Energy News Digest for February 13, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 13, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ns8rjcy

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Oregon Governor Announces Resignation amid Ethics Probe (Associated Press)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/politics/2015/02/13/oregon-gov-john-kitzhaber-resignation/23366655/

Snohomish County PUD's CEO Announces Retirement (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150211/NEWS01/150219744

Bill Would Grant Washington Tax Exemption to TransAlta for Centralia Coal Plant Transition to Natural Gas (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2015/02/13/3575528_bill-would-grant-tax-exemption.html?rh=1

In Aiming to Reinvent I-937, Critics Question Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/aiming-reinvent-937-critics-question-environmental-benefits-renewable-energy/

Social Media for Utilities is Becoming Indispensable (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/12/social-media-for-utilities-is-becoming-indispensable/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Snohomish County PUD's CEO Announces Retirement
2. Bill Would Grant Washington Tax Exemption to TransAlta for Centralia Coal Plant Transition to Natural Gas
3. Lawmakers Eye Tax Break Extension for Washington State’s Last Two Aluminum Plants
4. Montana: Will Closure of Billings Energy Plant Increase the Cost of Electricity?
5. Oregon's Nuclear Giant Tests System in Italy, Prepares for U-S Application
6. Okanogan PUD Commissioners Preserve All Options for Enloe Dam
7. EPA Wants Assurances Coos Bay Natural Gas Project Won't Harm Oregon's Environment
8. U-S Senator Murkowski Announces Members of Senate Energy Subcommittees
9. Chicago Joins Growing List Opposing Canadian Nuclear Waste Dump near Lake Huron
10. California: Ex-PUC Chief’s Tribute Made Everyone Look Bad
11. Sea Lions Desperate for Nourishment Dying Off in Alarming Numbers on California Coast
12. Environmentalists Warn EPA of Lawsuit over Salmon
13. Smelt-Limit Violators Net about 100 Citations in a Single Dipping Day
14. Agriculture Agency: Sage Grouse Spending to Top $750 Million by 2018, Conserve 8 Million Acres
15. A ‘Megadrought’ Will Grip U-S in the Coming Decades, NASA Researchers Say
16. In Aiming to Reinvent I-937, Critics Question Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy
17. Why the Department of Energy is Going Big on Community Shared Solar
18. Solar Energy is Playing Surprisingly Well in Conservative Parts of the U-S
19. Sally Jewell: ‘Plenty of Time’ for Energy Plan Comment
20. The World’s Ten Biggest Solar Farms
21. Delay in LEED Decision for Whatcom Jail Makes Green-Building Standard Harder to Attain
22. A Glimpse Inside a Super Energy-Efficient Home
23. Want to Save Money on Your Energy Bill? There’s a Game for That
24. Moses Lake Extends Halt on Medical Marijuana Gardens
25. Tribal Cannabis Conference - With State Contract in Legislature & Possible On-Site Tribal Retail And Consumptive Venues This Should Be Informative
26. Suquamish Back Tribal Pot Bills
27. Judge Denies Dismissal of Marijuana Case against ‘Kettle Falls Five’
28. Return of the Dust Bowl? Climate Change Study Highlights How West Must Adapt
29. Will the Carbon Bubble be the Next Financial Crisis?
30. How One City That’s Vulnerable to Climate Change is Fighting Back
31. Poll Results: Lack of Range Thwarts Electric Vehicle Purchases
32. Green Ways Boost Manufacturers - Sustainable Building Practices Providing New Opportunities
33. Who’s Going to Sue the FCC over Net Neutrality? Probably the Cable Lobby
34. 43 Muni-Broadband Communities Say They Oppose Title II
35. Waverly, Iowa, Gets Approval to Join Ranks as a Gigabit City
36. Judge: State Broadband Contracts for Idaho Schools Are Void
37. Comcast Addresses Customer Service - Makeover of Xfinity Stores Aims for Better Experience
38. Are You a Hack Waiting to Happen? Your Boss Wants to Know
39. Social Media for Utilities is Becoming Indispensable
40. A Bit TOO Transparent: Jeb Bush Releases Emails Containing Personal Information of More Than 12,000 People
41. Washington State Senators Propose 11.7-Cent Gas Tax Increase for Roads
42. Oregon Governor Announces Resignation amid Ethics Probe
43. Bustling West Coast Ports Fall Quiet amid Labor Dispute
44. Portland's Loss Is Seattle's Gain as Hanjin Ends Operations at Oregon Port
45. Mason County Fire Commissioners Discuss Regional Fire Authority
46. Exasperated New Englanders Brace for another Snowstorm That Could Bring a Foot or More of Snow
47. District Basketball: North Mason & Shelton Fall; Mary M Knight in Semi Finals

