Energy News Digest for February 26, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 26, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/owfmlaq

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THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

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

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HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

In Net Neutrality Victory, FCC Classifies Broadband Internet Service as a Public Utility (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/technology/net-neutrality-fcc-vote-internet-utility.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Washington State Lawmaker Calls for Focus on Nuclear Energy (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/25/washington-lawmaker-calls-for-focus-on-nuclear/

Lack of Snow May Mean Less Power Generated at Cowlitz PUD’s Swift 2 Plant This Year (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/lack-of-snow-may-mean-less-power-generated-at-swift/article_5efb3f42-bd5d-11e4-8a25-f369e9b7e33b.html

Companies Spend $1 Billion in Latest California Carbon Auction (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article11159852.html

Schools, Kittitas County to Give Back $500,000 to Wind Farm (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)

http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/members/schools-county-to-give-back-k-to-wind-farm/article_a7bf9a26-bd16-11e4-94a6-db06fb536c71.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Washington State Lawmaker Calls for Focus on Nuclear Energy
2. Lack of Snow May Mean Less Power Generated at Cowlitz PUD’s Swift 2 Plant This Year
3. Okanogan PUD Still Treading Water on Similkameen, Enloe Dam
4. Grant PUD Commissioners Asked to Reconsider Power Rates for Ag Users
5. Klamath Falls City Council Considers New Agreement with Pacific Power
6. Hydropower & the New (Old) Model for Clean Energy
7. Scams: Phony Klickitat PUD Dunning Strikes Businesses
8. Proposed Drone Rules Could Revolutionize Grid Monitoring
9. Another US Nuclear Plant Shuts Down
10. Spanish Company Spends $3 Billion to Buy U-S Northeast Utility
11. California Communities Seize Control of Their Energy Futures
12. Safety is Theme of New Touchstone Energy Ads
13. Great White Shark Thought to Swim near Washington State Coast, Feed on Seals
14. Japanese Fish Found Alive in Oregon Waters
15. Allan Scholz, Champion of Region’s Fisheries, Leaves Lasting Mark in His Wake
16. U-S Supreme Court Rules That Ditching Undersize Fish Isn’t the Same as Shredding Documents
17. Field Poll: More Californians Want Mandatory Water Rationing
18. Schools, Kittitas County to Give Back $500,000 to Wind Farm
19. Google Invests $300 Million in U-S Residential Solar Projects
20. By the Time You Read This, They’ve Slapped a Solar Panel on Your Roof
21. Cape Wind Chief Calls State Energy Legislation “Promising”
22. Air-Source Heat Pumps
23. Cost vs. Comfort: The Energy Efficiency “Sweet Spot”
24. Franklin County Says No to Marijuana Sales for Six Months
25. Fears of Marijuana Price Crash, ‘Bloodbath’ in Colorado as Regulatory Changes Take Hold
26. Recreational Marijuana Becomes Legal in Washington, DC, Despite Threats from House Republicans
27. Companies Spend $1 Billion in Latest California Carbon Auction
28. Editorial: Focus Legislative Energy on a National Carbon Policy, Not Keystone XL 
29. Instruments Catch Greenhouse Gas in the Act of Warming the Planet
30. Call for Oregon to Subsidize Electric Vehicles Intensifies
31. And the World’s Most Sustainable City Is…
32. In Net Neutrality Victory, FCC Classifies Broadband Internet Service as a Public Utility
33. FCC Passes Net Neutrality: What This Means for Americans
34. FCC Votes 3-2 to Override State Bans of Municipal Broadband
35. The Push for Net Neutrality Arose from Lack of Choice
36. Net Neutrality: As FCC Readies Vote, ‘Things Have Shifted’ for Oregon Lawmakers Walden & Wyden
37. Idaho Governor Approves $3.64 Million Emergency Broadband Fix
38. HP Said to Be in Talks to Buy Aruba Networks for Wi-Fi Technology
39. Shake Shack Earns Major Following on Social Media
40. Google Expands Push into Workplace with Android for Work Effort
41. Washington State Public Agencies Could Appeal Audits under House Measure
42. U-S Senate Panel Votes to Approve Loretta Lynch as Attorney General
43. 35th District Representative Dan Griffey: Passing Bills & Passing Lanes
44. Port Angeles Listed As 16th “Coolest” City in the U-S
45. The 20 Coolest Towns in the U-S
46. Mysterious Bright Spot on Ceres Actually Two Bright Spots
47. Video Leads to Arrest of Pair in Theft of Donation Jar Meant for Young Patient
48. Mad over Missing Tip, Delivery Worker Posts Customer’s Personal Info

WORD OF THE DAY

Imbroglio • \im-BROLE-yo\ • noun -1: a confused mass 2a: an intricate or complicated situation b: an acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding c: a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation, embroilment d: scandal.

