower Granite Dam
• Witnesses Agree Federal Regulatory Changes will Benefit Current and Future Hydropower Projects
• Rare Bumblebee Raises Concerns about Mt. Hood Bike Park
• Regulators: Renegotiate Columbia River Treaty
• Power Struggles at Klamath Basin Task Force
• Oregon’s Antelope Ridge Wind Farm Withdrawn
• In Minnesota, Looking for Lessons from Goodhue Wind Fight
• Alaska: Washington State Company to Study Hydro Idea at Thomas Bay
• The North American Hydropower Opportunity
• U.S. Revives Aid Program for Clean Energy
• Google Is On the Way to Quietly Becoming an Electric Utility
• Study: Battery Energy Storage Works for Solar; Not Wind
• Home Buyers of Two Minds on Energy Efficiency
• Virtual Audits Uncover Surprising Trends in Building Energy Efficiency
• GE Imagines the Home of 2025, Automated Laundry & Robot Bees Included
• Administration to Press Ahead with Carbon Limits
• City of Tumwater Oks Plastic Grocery-Bag Ban
• Google Tax Deal Opens Door to $200 Million Data Center in the Dalles
• Kansas: Overland Park First City to Block Google Fiber
• Why the Internet of Things is Moving from Industry to Consumers Sooner Than You Think
• Twitter Flies from Obscurity to the Height of Fame
• Everything You Need to Know About Twitter
• Fall Isn’t Waiting - Stormy Weather Coming
• Special Weather Statement for Rain & Wind This Weekend
• Nintendo Exec, Mariners Owner Hiroshi Yamauchi Dies at 85
• Source of Mystery Bellingham Odor Remains… A Mystery
• Tribal Casinos Move into New Territory: High-End Luxury

WORD OF THE DAY

Importune • \imp-per-TOON\ • Verb - 1: to urge or beg with troublesome persistence 2: annoy, trouble

Importune defense

Seahawks, the legion of boom

Poor Jaguars - Beware

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Ninth Circuit Orders Amendments to Northwest Power & Conservation Council's Sixth Power Plan (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2013/09/ninth-circuit-orders-amendments-to-northwest-power-conservation-councils-sixth-power-plan.html

FERC Follow-Up: Odds Grow Longer for Obama’s Nominee to U-S Energy Panel (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-19/odds-grow-longer-for-obama-s-nominee-to-u-s-energy-commission.html

Grays Harbor PUD Pulling the Plug on Harbor Paper Mill (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6015

Port Angeles Officials Warn of Utility Phone Scam (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130920/NEWS/309209986/port-angeles-officials-warn-of-utility-phone-scam

Addressing Error Could Mean Higher Tax Payments for Some Chelan PUD Customers (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/sep/17/addressing-error-could-mean-higher-tax-payments-for-some-chelan-pud-customers/

Former Bonneville Power Employee: Richland Woman's Lawsuit Found Meritless (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/09/19/3213827/richland-womans-lawsuit-found.html

Many Natural Gas Bills to Drop across British Columbia This Winter (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/many-natural-gas-bills-to-drop-across-b-c-this-winter-1.1860817?cmp=rss

California Water Agency Sounds Alarm over Pacific Gas & Electric Hydropower Move (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/19/5751731/water-agency-sounds-alarm-over.html

Nevada: Wells Rural Electric Hosts Rate Information Workshops (Elko Daily Free Press, NV)

http://elkodaily.com/business/wells-rural-electric-hosts-rate-information-workshops/article_813f6450-1cc5-11e3-86f2-001a4bcf887a.html

Editorial: Electricity Deregulation Is an Idea Ahead of Its Time (Arizona Republic, Phoenix)

http://www.azcentral.com/opinions/articles/20130913deregulation-an-idea-ahead-its-time.html

Colorado Springs Utility Provider Facing Significant Flood Damage (KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO)
http://www.fox21news.com/news/story.aspx?id=948579#.UjyNHHfcB8E

NRECA: EPA Enforcing an 'All-But-One' Energy Policy (Utility Products)

http://www.utilityproducts.com/articles/elp-archives/2013/09/nreca-epa-enforcing-an-all-but-one-energy-policy.html

Why Utility Downgrades are a Big Deal (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/eliashinckley/275346/why-utility-downgrades-are-big-deal

Electricity in Japan - Power struggle (Economist Magazine)

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21586570-shadow-fukushima-worlds-worst-nuclear-disaster-after-chernobyl-hangs-over-japans-energy