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Snohomish County PUD's CEO Announces Retirement (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150211/NEWS01/150219744

Bill Would Grant Washington Tax Exemption to TransAlta for Centralia Coal Plant Transition to Natural Gas (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2015/02/13/3575528_bill-would-grant-tax-exemption.html?rh=1

Lawmakers Eye Tax Break Extension for Washington State’s Last Two Aluminum Plants (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/02/bill-seeks-help-states-last-2-aluminum-plants/

Montana: Will Closure of Billings Energy Plant Increase the Cost of Electricity? (KTVQ-TV, Billings, MT)

http://www.ktvq.com/story/28087543/will-closure-of-billings-energy-plant-increase-the-cost-of-electricity

Oregon's Nuclear Giant Tests System in Italy, Prepares for U-S Application (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/oregons-nuclear-giant-tests-system-in-italy.html

Okanogan PUD Commissioners Preserve All Options for Enloe Dam (Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA)

http://methowvalleynews.com/2015/02/12/pud-commissioners-preserve-all-options-for-enloe-dam/

EPA Wants Assurances Coos Bay Natural Gas Project Won't Harm Oregon's Environment (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/epa-wants-assurances-natural-gas-project-wont-harm-oregons-environment/

U-S Senator Murkowski Announces Members of Senate Energy Subcommittees (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43174

Chicago Joins Growing List Opposing Canadian Nuclear Waste Dump near Lake Huron (Macomb Daily, MI)

http://www.macombdaily.com/environment-and-nature/20150212/chicago-joins-growing-list-opposing-canadian-nuclear-waste-dump

California: Ex-PUC Chief’s Tribute Made Everyone Look Bad (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article9914159.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Sea Lions Desperate for Nourishment Dying Off in Alarming Numbers on California Coast (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_27517032/sea-lions-desperate-nourishment-dying-off-alarming-numbers

Environmentalists Warn EPA of Lawsuit over Salmon (Associated Press)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/2015/02/12/environmentalists-warn-epa-of-lawsuit-salmon/23297639/

Smelt-Limit Violators Net about 100 Citations in a Single Dipping Day (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/smelt-limit-violators-net-about-citations-in-a-single-dipping/article_f3fa1abe-b259-11e4-a5dd-5becf82c53c4.html

Agriculture Agency: Sage Grouse Spending to Top $750 Million by 2018, Conserve 8 Million Acres (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/science/news/articles/2015/02/12/agency-sage-grouse-spending-to-top-750-million-by-2018

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

A ‘Megadrought’ Will Grip U-S in the Coming Decades, NASA Researchers Say (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/todays-drought-in-the-west-is-nothing-compared-to-what-may-be-coming/2015/02/12/0041646a-b2d9-11e4-854b-a38d13486ba1_story.html?hpid=z1

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

In Aiming to Reinvent I-937, Critics Question Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/aiming-reinvent-937-critics-question-environmental-benefits-renewable-energy/

Why the Department of Energy is Going Big on Community Shared Solar - DOE's SunShot initiative awarded $14 million to develop business models for shared solar (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/why-dept-of-energy-is-going-big-on-community-shared-solar/361716/

Solar Energy is Playing Surprisingly Well in Conservative Parts of the U-S (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/13/why-solar-energy-is-playing-well-in-conservative-parts-of-the-u-s/

Sally Jewell: ‘Plenty of Time’ for Energy Plan Comment (Palm Springs Desert Sun, CA)

http://www.desertsun.com/story/tech/science/greenenergy/2015/02/12/jewell-plenty-time-comment-energy-plan/23315035/

The World’s Ten Biggest Solar Farms (TIME Magazine)

http://time.com/3700948/worlds-10-biggest-solar-farms/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Delay in LEED Decision for Whatcom Jail Makes Green-Building Standard Harder to Attain (Bellingham Herald, WA)

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/02/12/4130286/delay-in-leed-decision-for-whatcom.html

A Glimpse Inside a Super Energy-Efficient Home (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2015/02/a-glimpse-inside-a-super-energy-efficient-home-at-belfast-ecovillage?cmpid=rss

Want to Save Money on Your Energy Bill? There’s a Game for That (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/12/want-to-cut-your-energy-bill-theres-a-game-for-that/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Moses Lake Extends Halt on Medical Marijuana Gardens (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/politics/moses-lake-extends-halt-on-medical-marijuana-gardens/article_d41f2502-b30f-11e4-a6a8-0bf6f390bd5e.html

