Energy News Digest for December 15, 2011

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.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST ON TWITTER

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Mid-Columbia Power Rates Cheapest in Washington State (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.kpq.com/12-14-11-Power-Rates-Cheapest-in-Washington-State/11739395

Department of Energy Implementation Activities in the Case of a Lapse of Appropriations “…BPA…is self-funding…operates funds under a permanent, indefinite appropriation known as the Bonneville Fund. Therefore, BPA will continue to operate normally…” (US Department of Energy)

http://energy.gov/articles/department-energy-implementation-activities-case-lapse-appropriations

Salmon Flood California Hatcheries, Great 2012 Predicted (SF Chronicle)

http://blog.sfgate.com/stienstra/2011/12/14/salmon-flood-hatcheries-great-2012-predicted/?tsp=1

Montana – NorthWestern Energy Urges State to OK $86 Million Wind Deal (Helena Independent-Record, MT)

http://helenair.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nw-urges-psc-to-ok-million-wind-deal/article_8af0e266-26eb-11e1-8bfa-001871e3ce6c.html

Greenpeace Finds Common Cause with Facebook on Clean Power for Data Centers (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2011/12/greenpeace_finds_common_cause.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Mid-Columbia Power Rates Cheapest in Washington State
• Department of Energy Implementation Activities in the Case of a Lapse of Appropriations
• British Columbia - $200-Million River-Power Project Clears Key Hurdle
• Pacific Gas & Electric Cuts Power to Three SmartMeter Opponents Who Removed Devices
• Mason County PUD 1 Budget Approved
• Arch Coal Secures $300 Million Wyoming Coal Lease
• Montana – Thanks to Flathead Electric: Money Found for Discovery Square
• Energy Northwest Gives Out Toys & Clothing
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Goes Nuclear with Abuse, Colleagues Say
• Thousands of Households Face Cuts in Energy Aid
• Duke Energy, Progress Energy Merger Delayed
• Merger Talks - Constellation, Exelon Reach Accord with Maryland Governor
• Tennessee Valley Authority Says Fuel Cost 3.1 Percent Lower in January
• US Natural Gas Supplies Shrank Last Week
• As Gas Drilling Spreads, Towns Stand Ground Over Control
• Is a Perfect Storm Brewing for the Power Sector in 2012?
• Salmon Flood California Hatcheries, Great 2012 Predicted
• Washington State Water Deal Benefits All of Tri-Cities
• Pateros is First to Receive Lake Roosevelt Water
• Yakima – River Basin Water Plan May Have to Wait Two Years for Funds
• Montana – NorthWestern Energy Urges State to OK $86 Million Wind Deal
• Vestas’ Martha Wyrsch: Save the Production Tax Credit
• Green Energy: Silicon Valley Leads a Back-To-Basics Revolution
• Connecticut - NRG Biomass Plant Could Offset Impact of Montville Coal-Fired Power Plant’s Closing
• Thou Shalt Covet Thy Neighbor’s Electric Bill
• With Rise of Eco-Friendly Cars, Washington State Sees Slump in Gas Tax Revenue
• California Regulator Plans for Near Elimination of Gasoline-Powered Vehicles
• Recycling Rate Reaches 49 Percent in Washington
• Hawaii Utility to Make Gas from Vegetable Oil
• Greenpeace Finds Common Cause with Facebook on Clean Power for Data Centers
• Google to Invest in $120 Million Singapore Data Center
• Fun Facts for Data Center Geeks - Infographic
• Lines Drawn on Internet Antipiracy Bills
• Top Internet Engineers Warn Against SOPA
• Cisco Says 70% of Young Workers Ignore IT Rules
• Six Million Only Use Wireless Broadband
• Op/Ed - State Redistricting Commission Needs to Set Aside Politics & Meet Jan. 1 Deadline
• Columnist - US Senator Patty Murray’s Plan to Skirt Partisanship: More Women in Congress
• Does Politics Trump Science in The Obama White House?
• Washington State Legislature Adjourns 17-Day Special Session in Olympia
• This Could be Seattle’s Driest December Ever
• Thieves Prowling for Unattended Holiday Packages

WORD OF THE DAY

Emblazon • \im-BLAY-zun\ • Verb - 1a: to inscribe or adorn with or as if with heraldic bearings or devices b: to inscribe (as logos or lettering) on a surface 2: celebrate, extol

“I can’t admit you sir,’ the apologetic bouncer murmured to the jittery fanboy at the backstage door at the local comic book convention. “But,” whined the pizza-faced adolescent, “didn’t you see my ‘Justice League’ badge. That should mean something.” “Yeah,” sighed the bouncer; “It means you had a sharp nail to emblazon the ‘League’ logo on tinfoil….now get lost.”