Germany’s Effort at Clean Energy Proves Complex (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/19/world/europe/germanys-effort-at-clean-energy-proves-complex.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

FISH & WILDLIFE

Returning Fish Face Thermal Blockage at Lower Granite Dam (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, WA)

http://union-bulletin.com/news/2013/sep/19/returning-fish-face-thermal-blockage-lower-granite/

Witnesses Agree Federal Regulatory Changes will Benefit Current and Future Hydropower Projects (U-S House Natural Resources Committee – Hey Look! Okanogan’s John Grubich is here!)

http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350265

Rare Bumblebee Raises Concerns about Mt. Hood Bike Park (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/224508021.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Regulators: Renegotiate Columbia River Treaty (Associated Press)

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/20/3638987/regulators-renegotiate-columbia.html

Power Struggles at Klamath Basin Task Force (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/power-struggles-klamath-basin-task-force

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Oregon’s Antelope Ridge Wind Farm Withdrawn (Oregon Department of Energy)

http://www.oregon.gov/energy/Siting/Pages/ARW.aspx

In Minnesota, Looking for Lessons from Goodhue Wind Fight (Midwest Energy News)

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2013/09/20/in-minnesota-looking-for-lessons-from-goodhue-wind-fight/

Alaska: Washington State Company to Study Hydro Idea at Thomas Bay (Alaska Public Media)

http://www.alaskapublic.org/2013/09/13/washington-company-to-study-hydro-idea-at-thomas-bay/

The North American Hydropower Opportunity (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/09/the-north-american-hydropower-opportunity?cmpid=rss

U.S. Revives Aid Program for Clean Energy (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/business/energy-environment/us-revives-aid-program-for-clean-energy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Google Is On the Way to Quietly Becoming an Electric Utility (Quartz)

http://qz.com/125407/google-is-on-the-way-to-quietly-becoming-an-electric-utility/

Study: Battery Energy Storage Works for Solar; Not Wind (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/silviomarcacci/274151/study-battery-energy-storage-works-solar-not-wind

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Home Buyers of Two Minds on Energy Efficiency (SF Chronicle, CA)

http://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/Home-buyers-of-2-minds-on-energy-efficiency-4828348.php

Virtual Audits Uncover Surprising Trends in Building Energy Efficiency (The Energy Collective)

https://theenergycollective.com/stephenlacey/275396/virtual-audits-uncover-surprising-trends-building-energy-efficiency

GE Imagines the Home of 2025, Automated Laundry & Robot Bees Included (ReViewed)

http://www.reviewed.com/features/ge-imagines-the-home-of-2025-automated-laundry-and-robot-bees-included

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Administration to Press Ahead with Carbon Limits (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/21/us/politics/obama-administration-carbon-limits.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

City of Tumwater Oks Plastic Grocery-Bag Ban (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/City-of-Tumwater-OKs-plastic-grocery-bag-ban-224460531.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Google Tax Deal Opens Door to $200 Million Data Center in the Dalles (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2013/09/google_reaches_new_data_center.html

Kansas: Overland Park First City to Block Google Fiber (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Overland-Park-First-City-to-Block-Google-Fiber-125899

Why the Internet of Things is Moving from Industry to Consumers Sooner Than You Think (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2013/09/18/why-the-internet-of-things-is-moving-from-industry-to-consumers-sooner-than-you-think/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Flies from Obscurity to the Height of Fame (Associated Press)

http://www.katu.com/news/national/Twitter-flies-from-obscurity-to-the-height-of-fame-223828541.html

Everything You Need to Know About Twitter (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2013/09/20/twitter-history/

GENERAL NEWS

Fall Isn’t Waiting - Stormy Weather Coming (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-isnt-waiting-stormy-weather-coming.html

Special Weather Statement for Rain & Wind This Weekend (National Weather Service, Seattle)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/09/special-weather-statement-for-rain-wind.html

Nintendo Exec, Mariners Owner Hiroshi Yamauchi Dies at 85 (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Mariners-owner-Hiroshi-Yamauchi-dies-at-85-224423461.html

Source of Mystery Bellingham Odor Remains… A Mystery (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2013/09/20/source-of-mystery-odor-remains-a-mystery/

Tribal Casinos Move into New Territory: High-End Luxury (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/tribal-casinos-move-new-territory-high-end-luxury

DIVERSIONS

18-Wheeler Crashes, Spills Hundreds of Bottles of Champagne on Highway

http://gizmodo.com/18-wheeler-crashes-spills-hundreds-of-bottles-of-champ-1348928536

Clown Terrorizes Town: Why Are Clowns Scary?