Tribal Cannabis Conference - With State Contract in Legislature & Possible On-Site Tribal Retail And Consumptive Venues This Should Be Informative (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/tribal-cannabis-conference-state-contract-legislature-possible-site-tribal-retail-consumptive-venues-informative/

Suquamish Back Tribal Pot Bills (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/local-news/suquamish-back-tribal-pot-bills_61402009

Judge Denies Dismissal of Marijuana Case against ‘Kettle Falls Five’ (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/12/patriarch-could-be-dropped-kettle-falls-five-medic/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Return of the Dust Bowl? Climate Change Study Highlights How West Must Adapt (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2015/0213/Return-of-the-Dust-Bowl-Climate-change-study-highlights-how-West-must-adapt

Will the Carbon Bubble be the Next Financial Crisis? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswright/2015/02/13/will-the-carbon-bubble-be-the-next-financial-crisis/

How One City That’s Vulnerable to Climate Change is Fighting Back (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2015/02/09/how-one-city-thats-vulnerable-to-climate-change-is-fighting-back/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Poll Results: Lack of Range Thwarts Electric Vehicle Purchases (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/poll-results-lack-of-range-thwarts-electric.html

Green Ways Boost Manufacturers - Sustainable Building Practices Providing New Opportunities (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/12/green-ways-boost-manufacturers/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Who’s Going to Sue the FCC over Net Neutrality? Probably the Cable Lobby (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/12/whos-going-to-sue-the-fcc-over-net-neutrality-probably-the-cable-lobby/

43 Muni-Broadband Communities Say They Oppose Title II (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/43-MuniBroadband-Communities-Say-They-Oppose-Title-II-132634

Waverly, Iowa, Gets Approval to Join Ranks as a Gigabit City (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43173

Judge: State Broadband Contracts for Idaho Schools Are Void (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/02/11/3639838_judge-ien-contracts-are-void.html?rh=1

Comcast Addresses Customer Service - Makeover of Xfinity Stores Aims for Better Experience (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/12/comcast-addresses-customer-service/

Are You a Hack Waiting to Happen? Your Boss Wants to Know (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/02/12/3406140_are-you-a-hack-waiting-to-happen.html?rh=1

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media for Utilities is Becoming Indispensable (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/12/social-media-for-utilities-is-becoming-indispensable/

A Bit TOO Transparent: Jeb Bush Releases Emails Containing Personal Information of More Than 12,000 People (Associated Press)

http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/jeb-bush-releases-emails-containing-personal-information-of-more-than/article_72e95662-b36a-11e4-af7b-c3b626415764.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Senators Propose 11.7-Cent Gas Tax Increase for Roads (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/washington-senators-propose-117-cent-gas-tax-increase-roads

GENERAL NEWS

Oregon Governor Announces Resignation amid Ethics Probe (Associated Press)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/politics/2015/02/13/oregon-gov-john-kitzhaber-resignation/23366655/

Bustling West Coast Ports Fall Quiet amid Labor Dispute (Associated Press)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/12/bustling-west-coast-ports-fall-quiet-amid-labor-di/

Portland's Loss Is Seattle's Gain as Hanjin Ends Operations at Oregon Port (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2015/02/11/portlands-loss-is-seattles-gain-as-hanjin-ends.html

Mason County Fire Commissioners Discuss Regional Fire Authority (Mason Web-TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14364

Exasperated New Englanders Brace for another Snowstorm That Could Bring a Foot or More of Snow (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/02/13/exasperated-new-englanders-brace-for-another-major-snowstorm

District Basketball: North Mason & Shelton Fall; Mary M Knight in Semi Finals (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14366

DIVERSIONS

Poo Fighters: Detectives Use Doggie DNA to Bust Lazy Owners

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Poo-fighters-Detectives-use-doggie-DNA-to-catch-lazy-owners-291797121.html

This Oregon Town Had to Put Up Signs Warning People about Its Angry Owl

http://time.com/3708466/angry-owl-signs/

'Nut Rage' Heiress Sentenced to Year in Prison

http://www.mercurynews.com/weird-news/ci_27514699/nut-rage-heiress-sentenced-year-prison

Just ‘Cuz I Can: Washington State Wire Senior Editor Jim Boldt Publishes Second Novel

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/washington-state-wire-senior-editor-jim-boldt-publishes-second-novel/

SONG OF THE DAY

Ray Anthony – Theme from Dragnet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mBDS0FsqmI

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 February 11, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 11, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ksabt2z