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

Mid-Columbia Power Rates Cheapest in Washington State (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://www.kpq.com/12-14-11-Power-Rates-Cheapest-in-Washington-State/11739395

Department of Energy Implementation Activities in the Case of a Lapse of Appropriations “…BPA…is self-funding…operates funds under a permanent, indefinite appropriation known as the Bonneville Fund. Therefore, BPA will continue to operate normally…” (US Department of Energy)

http://energy.gov/articles/department-energy-implementation-activities-case-lapse-appropriations

British Columbia - $200-Million River-Power Project Clears Key Hurdle: Conservation groups raise fears over fish habitat (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/technology/million+river+power+project+clears+hurdle/5862456/story.html

Pacific Gas & Electric Cuts Power to Three SmartMeter Opponents Who Removed Devices (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_19547087

Mason County PUD 1 Budget Approved (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page/20125-pud-1-budget-approved

Arch Coal Secures $300 Million Wyoming Coal Lease (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017021827_apuscoalsalewyoming.html

Montana – Thanks to Flathead Electric: Money Found for Discovery Square (Flathead News Group, Kalispell, MT)

http://www.flatheadnewsgroup.com/hungryhorsenews/article_f87ecd3a-266d-11e1-ade8-001871e3ce6c.html

Energy Northwest Gives Out Toys & Clothing (KNDU-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.kndu.com/story/16325043/energ

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Goes Nuclear with Abuse, Colleagues Say (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017018094_nrc15.html

Thousands of Households Face Cuts in Energy Aid (The Tennessean, Nashville)

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111215/NEWS02/312150047/Thousands-of-households-face-cuts-in-energy-aid

Duke Energy, Progress Energy Merger Delayed (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2011/12/15/duke-energy-progress-energy-merger.html

Merger Talks - Constellation, Exelon Reach Accord with Maryland Governor (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)

www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2011/12/15/constellation-exelon-reach-accord.html

Tennessee Valley Authority Says Fuel Cost 3.1 Percent Lower in January (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017013444_apustvafuelcosttennessee.html

US Natural Gas Supplies Shrank Last Week (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/US-natural-gas-supplies-shrank-last-week-2405009.php

As Gas Drilling Spreads, Towns Stand Ground Over Control (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/us/towns-fighting-to-stand-ground-against-gas-drillers.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Is a Perfect Storm Brewing for the Power Sector in 2012? (Electric Light & Power)

http://www.elp.com/index/display/article-display.articles.electric-light-power.volume-89.issue-6.columns.is-a-perfect-storm-brewing-for-the-power-sector-in-2012.QP129867.dcmp=rss.page=1.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Salmon Flood California Hatcheries, Great 2012 Predicted (SF Chronicle)

http://blog.sfgate.com/stienstra/2011/12/14/salmon-flood-hatcheries-great-2012-predicted/?tsp=1

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Washington State Water Deal Benefits All of Tri-Cities (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/135666023.html

Pateros is First to Receive Lake Roosevelt Water (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/dec/14/pateros-is-first-to-receive-lake-roosevelt-water/

Yakima – River Basin Water Plan May Have to Wait Two Years for Funds (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/12/14/basin-water-plan-may-have-to-wait-2-years-for-funds

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Montana – NorthWestern Energy Urges State to OK $86 Million Wind Deal (Helena Independent-Record, MT)

http://helenair.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nw-urges-psc-to-ok-million-wind-deal/article_8af0e266-26eb-11e1-8bfa-001871e3ce6c.html

Vestas’ Martha Wyrsch: Save the Production Tax Credit (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2011/12/vestas-marth-wyrsch-save-the-ptc.html

Green Energy: Silicon Valley Leads a Back-To-Basics Revolution (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/1214/Green-energy-Silicon-Valley-leads-a-back-to-basics-revolution

Connecticut - NRG Biomass Plant Could Offset Impact of Montville Coal-Fired Power Plant’s Closing (Hartford Courant, CT)

http://articles.courant.com/2011-12-14/business/hc-montville-coal-plant-closing-20111214_1_biomass-plant-coal-fired-plant-megawatt-plant

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Thou Shalt Covet Thy Neighbor’s Electric Bill (Electric Light & Power)

http://www.elp.com/index/display/article-display.articles.electric-light-power.volume-89.issue-6.sections.thou-shalt-covet-thy-neighbors-electric-bill.QP129867.dcmp=rss.page=1.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