The high-powered politician saw the handwriting on the wall. The 1998 imbroglio involving Beanie-Baby influence trading started unraveling the moment his “supplier” failed to receive bailout funds for a new venture: soybean-babies.

The example sentence of the day went downhill from there. The editor had a hard time coming up with a suitable sentence that did not include references to seamy and dark-hearted things only found in cheap dime-novels or Lifetime made-for-TV movies. Sorry.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Washington State Lawmaker Calls for Focus on Nuclear Energy (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/25/washington-lawmaker-calls-for-focus-on-nuclear/

Lack of Snow May Mean Less Power Generated at Cowlitz PUD’s Swift 2 Plant This Year (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/lack-of-snow-may-mean-less-power-generated-at-swift/article_5efb3f42-bd5d-11e4-8a25-f369e9b7e33b.html

Okanogan PUD Still Treading Water on Similkameen, Enloe Dam (Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune, Oroville, WA)

http://www.gazette-tribune.com/news/pud-still-treading-water-on-similkameen-enloe-dam/69671/

Grant PUD Commissioners Asked to Reconsider Power Rates for Ag Users (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-pud-commissioners-asked-to-reconsider-power-rates-for-ag/article_299f801a-bd3f-11e4-b715-c73e5b300751.html

Klamath Falls City Council Considers New Agreement with Pacific Power (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)

http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/government/council-considers-new-agreement-with-pacific-power/article_9e94afe8-bd7c-11e4-901d-67aea0281f72.html

Hydropower & the New (Old) Model for Clean Energy (National Journal)

http://www.nationaljournal.com/sponsored-content/api/energy-tomorrow/hydropower-and-the-new-old-model-for-clean-energy-20150224

Scams: Phony Klickitat PUD Dunning Strikes Businesses (Goldendale Sentinel, WA)

http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/story/2015/02/25/news/phony-pud-dunning-strikes-businesses/5504.html

Proposed Drone Rules Could Revolutionize Grid Monitoring (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/proposed-drone-rules-could-revolutionize-grid-monitoring/367721/

Another US Nuclear Plant Shuts Down (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/26/another-us-nuclear-plant-shuts-down/

Spanish Company Spends $3 Billion to Buy U-S Northeast Utility (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Spanish-company-buying-US-utility-serving-6102733.php

California Communities Seize Control of Their Energy Futures (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/climate-energy/california-communities-seize-control-of-their-energy-futures/

Safety is Theme of New Touchstone Energy Ads (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/business-finance/safety-is-theme-of-new-touchstone-energy-ads/78697

FISH & WILDLIFE

Great White Shark Thought to Swim near Washington State Coast, Feed on Seals (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150226/NEWS/302269981/great-white-shark-thought-to-swim-near-washington-coast-feed-on-seals

Japanese Fish Found Alive in Oregon Waters (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/japanese-fish-found-alive-in-oregon-waters/

Allan Scholz, Champion of Region’s Fisheries, Leaves Lasting Mark in His Wake (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/outdoors/stories/2015/feb/26/rich-landers-allan-scholz-chion-of-regions/

U-S Supreme Court Rules That Ditching Undersize Fish Isn’t the Same as Shredding Documents (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_27596834/ditching-undersize-fish-isnt-same-shredding-documents-supreme

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Field Poll: More Californians Want Mandatory Water Rationing (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/field-polls/article11189105.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Schools, Kittitas County to Give Back $500,000 to Wind Farm (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)

http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/members/schools-county-to-give-back-k-to-wind-farm/article_a7bf9a26-bd16-11e4-94a6-db06fb536c71.html

Google Invests $300 Million in U-S Residential Solar Projects (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/us-solarcity-google-idUSKBN0LU1M620150226

By the Time You Read This, They’ve Slapped a Solar Panel on Your Roof (Bloomberg News)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-25/in-the-time-it-takes-to-read-this-story-another-solar-project-will-go-up

Cape Wind Chief Calls State Energy Legislation “Promising” (WWLP-TV, Springfield, MA)

http://wwlp.com/2015/02/25/cape-wind-chief-calls-state-energy-legislation-promising/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Air-Source Heat Pumps (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/25/air-source-heat-pumps/

Cost vs. Comfort: The Energy Efficiency “Sweet Spot” (American Public Power Association)

http://blog.publicpower.org/sme/?p=384

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Franklin County Says No to Marijuana Sales for Six Months (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Franklin-County--294130501.html