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGESTTWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Apple Investing $850 Million in California Solar Farm (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/10/us-apple-cook-idUSKBN0LE2RN20150210

Montana Coal Plant to Shut Down in August (Associated Press)

http://www.kxly.com/news/northwest/montana-coal-plant-to-shut-down-in-august/31194970

California: Appeals Court Rejects Challenges to Fish Hatcheries’ Impact (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article9708359.html

Washington State Governor’s Cap-And-Trade Bill Needs More Votes (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/02/10/politics-government/123928/jay-inslee-carbon-cap-trade-house-vote-legislature/

School Board Votes to Close Shelton High Pool (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21305-shelton-pool-to-close#comments

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Montana Coal Plant to Shut Down in August
2. Energy Quote of the Day: GOP Releases “Architecture of Abundance” Legislative Framework
3. FERC Proposes $5 Million Fine against Maxim, Subsidiaries Tied to Alleged Manipulation
4. NRECA Pushes for More LIHEAP Funds
5. Pacific Gas & Electric Urges Customers to Be Safe & Keep Metallic Balloons Secure on Valentine’s Day
6. Before 1948, LA’s Power Grid Was Incompatible with the Rest of the U-S
7. California: Appeals Court Rejects Challenges to Fish Hatcheries’ Impact
8. Despite Low Snowpack, There’s no Need to Panic
9. Apple Investing $850 Million in California Solar Farm
10. Build it, We Dare you – Why are Green Groups Unhappy with Apple’s Big Solar Buy?
11. California: Google Buys Altamont Wind Energy to Power Googleplex
12. Hundreds Protest Salt River Project’s Proposed $50 per Month Solar Charge in Arizona
13. The Great Solar Panel Debate: To Lease or to Buy?
14. Should You Be Worried About Solar Leasing? Utilities Think So
15. Obama Sets Goal to Raise $2 Billion from Private Sector for Clean Energy Technology
16. Europe Loses Billions in Badly Sited Renewable Power Plants
17. LED Outdoor Lighting: $6 Billion Annual Savings Opportunity Ripe for the Picking
18. Give your Water Heater a Little Love this Valentine’s Day
19. Study: 85% of Broadband Households Tried to Save on Energy in 2014
20. Colorado Collected About $76 Million in Recreational Marijuana Revenue in 2014
21. Traditional Colleges Enter Cannabis Education
22. Washington State Governor’s Cap-And-Trade Bill Needs More Votes
23. Climate Change: California Lawmakers to Introduce Sweeping New Measures to Increase Renewable Energy, Cut Fossil Fuel Use
24. Panel Urges More Research on Geoengineering as a Tool against Climate Change
25. How to Turn Carbon Dioxide into Rock & Bury It Forever – Hopefully
26. CenturyLink Internet Map: Sluggish Speeds Persist in Portland Neighborhoods amid Gigabit Rollout
27. Otter Aide: Idaho Broadband Impasse Threatens $245 Million in Federal Funding
28. FCC Dissenter Takes on Net Neutrality Proposal
29. Republicans Are About to ‘Benghazi All Over Again’ on Net Neutrality
30. Louisiana: Lafayette May Petition FCC for Muni-Broadband Help
31. U-S Bill Seeks more Wi-Fi Airwaves Alongside Smart Cars
32. Samsung Smart TV Can Hear, Transmit Owners’ Conversations
33. Samsung: Our Televisions Aren’t Secretly Eavesdropping on You
34. Here Is the Captivating Ad Format Facebook Hopes Will Wow Its Users
35. Tim Eyman Mortgages House to Get Back in the Initiative Game
36. Ouch: Portland to Homeowners - Fix Your Own Unimproved Street
37. School Board Votes to Close Shelton High Pool
38. Pioneer School Bond Passing
39. Pilot OK after Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing along Hood Canal
40. Driver Crashes after Fleeing from Mason County Deputy
41. Port Townsend Paper Sold to Atlanta Holding Company
42. Union Says Little Progress in U-S Refinery Contract Talks
43. Questionable Recruiting: Jackie Robinson West Stripped of Its National Little League Title
44. Jon Stewart Leaving Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’
45. Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for Six Months without Pay

WORD OF THE DAY

Contumely • \kahn-TOO-muh-lee\ • Noun – Harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt; also: an instance of such language or treatment

For the rest of his life, Alberto had an unnatural fear of salad. It started innocently enough at a grade school play, where he starred in the role of a tasty stalk of celery. Unfortunately, his method acting and the upstaging of the “lesser vegetables” were overbearing. So much so, that all the other children dressed as vegetables unleashed a contumely attack that had to be broken up by the teachers, who were dressed as salad spoons.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Montana Coal Plant to Shut Down in August (Associated Press)

http://www.kxly.com/news/northwest/montana-coal-plant-to-shut-down-in-august/31194970