With Rise of Eco-Friendly Cars, Washington State Sees Slump in Gas Tax Revenue (KOMO-TV, Seattle)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/With-rise-of-hybrids-Wash-sees-slump-in-gas-tax-revenue--135627233.html

California Regulator Plans for Near Elimination of Gasoline-Powered Vehicles (E&E News)

http://www.eenews.net/public/climatewire/2011/12/14/1

Recycling Rate Reaches 49 Percent in Washington (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017012865_apwarecyclingrate.html

Hawaii Utility to Make Gas from Vegetable Oil (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017021848_apusrenewablegashawaii.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Greenpeace Finds Common Cause with Facebook on Clean Power for Data Centers (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2011/12/greenpeace_finds_common_cause.html

Google to Invest in $120 Million Singapore Data Center (San Francisco Business Times, CA)

www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2011/12/google-to-invest-in-120m-singapore.html

Fun Facts for Data Center Geeks - Infographic (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/cloud/fun-facts-for-data-center-geeks-infographic/

Lines Drawn on Internet Antipiracy Bills (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/technology/lines-are-drawn-on-legislation-against-internet-piracy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Top Internet Engineers Warn Against SOPA (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/top-internet-engineers-warn-against-sopa/2011/12/15/gIQAGRV4vO_blog.html?wprss=post-tech

Cisco Says 70% of Young Workers Ignore IT Rules (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2011/12/14/cisco-says-70-of-young-workers-ignore.html

Six Million Only Use Wireless Broadband (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/6-Million-Only-Use-Wireless-Broadband-117445

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Op/Ed - State Redistricting Commission Needs to Set Aside Politics & Meet Jan. 1 Deadline (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2017017199_guest15mccallum.html

Columnist - US Senator Patty Murray’s Plan to Skirt Partisanship: More Women in Congress (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2017017197_joni15.html

Does Politics Trump Science in The Obama White House? (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70468.html

GENERAL NEWS

Washington State Legislature Adjourns 17-Day Special Session in Olympia (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/15/1945828/special-session-finishes.html

This Could be Seattle’s Driest December Ever (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/December-2011-on-pace-to-be-driest-on-record-135615843.html

Thieves Prowling for Unattended Holiday Packages (KOMO-TV, Seattle)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Thieves-targeting-unadended-packages-135635393.html

DIVERSIONS

Behold the Power of Paws: Wisconsin Cat with 26 Toes Helps Raise $120,000 for Shelter

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/behold-the-power-of-paws-wisconsin-cat-with-26-toes-helps-raise-120000-for-shelter/2011/12/14/gIQA7YDguO_story.html

Dogs Have Their Day in Court after Jury Finds Two Portland Men Guilty of Animal Neglect

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/12/dogs_have_their_day_in_court_a.html

Seattle Names City Dump after Julius Pierpont Patches

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/12/14/seattle-names-city-dump-after-j-p-patches/

Police: Thieves Pocket-Dial 911, Leading to Arrest

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Police-Thieves-pocket-dial-911-leading-to-arrest-2404745.php

SONG OF THE DAY

Buddy Guy & Tracy Chapman - Ain’t No Sunshine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4RskhZebn8

Energy News Digest for December 14, 2011

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.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST ON TWITTER

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Governor Weighing Changes to Washington State Clean-Energy Law (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/12/14/1913334/gov-weighing-changes-to-wash-clean.html

Puget Sound Energy Accused of Charging Improper Fee (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Regulators-accuse-PSE-of-improper-fee-charges-135593863.html

Environmental Group Sues to Protect West Coast 'Forage Fish' (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://news.opb.org/article/environmental-group-sues-protect-forage-fish/

Washington State House Makes Budget Progress (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/14/1944501/house-makes-budget-progress.html