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/0919/Clown-terrorizes-town-Why-are-clowns-scary

And They’re Off! Seahawks to Host Halftime Wiener Dog Race

http://q13fox.com/2013/09/19/and-theyre-off-seahawks-to-host-wiener-dog-halftime-race/

Every Original Star Trek Episode as a Vintage Movie Poster

http://gizmodo.com/every-original-star-trek-episode-as-a-vintage-movie-pos-1315030958

SONG OF THE DAY

Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - The Tears of a Clown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zww7FQILQec

When the Cat's Away - Tears of a clown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ttam59Wjf8

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.

Energy News Digest for September 19, 2013

While I communed with fellow Northwest Public Power Association communicators this week, the news digest lounged around the hotel room, scarfing down MoonPies, RC Cola & watching ESPN Classic. It’s back today, a bit more rotund, & slightly sluggish.

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

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for September 19, 2013

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2013/09/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_19.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

FERC Commission Nominee Binz Grilled at Confirmation Hearing; Nomination May be in Trouble (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=234453&issueID=27106

Public Weighs in on State Energy Independence Act at Richland Hearing (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/09/16/3208327/public-weighs-in-on-state-energy.html

Chinook Salmon Break Records in Columbia River (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/224162111.html

Tribes Pushing For Changes in Columbia River Water Treaty (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/wednesday/1511008-8/tribes-pushing-for-changes-in-water-treaty

Port Angeles Residents Attack Smart-Meter Plan (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130919/news/309199995/port-angeles-residents-attack-smart-meter-plan

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• FERC Commission Nominee Binz Grilled at Confirmation Hearing; Nomination May be in Trouble
• Port Angeles Residents Attack Smart-Meter Plan
• BC Hydro Outlines Smart Meter Refusal Cost
• New Review of Bonneville Power Administration’s Hiring Practices Finds Systemic Problems
• Avista Makes Annual Price Adjustment Requests in Washington
• Chelan PUD to Build New Substations to Handle Growth
• Okanogan PUD Working on $61.7 Million Budget for 2014
• A Different Energy Idea for Site near Roza Dam
• Janney to Be Consultant to Chelan PUD
• Water, Power, Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement Costs on the Table
• Bonneville Power Launches Pilot Project for Transactive Energy
• Shining Light On History of Electric Service Here
• Editorial: Time to Expedite Transmission Upgrade
• Pacific Gas & Electric: Making Things Right in San Bruno
• Texas Wildfires Prompt Co-op Lawsuit
• Obama & Reinfeldt: A Hydro-Nuclear Bromance
• Chinook Salmon Break Records in Columbia River
• Eastern Washington Anglers Eye More Spring Chinook Salmon
• 9th Circuit Questions Fish & Wildlife Cost Estimate in Northwest Power Plan
• Salmon Restoration in American River Worries Some Kayakers, Rafters
• Tribes Pushing For Changes in Columbia River Water Treaty
• Op/Ed: We Must Keep Boat Sewage Out of Puget Sound
• Public Weighs in on State Energy Independence Act at Richland Hearing
• Oregon Legislators Drill Down on $30 Million in Tax Credits Approved for Shepherds Flat Wind Farm 
• Selah Could Be Site for Energy Storage Project
• In-Pipe Turbines to Generate Electricity from Drinking Water for the First Time
• Kitsap Solar Tour Will Showcase Energy-Efficient Homes& Electric Vehicles
• Canada: Green Energy Forcing Ratepayers into the Red
• Wind Turbines May Be Killing Bats by ‘Exploding’ Their Lungs
• Cities’ Energy Efficiency Scorecard: Seattle is No. 5
• Senate’s Energy-Efficiency Bill Bogged Down in Unrelated Amendments
• Obama Climate Change Plan Gets First Airing In Front of House Skeptics
• New Map Reveals Places Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
• Are Internet Companies Easy Targets for the Green Movement?
• The Faster Your Broadband, The Higher Your Income
• America’s Lackluster Broadband Market
• Comcast Bumps $300, 305 Mbps Tier to 500 Mbps
• Video Isn’t Breaking the Internet: The Industry Giants Are
• Clark County Creates Disaster Social Media Game
• Court: Facebook “Likes” Are Protected Speech, Shouldn’t Get You Fired from Your Job
• Does Your Business Need a Full-Time Social Media Team?
• The Dos & Don’ts of Pitching Journalists on Social Media
• White House Threatens to Veto Forest Bill
• Hoodsport Clinic to Join Mason General in 2014
• Mason County Commission: Financial Conflicts over Belfair Sewer Hookups?
• ‘Niners Fans Want NFL to Make 12th Man Pipe Down

WORD OF THE DAY

Collegial • \kuh-LEEJ-jull\ • Adjective – 1: Marked by power or authority vested equally in each of a number of colleagues; b: characterized by equal sharing of authority especially by Roman Catholic bishops 2:  marked by camaraderie among colleagues.