Energy Quote of the Day: GOP Releases “Architecture of Abundance” Legislative Framework (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/10/energy-quote-of-the-day-gop-releases-architecture-of-abundance-legislative-framework/

FERC Proposes $5 Million Fine against Maxim, Subsidiaries Tied to Alleged Manipulation (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=43150

NRECA Pushes for More LIHEAP Funds (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/public-policy-watch/legislation/nreca-pushes-for-more-liheap-funds/77780

Pacific Gas & Electric Urges Customers to Be Safe & Keep Metallic Balloons Secure on Valentine’s Day (PG&E Currents)

http://www.pgecurrents.com/2015/02/10/video-pge-urges-customers-to-be-safe-and-keep-metallic-balloons-secure-on-valentines-day/

Before 1948, LA’s Power Grid Was Incompatible with the Rest of the U-S (Gizmodo)

http://southland.gizmodo.com/before-1948-las-power-grid-was-incompatible-with-the-r-1683629042

FISH & WILDLIFE

California: Appeals Court Rejects Challenges to Fish Hatcheries’ Impact (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article9708359.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Despite Low Snowpack, There’s no Need to Panic (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/2902242-8/despite-low-snowpack-theres-no-need-to-panic

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Apple Investing $850 Million in California Solar Farm (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/10/us-apple-cook-idUSKBN0LE2RN20150210

Build it, We Dare you – Why are Green Groups Unhappy with Apple’s Big Solar Buy? (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/11/why-are-green-groups-unhappy-with-apples-big-solar-buy/

California: Google Buys Altamont Wind Energy to Power Googleplex (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27503195/google-buys-altamont-wind-energy-power-googleplex

Hundreds Protest Salt River Project’s Proposed $50 per Month Solar Charge in Arizona (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/hundreds-protest-salt-river-projects-proposed-50-per-month-solar-charge-i/363004/

The Great Solar Panel Debate: To Lease or to Buy? (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/02/10/384958332/the-great-solar-panel-debate-to-lease-or-to-buy

Should You Be Worried About Solar Leasing? Utilities Think So (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/business-technology/should-you-be-worried-about-solar-leasing-utilities-think-so/

Obama Sets Goal to Raise $2 Billion from Private Sector for Clean Energy Technology (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/02/10/obama-seeks-2-billion-in-private-dollars-for-clean-energy

Europe Loses Billions in Badly Sited Renewable Power Plants (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/jnyangon/2192076/europe-lose-100-billion-badly-sited-renewable-power-plants

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

LED Outdoor Lighting: $6 Billion Annual Savings Opportunity Ripe for the Picking (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/2191381/led-outdoor-lighting-6-billion-annual-savings-opportunity-ripe-picking

Give your Water Heater a Little Love this Valentine’s Day (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2015/02/10/water-heater-maintenance/

Study: 85% of Broadband Households Tried to Save on Energy in 2014 (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/study-85-of-broadband-households-tried-to-save-on-energy-in-2014/363068/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Colorado Collected About $76 Million in Recreational Marijuana Revenue in 2014 (Associated Press)

http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2015/02/marijuana_news_colorado_collec.html

Traditional Colleges Enter Cannabis Education (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/traditional-colleges-enter-cannabis-education/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State Governor’s Cap-And-Trade Bill Needs More Votes (Crosscut Seattle)

http://crosscut.com/2015/02/10/politics-government/123928/jay-inslee-carbon-cap-trade-house-vote-legislature/

Climate Change: California Lawmakers to Introduce Sweeping New Measures to Increase Renewable Energy, Cut Fossil Fuel Use (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_27498110/climate-change-california-lawmakers-introduce-sweeping-new-measures

Panel Urges More Research on Geoengineering as a Tool against Climate Change (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/science/panel-urges-more-research-on-geoengineering-as-a-tool-against-climate-change.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

How to Turn Carbon Dioxide into Rock & Bury It Forever – Hopefully (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/how-to-turn-carbon-dioxide-into-rock-and-bury-it-foreve-1685082681

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

CenturyLink Internet Map: Sluggish Speeds Persist in Portland Neighborhoods amid Gigabit Rollout (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2015/02/centurylink_internet_map_slugg.html

Otter Aide: Idaho Broadband Impasse Threatens $245 Million in Federal Funding (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/02/10/3638273_otter-aide-broadband-impasse-threatens.html?rh=1