Washington State Jobless Rate Drops to 8.7 Percent (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017012949_jobs15.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Puget Sound Energy Accused of Charging Improper Fee
• Cowlitz PUD Commissioners Approve 2012 Budget – Includes 18 Percent Rate Increase
• Oregon - Power Purchase Costs Fuel Springfield Utility Board Rate Hike
• Coal Controversy - Bellingham Group Sues Shipping Terminal Company over Clean-Water
• Pacific Gas & Electric Assumes Civil Liability For San Bruno Pipeline Blast
• Arizona - Residents Concerned about Proposed Power Line Project
• Feds Move Closer to Approving New Nuclear Reactor Design
• Small Reactors Could Figure Into US Energy Future
• Fight among Nation's Top Nuclear Regulators Gets Airing Before Congress
• Add Quakes to Rumblings Over Natural Gas Rush
• Oklahoma – Seismologist says Fracking Is not the Cause of Earthquakes
• Holiday Decorating Injuries Up, As Gov’t Agency Urges Safety Stringing Lights, Burning Candles
• Environmental Group Sues to Protect West Coast 'Forage Fish'
• Environmental Groups Say Fed Flood Insurance Promotes Coastal Development & Harms Big Fish
• Canadian Fish Health Regulations Called Inadequate
• Washington State Agency Targeting Northern Pike in Columbia River Basin
• Canada - Scientists, Land Professionals Protest BC Hydro's Plan to Close Wildlife Offices
• Saving the Unloved Chum Salmon
• Eagle-Watching Season on Upper Skagit River
• Disasters Doom Texas Oyster Crop
• Thousands of Birds Make Crash Landing in Utah
• Clark Public Utilities Raises Water Rates by 14 Percent
• Inevitable, or in Limbo? A Dam for the Mekong
• Governor Weighing Changes to Washington State Clean-Energy Law
• Big North Carolina Wind Project a 'No Go' for Now
• The Battle to Extend Wind Incentives
• Production Tax Credit in Limbo
• First Solar Cuts 2011 Financial Estimates
• Energy Efficiency - A Season for Savings
• Prosser Plant Creating Biofuel from Grass, Mustard
• Op/Ed - Why Electric Cars Are Inefficient Polluters
• Wave Cable Gets Sequim Franchise
• Google Fiber Sticks to Vague Schedule
• Verizon Upgrades Network for a 100 Gig World
• Minnesota Winters Are a Selling Point for Data Centers
• Utah Company Wraps Up $1 Billion Case against Microsoft
• Washington State House Makes Budget Progress
• Darcy Burner: The Far Afield Washington State Congressional Candidate
• Washington State Jobless Rate Drops to 8.7 Percent
• A Cellphone Ban for Drivers? Don't Count On It in Washington State
• New Shelton Race Track Holds Fundraiser
• Lake Cushman Campground to Re-Open
• Aloha Man Admits to Attacking His Neighbor for Trimming Shade Trees
• Feds to Phase Out Dollar Coins, Biden Says

WORD OF THE DAY

Kibosh • \KYE-bosh\ • Noun - Something that serves as a check or stop

“When the rotors spin, the cash rolls in,” mused the investment banker as he idly twirled his gold watch at the end of the sparkling diamond fob. The potential loss of his tax credits was nothing more than a shadowy, unimportant thought in his perfectly coiffed head. He knew that his high-priced “K-Street” lobbying firm would put the kibosh on any efforts to kill his newly-found investment windfall.

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

Puget Sound Energy Accused of Charging Improper Fee (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Regulators-accuse-PSE-of-improper-fee-charges-135593863.html

Cowlitz PUD Commissioners Approve 2012 Budget – Includes 18 Percent Rate Increase (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/pud-commissioners-approve-budget/article_d272b234-25fd-11e1-827e-0019bb2963f4.html

Oregon - Power Purchase Costs Fuel Springfield Utility Board Rate Hike: The BPA and corroding water pipes force SUB to increase its electric and water budgets (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://www.registerguard.com/web/newslocalnews/27313365-41/sub-budget-percent-power-million.html.csp

Coal Controversy - Bellingham Group Sues Shipping Terminal Company over Clean-Water (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/12/13/1912293/bellingham-group-sues-company.html

Pacific Gas & Electric Assumes Civil Liability For San Bruno Pipeline Blast - Says it will compensate victims (Associated Press)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/pgande-assumes-civil-liability-for-san-bruno-blast-will-compensate-victims/2011/12/13/gIQAwzmbsO_story.html

Arizona - Residents Concerned about Proposed Power Line Project (KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ)

http://www.kold.com/story/16310073/residents-concerned-about-proposed-new-power-line-project

Feds Move Closer to Approving New Nuclear Reactor Design (Associated Press)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/12/14/national/a092353S76.DTL

Small Reactors Could Figure Into US Energy Future (Phys.Org)

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-small-reactors-figure-energy-future.html

Fight among Nation's Top Nuclear Regulators Gets Airing Before Congress (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/1214/Fight-among-nation-s-top-nuclear-regulators-gets-airing-before-Congress

Add Quakes to Rumblings Over Natural Gas Rush (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/some-blame-hydraulic-fracturing-for-earthquake-epidemic.html?_r=2&src=dayp

Oklahoma – Seismologist says Fracking Is not the Cause of Earthquakes (Tulsa World, OK)

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20111214_11_A1_CUTLIN152192

Holiday Decorating Injuries Up, As Gov’t Agency Urges Safety Stringing Lights, Burning Candles (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/holiday-decorating-injuries-up-as-govt-agency-urges-safety-stringing-lights-burning-candles/2011/12/13/gIQA23XxrO_story.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Environmental Group Sues to Protect West Coast 'Forage Fish' (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://news.opb.org/article/environmental-group-sues-protect-forage-fish/