Fears of Marijuana Price Crash, ‘Bloodbath’ in Colorado as Regulatory Changes Take Hold (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/fears-of-rec-price-crash-bloodbath-in-colorado-as-regulatory-changes-take-hold/

Recreational Marijuana Becomes Legal in Washington, DC, Despite Threats from House Republicans (KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://q13fox.com/2015/02/25/d-c-officials-legalizing-pot-despite-threats-from-house-republicans/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Companies Spend $1 Billion in Latest California Carbon Auction (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article11159852.html

Editorial: Focus Legislative Energy on a National Carbon Policy, Not Keystone XL (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/focus-legislative-energy-on-a-national-carbon-policy-not-keystone-xl/2015/02/24/d6241b8c-bc6a-11e4-bdfa-b8e8f594e6ee_story.html

Instruments Catch Greenhouse Gas in the Act of Warming the Planet (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://tinyurl.com/lv5xts4

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Call for Oregon to Subsidize Electric Vehicles Intensifies (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/call-for-oregon-to-subsidize-electric-vehicles.html

And the World’s Most Sustainable City Is… (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/25/and-the-worlds-most-sustainable-city-is/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

In Net Neutrality Victory, FCC Classifies Broadband Internet Service as a Public Utility (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/technology/net-neutrality-fcc-vote-internet-utility.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

FCC Passes Net Neutrality: What This Means for Americans (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2015/0226/FCC-passes-net-neutrality-what-this-means-for-Americans

FCC Votes 3-2 to Override State Bans of Municipal Broadband (GigaOM)

https://gigaom.com/2015/02/26/fcc-votes-3-2-to-override-state-bans-of-city-broadband/

The Push for Net Neutrality Arose from Lack of Choice (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/technology/limited-high-speed-internet-choices-underlie-net-neutrality-rules.html

Net Neutrality: As FCC Readies Vote, ‘Things Have Shifted’ for Oregon Lawmakers Walden & Wyden (Oregonian, Portland)

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

Idaho Governor Approves $3.64 Million Emergency Broadband Fix (Associated Press)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/02/25/3664298_otter-approves-364-million-emergency.html?rh=1

HP Said to Be in Talks to Buy Aruba Networks for Wi-Fi Technology (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27598280/hp-said-be-talks-buy-aruba-networks-wi

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Shake Shack Earns Major Following on Social Media (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/26/shake-shack-earns-major-following-on-social-media/

Google Expands Push into Workplace with Android for Work Effort (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/25/us-google-work-idUSKBN0LT2B820150225

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Public Agencies Could Appeal Audits under House Measure (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/yhr/wednesday/2943379-8/public-agencies-could-appeal-audits-under-house-measure

U-S Senate Panel Votes to Approve Loretta Lynch as Attorney General (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/us/senate-panel-votes-to-approve-loretta-lynch-as-attorney-general.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

35th District Representative Dan Griffey: Passing Bills & Passing Lanes (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/2014-04-07-17-28-24/daybreak/21564-35th-dist-rep-dan-griffey-passing-bills-and-passing-lanes

GENERAL NEWS

Port Angeles Listed As 16th “Coolest” City in the U-S (KONP Radio, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.konp.com/local/10485

The 20 Coolest Towns in the U-S (Matador Networks)

http://matadornetwork.com/trips/20-coolest-towns-us/

Mysterious Bright Spot on Ceres Actually Two Bright Spots (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0226/Mysterious-bright-spot-on-Ceres-actually-two-bright-spots

Video Leads to Arrest of Pair in Theft of Donation Jar Meant for Young Patient (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/video-leads-arrest-pair-theft-donation-jar-meant-y/nkJ6Q/

Mad over Missing Tip, Delivery Worker Posts Customer’s Personal Info (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Rage-over-the-lack-of-a-tip-leads-to-post-of-food-delivery-customers-personal-info-294156661.html

DIVERSIONS

KFC Tests Sweet Edible Coffee Cup in U-K

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/02/25/kfc-edible-coffee-cup-fast-food-restaurants/23994315/

Infographic: Here’s Just How Much Crappy Beer Americans Are Drinking - The unbearable lightness of being mainstream

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/infographic-heres-just-how-much-crappy-beer-americans-are-drinking-163152

The Girl Who Gets Gifts from Birds

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31604026

Dog Sniffs Way to Find Iowa Hospital Where Owner Was

http://news.yahoo.com/dog-sniffs-way-iowa-hospital-where-owner-234132312.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEAn9dNavT4

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 25, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 25, 2015 – 50% Chance of Rain Today

http://tinyurl.com/lgamwuj

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

As Republicans Concede, FCC is Expected to Enforce Net Neutrality (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/technology/path-clears-for-net-neutrality-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Proposals Push Nuclear Energy in Washington State (Associated Press)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/02/24/proposals-push-nuclear-energy-in-washington-state/23966559/