FCC Dissenter Takes on Net Neutrality Proposal (NY Times)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/10/f-c-c-dissenter-takes-on-net-neutrality-proposal/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Republicans Are About to ‘Benghazi All Over Again’ on Net Neutrality (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/10/republicans-are-about-to-benghazi-all-over-again-on-net-neutrality/

Louisiana: Lafayette May Petition FCC for Muni-Broadband Help (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Lafayette-May-Petition-FCC-For-MuniBroadband-Help-132604

U-S Bill Seeks more Wi-Fi Airwaves Alongside Smart Cars (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/10/us-usa-internet-autos-idUSKBN0LE2SY20150210

Samsung Smart TV Can Hear, Transmit Owners’ Conversations (Associated Press)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27497516/samsung-smart-tv-can-hear-transmit-owners-conversations

Samsung: Our Televisions Aren’t Secretly Eavesdropping on You (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/02/10/samsung-our-televisions-arent-secretly-eavesdropping-on-you/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Here Is the Captivating Ad Format Facebook Hopes Will Wow Its Users (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/here-captivating-ad-format-facebook-hopes-wows-its-users-162839

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Tim Eyman Mortgages House to Get Back in the Initiative Game (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2015/02/10/tim-eyman-mortgages-house-to-get-back-in-the-initiative-game/

Ouch: Portland to Homeowners - Fix Your Own Unimproved Street (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/02/10/portlands-unimproved-roads-anger-drivers-neighbors/23204429/

GENERAL NEWS

School Board Votes to Close Shelton High Pool (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21305-shelton-pool-to-close#comments

Pioneer School Bond Passing (Mason Web-TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14344

Pilot OK after Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing along Hood Canal (KIRO-TV, Seattle)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2708193/Pilot-OK-after-small-plane-makes-emergency-landing-along-Hood-Canal

Driver Crashes after Fleeing from Mason County Deputy (KOMO-TV, Seattle)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Driver-crashes-after-fleeing-from-Mason-County-deputy-291398051.html

Port Townsend Paper Sold to Atlanta Holding Company (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150211/NEWS/302119980/port-townsend-paper-corp-sold-to-atlanta-holding-company

Union Says Little Progress in U-S Refinery Contract Talks (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/11/us-refineries-labor-strike-idUSKBN0LE2YZ20150211

Questionable Recruiting: Jackie Robinson West Stripped of Its National Little League Title (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/sports/jackie-robinson-west-stripped-of-its-national-little-league-title.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Jon Stewart Leaving Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’ (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/11/us-television-jonstewart-idUSKBN0LF00920150211

Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for Six Months without Pay (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/business/media/brian-williams-suspended-by-nbc-news-for-six-months.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

DIVERSIONS

Neil Armstrong’s Secret Stash of Lunar Mission Artifacts Found in a Closet

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/02/neil_armstrong.html

Why You’d Want to Go on a One-Way Trip to Mars

http://gizmodo.com/why-youd-want-to-go-on-a-one-way-trip-to-mars-1684834681

If You Inherit a Bunch of Jewelry, Don’t Brag About It on Facebook

http://mashable.com/2015/02/09/facebook-jewelry-robbed/

Man Suspected of Trying to Break into Apartment Building Gets Stuck in Wall, Has to Be Cut Out

http://q13fox.com/2015/02/10/man-suspected-of-trying-to-break-into-apartment-building-gets-stuck-in-wall-has-to-be-cut-out/

SONG OF THE DAY

The Beatles – Day Tripper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKL6oQPDGOU

Jimi Hendrix – Day Tripper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHA9Fuor60

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 February 10, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 10, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/lv833aa

Landslide Danger – Special Weather Statement

http://tinyurl.com/ofus42f

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Minority Groups Back Energy Companies in Fight against Solar Power “…Low-income households…paying higher…bills to subsidize solar arrays that only wealthier people can afford…” (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-solar-race-20150209-story.html

British Columbia: Sea Lion Flash Mobs Prey on Fishermen’s Catch (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/lion+flash+mobs+prey+fishermen+catch/10800488/story.html

Avista Seeking Washington State Rate Hikes in 2016 (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/10/avista-seeking-washington-rate-hikes-in-2016/

Lawsuit Over Ocean Acidification in Oregon, Washington Gets a Hearing in Seattle (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/02/ocean_acidification_seattle.html