Beer, baseball & brats: an explosive combination guaranteed to foster a collegial environment for like-minded fans. Beer, baseball, and souvenir bat night: not so much.

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

FERC Commission Nominee Binz Grilled at Confirmation Hearing; Nomination May be in Trouble (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=234453&issueID=27106

Port Angeles Residents Attack Smart-Meter Plan (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130919/news/309199995/port-angeles-residents-attack-smart-meter-plan

BC Hydro Outlines Smart Meter Refusal Cost (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-hydro-outlines-smart-meter-refusal-cost-1.1829319?cmp=rss

New Review of Bonneville Power Administration’s Hiring Practices Finds Systemic Problems (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/new_review_of_bonnevilles_hiri.html

Avista Makes Annual Price Adjustment Requests in Washington (MarketWatch)

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/avista-makes-annual-price-adjustment-requests-in-washington-2013-09-16

Chelan PUD to Build New Substations to Handle Growth (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/sep/18/pud-to-build-new-substations-to-handle-growth/

Okanogan PUD Working on $61.7 Million Budget for 2014 (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

http://methowvalleynews.com/2013/09/18/pud-working-on-61-7-million-budget-for-2014/

A Different Energy Idea for Site near Roza Dam (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/wednesday/1509145-14/a-different-energy-idea-for-site-near-roza

Janney to Be Consultant to Chelan PUD (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/sep/18/janney-to-be-paid-consultant-to-chelan-pud/

Water, Power, Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement Costs on the Table (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)

http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/environment/article_cfc365c8-1f4e-11e3-a89b-0019bb2963f4.html

Bonneville Power Launches Pilot Project for Transactive Energy (Greenbiz)

http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/09/17/bonneville-power-pilot-project-transactive-energy

Shining Light On History of Electric Service Here (Teton Valley News, Driggs, ID)

http://www.tetonvalleynews.net/news/shining-light-on-history-of-electric-service-here/article_1e001574-20bc-11e3-bd92-0019bb2963f4.html

Editorial: Time to Expedite Transmission Upgrade (The Missoulian, MT)
http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/editorial/time-to-expedite-transmission-upgrade/article_52c4763e-2133-11e3-9c07-0019bb2963f4.html

Pacific Gas & Electric: Making Things Right in San Bruno (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/brighammccown/2013/09/17/making-things-right-in-san-bruno/

Texas Wildfires Prompt Co-op Lawsuit (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/weather-effects/recovery/texas-wildfires-prompt-electric-co-op-lawsuit/61341

Obama & Reinfeldt: A Hydro-Nuclear Bromance (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2013/09/15/obama-and-reinfeldt-a-hydro-nuclear-bromance/?ss=business:energy

FISH & WILDLIFE

Chinook Salmon Break Records in Columbia River (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/224162111.html

Eastern Washington Anglers Eye More Spring Chinook Salmon (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/sep/18/eastern-washington-anglers-eye-more-spring-chinook/

9th Circuit Questions Fish & Wildlife Cost Estimate in Northwest Power Plan (Law 360)

http://www.law360.com/articles/473874/9th-circ-questions-cost-estimate-in-northwest-power-plan

Full Opinion of Above Ruling “…we AFFIRM the Plan with respect to NRIC’s “due-consideration” challenge, but REMAND the Plan to the Council for the limited purposes of (1) allowing public notice & comment on the proposed methodology for determining quantifiable environmental costs & benefits, & (2) reconsidering the inclusion in the Plan of a market-price-based estimate of the cost of accommodating fish & wildlife interests…” (Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals – PDF)

http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2013/09/18/10-72104.pdf

Salmon Restoration in American River Worries Some Kayakers, Rafters (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/18/5745632/salmon-restoration-in-american.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Tribes Pushing For Changes in Columbia River Water Treaty (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/wednesday/1511008-8/tribes-pushing-for-changes-in-water-treaty

Op/Ed: We Must Keep Boat Sewage Out of Puget Sound (Seattle Times - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2021844094_petergoldmarkopedboatsewagexxxml.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Public Weighs in on State Energy Independence Act at Richland Hearing (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/09/16/3208327/public-weighs-in-on-state-energy.html