British Columbia’s Low Snow Pack Could Affect Spring Salmon Run (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-s-low-snow-pack-could-affect-salmon-run-in-spring-1.2969992?cmp=rss

Washington State House Bill on Tribal Pot Compacts Passes Committee (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2942941-8/house-bill-on-tribal-pot-compacts-passes-committee

Proposed Washington State Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Draws Praise, Criticism (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/25/proposed-low-carbon-fuel-standard-draws-praise/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Proposals Push Nuclear Energy in Washington State
2. Avista Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter & Fiscal Year 2014
3. Mason PUD 3 Customers Help Others
4. Hoquiam Residents Pressure City Council on Oil
5. Obama Vetoes Bill Pushing Keystone XL Pipeline Approval
6. ComEd Used $60 Million in Ratepayer Money for Charity, “Politically Influential” Donations
7. A Call for Much Bigger Electricity Markets
8. How Can Nuclear Energy Build Trust in a Time When Denying Science is Rampant?
9. British Columbia’s Low Snow Pack Could Affect Spring Salmon Run
10. Report: Columbia Salmon Restoration Won’t Happen Overnight
11. Makah, Quileute & Quinault Native Fishing Rights Headed to Trial
12. Seattle’s New Seawall Also a Highway for Fish
13. Rats Might Not Be the Bad Guys behind Black Death’s 14th-Century Spread after All
14. Proposed $480 Million Wind Farm in Northern British Columbia Would Be Province’s Biggest
15. Texas Tech Researchers Take Part in National Wind Project – Mountain study will be conducted in the Columbia River Gorge
16. Wind Generation Seasonal Patterns Vary across the United States
17. Wave & Tidal Energy in 2015: Finally Emerging from the Labs
18. The Eiffel Tower Is Generating Power with a Hidden Wind Farm on Its Legs
19. Save Energy without Losing Comfort: Data Shows the Formula is Working
20. Washington State House Bill on Tribal Pot Compacts Passes Committee
21. Should Oregon Law Protect Marijuana Growers Like Farmers & Allow Harvesting after Eviction?
22. Washington State Rec Shop Plans to Close, Blames State for Its Troubles
23. Unless Congress Intervenes, Recreational Pot Is About to be Legal in Washington, D-C
24. Proposed Washington State Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Draws Praise, Criticism
25. Survey: Not Enough Oregonians Support a Carbon Tax
26. The Remote Alaskan Village that Needs to be Relocated Due to Climate Change
27. California’s Plastic Bag Ban Suspended by Ballot Referendum
28. The Windmill Could Get a Snazzy Green Facelift, Thanks to Dutch Architects
29. As Republicans Concede, FCC is Expected to Enforce Net Neutrality
30. What is Net Neutrality & What Does It Mean for Me?
31. The Government Loan Program with a 116 Percent Default Rate
32. Now With 2 Million Advertisers, Facebook Is Gaining a Foothold with Small Businesses
33. How Social Proof Can Help Your Website
34. Facebook Cover Photo Do’s & Don’ts
35. How to Enchant Co-op Members
36. Apple to Make Emoji More Racially Diverse in iOS Update
37. How Dirty Media Brought Down Oregon’s Clean-Energy Governor & His Activist Fiancée
38. Crowd Shows Up to Fight for Shelton High Pool
39. Video: Booze-For-Perks Scheme Alleged at Seattle Tunnel Site
40. Man Steals Jeans at Capital Mall; Arrested after Multi-County Pursuit
41. 18-Year-Old Shelton Man Arrested for Hate Crime over Sexual Orientation
42. Motorcycle Collides With Dump Truck on Highway 3 South of Shelton
43. 13,000 Customers Overcharged by Washington State Health Exchange
44. ‘American Sniper’ Jury Finds Chris Kyle’s Killer Guilty of Murder

WORD OF THE DAY

Fortuitous • \for-TOO-uh-tus\ • adjective 1: occurring by chance 2: fortunate, lucky 3: coming or happening by a lucky chance

Albert was absolutely giddy about his fortuitous discovery of a $100 dollar bill on the railroad tracks. Unfortunately, he was unaware his luck was about to change as the 12:40 from Rancho Cucamonga barreled around the corner behind him.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Proposals Push Nuclear Energy in Washington State (Associated Press)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/02/24/proposals-push-nuclear-energy-in-washington-state/23966559/

Avista Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter & Fiscal Year 2014 (MarketWatch)

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/avista-corp-reports-financial-results-for-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2014-and-confirms-2015-earnings-guidance-2015-02-25-7173527