Mayor Moves to End Seattle’s Cable Franchise Districts (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/mayor-moves-end-seattles-cable-franchise-districts/nj7J9/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Avista Seeking Washington State Rate Hikes in 2016
2. Pacific Gas & Electric Earns $1.44 Billion in 2014, $131 Million in Its Fourth Quarter
3. GOP Plans for ‘Era of Abundance’ in Energy
4. Annexation: Indiana Co-ops Fight Seizure of Members, Revenue
5. Ohio: AEP Wants To Charge More for Smart Meters
6. Pacific Gas & Electric Reacted Fast to Ex-PUC Chief’s Complaint about Size of His Bill
7. British Columbia: Sea Lion Flash Mobs Prey on Fishermen’s Catch
8. Decommissioning Abandoned Roads to Protect Fish
9. Video: Port Orchard Homeowners Fight Special Utility District
10. Why Lots of Rain Offers Little Relief to Drought-Stricken California
11. Water Manager Faces Discipline for Urinating in San Francisco Reservoir
12. Minority Groups Back Energy Companies in Fight against Solar Power
13. Duke Buys Controlling Interest in Commercial Developer REC Solar
14. Researchers Help Guard Sunken Tribe Artifacts from Offshore Wind Turbines
15. New Tool Monitors Effects of Tidal, Wave Energy on Marine Habitat
16. Wisconsin: Judge Sides with Solar Panel Users on Size Restrictions
17. Stockholm Power Goes Green as Biomass Ousts Coal
18. State Looks to Share Marijuana Taxes with Cities to Encourage Communities to Welcome Pot Businesses
19. Lawsuit Over Ocean Acidification in Oregon, Washington Gets a Hearing in Seattle
20. Canada: Climate Scientist Andrew Weaver Wins Defamation Suit against National Post
21. California Utility Aims to Quadruple the State’s EV Charging Stations
22. A Biofuel Debate: Will Cutting Trees Cut Carbon?
23. Mayor Moves to End Seattle’s Cable Franchise Districts
24. Time Warner Cable’s High-Speed Internet 97 Percent Profit Margin is a Big, Bright Red Flag; Critics Rebuked
25. FCC Chief Delivers Details on His Net Neutrality Strategy
26. Twitter Sees Surge in Government Requests for Data
27. Six Ways to Improve Your Facebook Page Results
28. Oregon Attorney General Says She’s Investigating Governor Kitzhaber
29. Ports’ Strife Could Cause Customers to ‘Write Off West Coast’
30. Nevada Asbestos Discovery – In Nevada, a Controversy in the Wind
31. Watch Brazen Car Prowler Hit Truck as Owner Pumps Gas Feet Away at Olympia Station
32. Barking Dog Could Cost North Seattle Family Its Home

WORD OF THE DAY

Antinomian • \ant-tin-NOME-ee-un\ • noun – 1: one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation 2: one who rejects a socially established morality.

Unused to the niceties of attending regular church services, the city’s new waste management official sauntered into the gracefully arched sanctuary exuding the very essence of his antinomian past. “Yep,” he uttered before his gravelly voice was drowned out by the organ, “I guessed that I should join y’all for singin’ and prayin’ at least once a year.”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Avista Seeking Washington State Rate Hikes in 2016 (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/10/avista-seeking-washington-rate-hikes-in-2016/

Pacific Gas & Electric Earns $1.44 Billion in 2014, $131 Million in Its Fourth Quarter (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27496987/pg-e-earns-1-44-billion-2014-131

GOP Plans for ‘Era of Abundance’ in Energy (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/232188-house-gop-targets-pipeline-permits-workforce-in-energy-policy-plan

Annexation: Indiana Co-ops Fight Seizure of Members, Revenue (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/indiana-co-ops-fight-annexation-revenue-losses/77825

Ohio: AEP Wants To Charge More for Smart Meters (Columbus Business First, OH)

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/ohio-energy-inc/2015/02/energy-roundup-aep-wants-to-charge-more-for-smart.html?page=all

Pacific Gas & Electric Reacted Fast to Ex-PUC Chief’s Complaint about Size of His Bill (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/pge/ci_27492122/pg-e-reacted-fast-ex-puc-chiefs-complaint?source=rss

FISH & WILDLIFE

British Columbia: Sea Lion Flash Mobs Prey on Fishermen’s Catch (Vancouver Sun, BC)

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/lion+flash+mobs+prey+fishermen+catch/10800488/story.html

Decommissioning Abandoned Roads to Protect Fish (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Decommissioning-abandoned-roads-to-protect-fish.aspx

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Video: Port Orchard Homeowners Fight Special Utility District (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/02/09/port-orchard-phillips-road-ulid/23152289/