Oregon Legislators Drill Down on $30 Million in Tax Credits Approved for Shepherds Flat Wind Farm (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/oregon_legislators_drill_down.html

Selah Could Be Site for Energy Storage Project (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1494564-8/selah-could-be-site-for-energy-storage-project

In-Pipe Turbines to Generate Electricity from Drinking Water for the First Time (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/business/stumptown-startups/In-pipe-turbines-to-generate-electricity-from-drinking-water-for-the-first-time-223708411.html

Kitsap Solar Tour Will Showcase Energy-Efficient Homes& Electric Vehicles (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://kpbj.com/business_daily/2013-09-17/kitsap_solar_tour_will_showcase_energy_efficient_homes_and_evs

Canada: Green Energy Forcing Ratepayers into the Red (Edmonton Journal, Alberta)

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/energy-resources/Lamphier+Green+energy+forcing+ratepayers/8911105/story.html?__lsa=f671-6b53

Wind Turbines May Be Killing Bats by ‘Exploding’ Their Lungs (The Telegraph, UK)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewableenergy/10307646/Wind-turbines-may-be-killing-bats-by-exploding-their-lungs.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Cities’ Energy Efficiency Scorecard: Seattle is No. 5 (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2013/09/17/cities-energy-scorecard-seattle-is-no-5/

Senate’s Energy-Efficiency Bill Bogged Down in Unrelated Amendments (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/daily/senate-s-energy-efficiency-bill-bogged-down-in-unrelated-amendments-20130915

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Obama Climate Change Plan Gets First Airing In Front of House Skeptics (The Guardian, UK)

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/18/epa-obama-climate-change-plan-congress

New Map Reveals Places Most Vulnerable to Climate Change (The Weather Channel)

http://www.weather.com/news/science/environment/new-map-reveals-places-most-vulnerable-climate-change-20130918

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Are Internet Companies Easy Targets for the Green Movement? (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2013/09/19/are-internet-companies-easy-targets-for-the-green-movement/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The Faster Your Broadband, The Higher Your Income (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2013/09/17/the-faster-your-broadband-the-higher-your-income/

America’s Lackluster Broadband Market (National Review)

http://www.nationalreview.com/agenda/358712/americas-lackluster-broadband-market-reihan-salam

Comcast Bumps $300, 305 Mbps Tier to 500 Mbps (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Bumps-300-305-Mbps-Tier-to-500-Mbps-125834

Video Isn’t Breaking the Internet: The Industry Giants Are (Gigaom)

http://gigaom.com/2013/09/16/video-isnt-breaking-the-internet-the-industry-giants-are/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Clark County Creates Disaster Social Media Game (KGW TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/Clark-Co-gets-creative-with-30-days-30-ways--224333041.html

Court: Facebook “Likes” Are Protected Speech, Shouldn’t Get You Fired from Your Job (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2013/09/18/court-facebook-likes-are-protected-speech-shouldnt-get-you-fired-from-your-job/

Does Your Business Need a Full-Time Social Media Team? (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2013/09/19/seismic-social-makeover/

The Dos & Don’ts of Pitching Journalists on Social Media (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2013/09/16/pitch-journalist-social-media/

GENERAL NEWS

White House Threatens to Veto Forest Bill (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/white-house-threatens-veto-forest-bill

Hoodsport Clinic to Join Mason General in 2014 (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/September-2013/Hoodsport-clinic-to-join-Mason-General-in-2014/

Mason County Commission: Financial Conflicts over Belfair Sewer Hookups? (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/5542-mason-county-commission-financial-conflicts

‘Niners Fans Want NFL to Make 12th Man Pipe Down (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/Niners-fans-letter-Seahawks-noise-ban-224230581.html

DIVERSIONS

Hopkins Dairy Queen Manager’s Act of Kindness Goes Viral

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/09/18/hopkins-dairy-queen-workers-act-of-kindess-goes-viral/

Estranged Couple Squares Off Over $16K Engagement Ring

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/estranged-couple-squares-off-over-16k-engagement-ring-1.1860480?cmp=rss

Oregon: How Much Do We Love Beer? About $31M Worth

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/2013/09/how-much-do-we-love-beer-about-31m.html

Snoop Dogg Wins a Pound of Pot on Boxing Match, Brags on Instagram

http://mashable.com/2013/09/18/snoop-dogg-mayweather-weed/

SONG OF THE DAY

Glen Campbell - Try a Little Kindness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvswocNN-g8

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.