Mason PUD 3 Customers Help Others (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14484

Hoquiam Residents Pressure City Council on Oil (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/hoquiam-residents-pressure-council-oil

Obama Vetoes Bill Pushing Keystone XL Pipeline Approval (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/us/politics/as-expected-obama-vetoes-keystone-xl-pipeline-bill.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

ComEd Used $60 Million in Ratepayer Money for Charity, “Politically Influential” Donations (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/comed-used-60m-in-ratepayer-money-for-charity-politically-influential-d/368085/

A Call for Much Bigger Electricity Markets (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/maxluke/2197766/call-much-bigger-electricity-markets

How Can Nuclear Energy Build Trust in a Time When Denying Science is Rampant? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/mzconsulting/2197611/how-can-nuclear-power-build-trust-time-when-denying-science-rampant

FISH & WILDLIFE

British Columbia’s Low Snow Pack Could Affect Spring Salmon Run (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-s-low-snow-pack-could-affect-salmon-run-in-spring-1.2969992?cmp=rss

Report: Columbia Salmon Restoration Won’t Happen Overnight (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2015/feb/24/columbia-salmon-restoration/

Makah, Quileute & Quinault Native Fishing Rights Headed to Trial (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/02/24/native-fishing-rights-headed-to-trial.htm

Seattle’s New Seawall Also a Highway for Fish (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/seattles-new-seawall-also-a-highway-for-fish/

Rats Might Not Be the Bad Guys behind Black Death’s 14th-Century Spread after All (Oregonian, Portland)

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

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Proposed $480 Million Wind Farm in Northern British Columbia Would Be Province’s Biggest (Business Vancouver, BC)

http://www.biv.com/article/2015/2/proposed-480m-wind-farm-northern-bc-would-be-provi/

Texas Tech Researchers Take Part in National Wind Project – Mountain study will be conducted in the Columbia River Gorge (Lubbock Avalanche Journal, TX)

http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2015-02-24/texas-tech-researchers-take-part-national-wind-project#.VO0rZS4YEg8

Wind Generation Seasonal Patterns Vary across the United States (U-S Energy Information Administration)

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=20112

Wave & Tidal Energy in 2015: Finally Emerging from the Labs (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/02/wave-and-tidal-energy-in-2015-finally-emerging-from-the-labs?cmpid=rss

The Eiffel Tower Is Generating Power with a Hidden Wind Farm on Its Legs (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/the-eiffel-tower-is-generating-power-with-a-hidden-wind-1687756566

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Save Energy without Losing Comfort: Data Shows the Formula is Working (Energy Efficient Markets)

http://energyefficiencymarkets.com/%EF%BB%BFsave-energy-without-losing-comfort-data-shows-formula-working/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Washington State House Bill on Tribal Pot Compacts Passes Committee (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2942941-8/house-bill-on-tribal-pot-compacts-passes-committee

Should Oregon Law Protect Marijuana Growers Like Farmers & Allow Harvesting after Eviction? (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/02/should_oregon_law_protect_mari.html

Washington State Rec Shop Plans to Close, Blames State for Its Troubles (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/washington-state-rec-shop-plans-to-close-blames-state-for-its-woes/

Unless Congress Intervenes, Recreational Pot Is About to be Legal in Washington, D-C (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2015/02/25/388901993/unless-congress-intervenes-recreational-pot-is-about-to-be-legal-in-d-c

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Proposed Washington State Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Draws Praise, Criticism (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/feb/25/proposed-low-carbon-fuel-standard-draws-praise/

Survey: Not Enough Oregonians Support a Carbon Tax (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/survey-not-enough-oregonians-support-a-carbon-tax.html

The Remote Alaskan Village that Needs to be Relocated Due to Climate Change (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/24/the-remote-alaskan-village-that-needs-to-be-relocated-due-to-climate-change/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

California’s Plastic Bag Ban Suspended by Ballot Referendum (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/California-s-plastic-bag-ban-suspended-by-ballot-6098874.php

The Windmill Could Get a Snazzy Green Facelift, Thanks to Dutch Architects (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/news/the-windmill-could-get-a-snazzy-green-facelift-thanks-to-dutch-architects/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

As Republicans Concede, FCC is Expected to Enforce Net Neutrality (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/technology/path-clears-for-net-neutrality-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

What is Net Neutrality & What Does It Mean for Me? (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/24/net-neutrality-what-is-it-guide/23237737/

The Government Loan Program with a 116 Percent Default Rate (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/agriculture-broadband-loan-default-115434.html#.VO0rey4YEg8

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Now With 2 Million Advertisers, Facebook Is Gaining a Foothold with Small Businesses (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/now-2-million-advertisers-facebook-gains-foothold-small-businesses-163130