Why Lots of Rain Offers Little Relief to Drought-Stricken California (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2015/0209/Why-lots-of-rain-offers-little-relief-to-drought-stricken-California-video

Water Manager Faces Discipline for Urinating in San Francisco Reservoir (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/water-manager-faces-discipline-urinating-reservoir-205519886.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Minority Groups Back Energy Companies in Fight against Solar Power “…Low-income households…paying higher…bills to subsidize solar arrays that only wealthier people can afford…” (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-solar-race-20150209-story.html

Duke Buys Controlling Interest in Commercial Developer REC Solar (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/duke-buys-controlling-interest-in-commercial-developer-rec-solar/362409/

Researchers Help Guard Sunken Tribe Artifacts from Offshore Wind Turbines (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Researchers-help-guard-sunken-tribe-artifacts-6071122.php

New Tool Monitors Effects of Tidal, Wave Energy on Marine Habitat (UW Today, Seattle, WA)

http://www.washington.edu/news/2015/02/05/new-tool-monitors-effects-of-tidal-wave-energy-instruments-on-marine-habitat/

Wisconsin: Judge Sides with Solar Panel Users on Size Restrictions (Wisconsin Public Radio)

http://www.wpr.org/judge-sides-solar-panel-users-size-restrictions

Stockholm Power Goes Green as Biomass Ousts Coal (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/02/stockholm-power-goes-green-as-biomass-ousts-coal?cmpid=rss

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

State Looks to Share Marijuana Taxes with Cities to Encourage Communities to Welcome Pot Businesses (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150210/news/302109981/state-looks-to-share-marijuana-taxes-with-cities-to-encourage

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Lawsuit Over Ocean Acidification in Oregon, Washington Gets a Hearing in Seattle (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/02/ocean_acidification_seattle.html

Canada: Climate Scientist Andrew Weaver Wins Defamation Suit against National Post (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/climate-scientist-andrew-weaver-wins-defamation-suit-against-national-post-1.2950286?cmp=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

California Utility Aims to Quadruple the State’s EV Charging Stations (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2015/02/09/california-utility-aims-to-quadruple-the-states-ev-charging-stations/

A Biofuel Debate: Will Cutting Trees Cut Carbon? (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/business/economy/a-biofuel-debate-will-cutting-trees-cut-carbon.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Mayor Moves to End Seattle’s Cable Franchise Districts (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/mayor-moves-end-seattles-cable-franchise-districts/nj7J9/

Time Warner Cable’s High-Speed Internet 97 Percent Profit Margin is a Big, Bright Red Flag; Critics Rebuked (Huffington Post)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-kushnick/time-warner-cables-high-s_b_6642210.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

FCC Chief Delivers Details on His Net Neutrality Strategy (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/09/fcc-chairman-tom-wheeler-net-neutrality/23130701/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Sees Surge in Government Requests for Data (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31358194

Six Ways to Improve Your Facebook Page Results (Social Media Commander)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/improve-your-facebook-page-results/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Oregon Attorney General Says She’s Investigating Governor Kitzhaber (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/oregon-attorney-general-says-shes-investigating-governor-kitzhaber

GENERAL NEWS

Ports’ Strife Could Cause Customers to ‘Write Off West Coast’ (Silicon Valley Business Journal, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2015/02/10/ports-strife-could-cause-customers-to-write-off.html

Nevada Asbestos Discovery – In Nevada, a Controversy in the Wind (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/10/science/a-controversy-in-the-wind.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Watch Brazen Car Prowler Hit Truck as Owner Pumps Gas Feet Away at Olympia Station (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2015/02/watch_thief_hit_truck_as_owner.html

Barking Dog Could Cost North Seattle Family Its Home (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/komo/article/Barking-dog-could-cost-North-Seattle-family-its-6072740.php

DIVERSIONS

Girl Scout Targets California Marijuana Dispensary for Maximum Sales – Again

http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2015/02/09/girl-scout-targets-calif-marijuana-dispensary-for-maximum-sales-again/#10916101=0

Some Museums Banning Selfie Sticks Because “Duck Face” Is Not Art

http://consumerist.com/2015/02/09/some-museums-banning-selfie-sticks-because-duck-face-is-not-art/

This Cat Broke Out of a Shelter & Returned to His Original Rescuer

http://time.com/3702917/cat-from-shelter-to-rescuer/

Science Finally Determines How Many Licks it Takes to Get to the Center of a Tootsie Pop

http://time.com/3702741/tootsie-pop-science/

SONG OF THE DAY

Velvet Underground – Candy Says

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t59gz0bTTfk

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.