How Social Proof Can Help Your Website (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2015/02/25/social-proof/

Facebook Cover Photo Do’s & Don’ts (Hubspot Blogs)

http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/facebook-cover-photos-best-practices-ht

How to Enchant Co-op Members (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/trends-reports-analyses/how-to-enchant-co-op-members/78643

Apple to Make Emoji More Racially Diverse in iOS Update (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27588794/apple-make-emoji-more-racially-diverse-ios-update

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

How Dirty Media Brought Down Oregon’s Clean-Energy Governor & His Activist Fiancée (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/politics/how-dirty-media-brought-down-oregons-clean-energy-governor-and-his-activist-fiancee/

GENERAL NEWS

Crowd Shows Up to Fight for Shelton High Pool (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21550-crowd-shows-up-to-fight-for-pool

Video: Booze-For-Perks Scheme Alleged at Seattle Tunnel Site (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/02/24/seattle-tunnel-partners-allegations/23972785/

Man Steals Jeans at Capital Mall; Arrested after Multi-County Pursuit (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/21547-man-steals-jeans-arrested-after-pursuit

18-Year-Old Shelton Man Arrested for Hate Crime over Sexual Orientation (KBKW Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

http://kbkw.com/local-news/348798

Motorcycle Collides With Dump Truck on Highway 3 South of Shelton (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/14496

13,000 Customers Overcharged by Washington State Health Exchange (KHQ TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/28192287/13000-customers-overcharged-by-washington-health-exchange

‘American Sniper’ Jury Finds Chris Kyle’s Killer Guilty of Murder (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/us/american-sniper-trial-jury-finds-ex-marine-guilty-of-murder.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

DIVERSIONS

Oops: Teen Butt-Dials Cops from Underage Drinking Party

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/02/24/teen-butt-dials-police-from-underage-drinking-party/23965469/

Man Sells Watch He Found at Secondhand Store for $35,000

http://news.yahoo.com/man-sells-watch-found-secondhand-store-35-000-200239571.html

Refracted Rays from Nutella Jar Blamed for UK House Fire

http://news.yahoo.com/refracted-rays-nutella-jar-blamed-uk-house-fire-154726668.html

Brazil Judge in Batista Case Seen Driving Tycoon’s Seized Porsche

http://news.yahoo.com/brazil-judge-batista-case-seen-driving-tycoons-seized-204952504--finance.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Beach Boys – 409

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKKP_cZuk54

Barbershop Quartet – 409

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o07CSzZlO_w

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 24, 2015

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 24, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/knhf2nz

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

Oil Industry Not Buying Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Cap & Trade Plan (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/oil-industry-not-buying-inslee-plan/

The Sage Grouse Might Not Be Listed as an Endangered Species After All (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/02/23/the-sage-grouse-might-not-be-listed-as-an-endangered-species-after-all/

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Awaiting Results after Emissions Tests on Nippon Biomass Boiler (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150224/news/302249988/olympic-region-clean-air-agency-awaiting-results-after-emissions

Alaska Becomes Third State with Legal Marijuana (Associated Press)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/marijuana/2015/02/23/alaska-becomes-3rd-state-with-legal-marijuana/23909595/

Solar Eclipse Threatens European Power Supplies (CNBC)

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102450397

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Solar Eclipse Threatens European Power Supplies
2. Two Arrested After Trail of Clues Leads to Stolen Substation Wire
3. Oregon: Hermiston City Council to Consider Power Rate Increase
4. Pacific Gas & Electric – Secret "Self-Investigation" Finds Obstructions on 20% of Its Gas Pipelines
5. All 77 of BPA’s Annual Reports Now Online
6. Bill Gates and Other Business Leaders Urge U-S to Increase Energy Research
7. Lobbyist Dubbed Dr Evil Behind Front Groups Attacking Obama Power Rules
8. The Sage Grouse Might Not Be Listed as an Endangered Species After All
9. Bonneville Power Administration Land Conservation Efforts Play Role in Oregon Chub’s Delisting
10. How is Portland Doing on Air Pollution? It Depends Where You Look
11. Water Thefts on the Rise in Drought-Stricken California
12. Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Awaiting Results after Emissions Tests on Nippon Biomass Boiler
13. Biomass Plants Gaining Steam – Do They Result in Less Carbon?
14. On Burning Wood Pellets for Electricity – It's U-S Environmentalists Vs. European Generators
15. Wind & Gas Hybrid Power – Wyoming's Idea of California Dreamin'
16. How Renewables Are Changing the Way We Operate the Grid
17. Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Systems
18. Solar Energy’s New Best Friend Is … The Christian Coalition
19. Microsoft Experiments with Taking Energy-Sucking Data Centers Off the Grid
20. America's Energy Future Requires a Demand Response to Save Billions
21. Alaska Becomes Third State with Legal Marijuana
22. Oregon: Pot Growers Could Raise Electricity Rates in Ashland, Official Says
23. Clallam County May Extend Temporary Marijuana Land-Use Controls
24. Oil Industry Not Buying Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Cap & Trade Plan
25. What We Can Learn from British Columbia’s Carbon Tax
26. Head of United Nations Climate Panel Steps Down amid Harassment Case
27. Deeper Ties to Corporate Cash for Doubtful Climate Researcher
28. Oregon: Lakeview's $200M Biofuel Project Gets a Public Airing
29. Comcast Revenue Rises as It Adds Video, Internet Customers
30. These Two Charts from Comcast Show Why Net Neutrality is Vital
31. FCC Chief Pressed to Release Net Neutrality Rules
32. Inside Opower’s New Growth Strategy: The Utility Bill ‘Is the Biggest Missed Opportunity’
33. Google Teams Up with Three Wireless Carriers to Combat Apple Pay
34. What You Think about Millennials is Wrong
35. Lady Gaga, Julie Andrews Notch Oscars' Top Social Media Moment
36. Pasco Residents Worried about Diluting the Hispanic Vote
37. U-S Representative Herrera Beutler Censure on Clark County GOP Agenda
38. State of Oregon Investigating Governor’s Leaked Emails
39. Did You See the Fireball over Idaho Last Night? Here Are Sightings from Across the West
40. Craigslist Animal Cruelty – Judge Calls Olympia Case 'Truly Disturbing'

WORD OF THE DAY

Thrasonical • \thray-SAW-nuh-kull\ • Adjective – Of, relating to, resembling, or characteristic of Thraso: bragging, boastful

Fat squirrel steals nuts

Loud thrasonical display

Leaves sad, angry birds

From Merriam-Webster: Thraso was a blustering old soldier in the comedy Eunuchus, a play written by the great Roman dramatist Terence more than 2,000 years ago. Terence is generally remembered for his realistic characterizations, and in Thraso he created a swaggerer whose vainglorious boastfulness was not soon to be forgotten. Thraso's reputation as a braggart lives on in thrasonical, a word that boasts a 450-year history as an English adjective.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Solar Eclipse Threatens European Power Supplies (CNBC)

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102450397

Two Arrested After Trail of Clues Leads to Stolen Substation Wire (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150223/NEWS01/150229608/2-arrested-after-trail-of-clues-leads-to-stolen-wire

Oregon: Hermiston City Council to Consider Power Rate Increase (East Oregonian, Pendleton)

http://www.eastoregonian.com/eo/local-news/20150223/hermiston-council-to-consider-power-rate-increase

Pacific Gas & Electric – Secret "Self-Investigation" Finds Obstructions on 20% of Its Gas Pipelines (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/secret-pge-self-investigation-finds-obstructions-on-20-of-its-gas-pipel/367495/

All 77 of BPA’s Annual Reports Now Online (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/All-77-of-BPAs-annual-reports-now-online.aspx

Bill Gates and Other Business Leaders Urge U-S to Increase Energy Research (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/us/top-us-business-leaders-urge-increased-energy-research.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Lobbyist Dubbed Dr Evil Behind Front Groups Attacking Obama Power Rules (The Guardian, UK)
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/23/lobbyist-dubbed-dr-evil-behind-front-groups-attacking-obama-power-rules

FISH & WILDLIFE

The Sage Grouse Might Not Be Listed as an Endangered Species After All (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/02/23/the-sage-grouse-might-not-be-listed-as-an-endangered-species-after-all/

Bonneville Power Administration Land Conservation Efforts Play Role in Oregon Chub’s Delisting (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-land-conservation-efforts-play-role-in-Oregon-chub%E2%80%99s-delisting.aspx

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

How is Portland Doing on Air Pollution? It Depends Where You Look (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/02/how_is_portland_doing_on_air_p.html

Water Thefts on the Rise in Drought-Stricken California (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/Water-thefts-on-the-rise-in-drought-stricken-6097055.php

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Awaiting Results after Emissions Tests on Nippon Biomass Boiler (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150224/news/302249988/olympic-region-clean-air-agency-awaiting-results-after-emissions

Biomass Plants Gaining Steam – Do They Result in Less Carbon? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2015/02/24/biomass-plants-gaining-steam-but-do-they-result-in-less-carbon/

On Burning Wood Pellets for Electricity – It's U-S Environmentalists Vs. European Generators (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060013723

Wind & Gas Hybrid Power – Wyoming's Idea of California Dreamin' (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060013829

How Renewables Are Changing the Way We Operate the Grid (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-renewables-are-changing-the-way-we-operate-the-grid/364541/

Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Systems (Breaking Energy)

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/02/20/grid-connected-renewable-energy-systems/

Solar Energy’s New Best Friend Is … The Christian Coalition (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/20/solar-energys-new-best-friend-is-the-christian-coalition/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Microsoft Experiments with Taking Energy-Sucking Data Centers Off the Grid (E&E Publishing)

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060013896

America's Energy Future Requires a Demand Response to Save Billions (Forbes Magazine – Hey Ho – It’s Energy Northwest!)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2015/02/24/solving-americas-energy-future-requires-a-demand-response/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Alaska Becomes Third State with Legal Marijuana (Associated Press)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/marijuana/2015/02/23/alaska-becomes-3rd-state-with-legal-marijuana/23909595/

Oregon: Pot Growers Could Raise Electricity Rates in Ashland, Official Says (Medford Mail Tribune, OR)

http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150223/NEWS/150229843/101064/NEWS

Clallam County May Extend Temporary Marijuana Land-Use Controls (KONP Radio, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.konp.com/local/10475

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Oil Industry Not Buying Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Cap & Trade Plan (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/oil-industry-not-buying-inslee-plan/

What We Can Learn from British Columbia’s Carbon Tax (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/climate-energy/what-we-can-learn-from-british-columbias-carbon-tax/

Head of United Nations Climate Panel Steps Down amid Harassment Case (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/Head-of-UN-climate-panel-steps-down-amid-6098092.php

Deeper Ties to Corporate Cash for Doubtful Climate Researcher (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Oregon: Lakeview's $200M Biofuel Project Gets a Public Airing (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2015/02/lakeviews-200m-biofuel-project-gets-a-public.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Comcast Revenue Rises as It Adds Video, Internet Customers (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2015/02/24/business/24reuters-comcast-results.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

These Two Charts from Comcast Show Why Net Neutrality is Vital (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2015/02/24/these-2-charts-from-comcast-show-why-net-neutrality-is-vital/

FCC Chief Pressed to Release Net Neutrality Rules (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/23/house-chairman-urges-fcc-transparency/23882079/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Inside Opower’s New Growth Strategy: The Utility Bill ‘Is the Biggest Missed Opportunity’ (Green Tech Media)

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/inside-opowers-new-growth-strategy

Google Teams Up with Three Wireless Carriers to Combat Apple Pay (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/google_teams_up_with_3_wireles.html

What You Think about Millennials is Wrong (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2015/02/23/what-you-think-about-millennials-is-wrong/

Lady Gaga, Julie Andrews Notch Oscars' Top Social Media Moment (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-awards-oscars-socialmedia-idUSKBN0LR28720150223

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Pasco Residents Worried about Diluting the Hispanic Vote (Tri-City Herald, WA)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/02/23/3425021_pasco-residents-worried-about.html?rh=1

U-S Representative Herrera Beutler Censure on Clark County GOP Agenda (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/feb/23/herrera-beutler-censure-on-county-gop-agenda/

State of Oregon Investigating Governor’s Leaked Emails (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/politics/2015/02/23/state-investigating-leaked-emails-2-workers-on-leave/23900893/

GENERAL NEWS

Did You See the Fireball over Idaho Last Night? Here Are Sightings from Across the West (Idaho Statesman, Boise)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/02/24/3661579_did-you-see-the-fireball-over.html?rh=1

Craigslist Animal Cruelty – Judge Calls Olympia Case 'Truly Disturbing' (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Judge-calls-Olympia-animal-cruelty-case-truly-disturbing-293767081.html

DIVERSIONS

Marshawn Lynch Wants to Trademark 'I'm Just Here So I Won't Get Fined'

http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-marshawn-lynch-trademark-quote-20150224-story.html

Documentary or Narcissism? British Columbia Man Shoots Video Selfie While Rescuers Use Jaws Of Life to Cut Him from Crashed Car

http://q13fox.com/2015/02/24/british-columbia-man-shoots-video-selfie-while-rescuers-cut-him-from-serious-car-crash-with-jaws-of-life/

Hibernating Pet Tarantulas Stolen from Crawlspace of House

http://news.yahoo.com/hibernating-pet-tarantulas-stolen-crawlspace-house-124833765.html

Massachusetts Man Selling, Shipping Snow from His Yard

http://news.yahoo.com/massachusetts-man-selling-shipping-snow-yard-170847519.html

SONG OF THE DAY

James Newton Howard – Snow Falling on Cedars, End Title

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBvVmWkm3LY

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.