Environmental Groups Say Fed Flood Insurance Promotes Coastal Development & Harms Big Fish (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/12/13/42190.htm

Canadian Fish Health Regulations Called Inadequate - Ex-government biologist questions federal assurances on salmon virus (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Fish+health+regulations+called+inadequate/5849560/story.html

Washington State Agency Targeting Northern Pike in Columbia River Basin (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/12/13/1912298/state-agency-targeting-northern.html

Canada - Scientists, Land Professionals Protest BC Hydro's Plan to Close Wildlife Offices (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/Scientists+land+professionals+protest+Hydro+plan+close+wildlife+offices/5814952/story.html

Saving the Unloved Chum Salmon (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://news.opb.org//article/saving-unloved-chum-salmon/

Eagle-Watching Season on Upper Skagit River (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017004690_apwaeaglewatching1stldwritethru.html

Disasters Doom Texas Oyster Crop (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-13/algae-threatens-texas-oyster-season/51889730/1?csp=34news

Thousands of Birds Make Crash Landing in Utah (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/12/14/1913101/thousands-of-birds-make-crash.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Clark Public Utilities Raises Water Rates by 14 Percent (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/dec/13/clark-public-utilities-raises-water-rates-14-perce/

Inevitable, or in Limbo? A Dam for the Mekong (NY Times)

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/14/inevitable-or-in-limbo-a-dam-for-the-mekong/?partner=rss&emc=rss

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Governor Weighing Changes to Washington State Clean-Energy Law (Associated Press)

http://www.theolympian.com/2011/12/14/1913334/gov-weighing-changes-to-wash-clean.html

Big North Carolina Wind Project a 'No Go' for Now (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/power_city/2011/12/big-nc-wind-project-a-no-go-for-now.html

The Battle to Extend Wind Incentives (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/geoffrey-styles/72110/battle-extend-wind-incentives

Production Tax Credit in Limbo (EnergyBiz Insider)

http://www.scoop.com/remote/article/include/305686808/53616c7465645f5fd221a627c2a14e0fafd086ccdd87bea81c8b55ad42451a34e444366c6a819480

First Solar Cuts 2011 Financial Estimates (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017009451_apusfirstsolaroutlook.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency - A Season for Savings (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/efficiency-conservation/energy-efficiency/holiday-season-energy-savings-led-lights/36957

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Prosser Plant Creating Biofuel from Grass, Mustard (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/dec/13/prosser-plant-creating-biofuel-from-grass-mustard/

Op/Ed - Why Electric Cars Are Inefficient Polluters (Shore News, NJ)

http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/politics/19232-why-electric-cars-are-inefficient-polluters.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Wave Cable Gets Sequim Franchise (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20111214/news/312149991/wave-cable-gets-sequim-franchise

Google Fiber Sticks to Vague Schedule (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Google-Fiber-Sticks-to-Vague-Schedule-117423

Verizon Upgrades Network for a 100 Gig World (Gigaom)

http://gigaom.com/broadband/verizon-upgrades-network-for-a-100-gig-world/

Minnesota Winters Are a Selling Point for Data Centers (Minneapolis-St Paul Business Journal, MN)
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/morning_roundup/2011/12/minnesota-winters-are-a-selling-point.html

Utah Company Wraps Up $1 Billion Case against Microsoft (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017004730_apusantitrustlawsuitmicrosoft.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State House Makes Budget Progress (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/14/1944501/house-makes-budget-progress.html

Darcy Burner: The Far Afield Washington State Congressional Candidate (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2011/12/12/darcy-burner-the-far-afield-candidate/

GENERAL NEWS

Washington State Jobless Rate Drops to 8.7 Percent (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017012949_jobs15.html

A Cellphone Ban for Drivers? Don't Count On It in Washington State (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017008888_cellphone14m.html

New Shelton Race Track Holds Fundraiser (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page/20053-track-holds-fundraiser

Lake Cushman Campground to Re-Open (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page/19968-lake-cushman-campground-to-re-open

Aloha Man Admits to Attacking His Neighbor for Trimming Shade Trees (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/aloha/index.ssf/2011/12/aloha_man_admits_to_attacking.html

Feds to Phase Out Dollar Coins, Biden Says (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2011-12-13/dollar-coins/51885500/1?csp=34news

DIVERSIONS

A Pet in the One Percent: Woman Leaves $13 Million to Her Cat

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/12/13/a-pet-in-the-one-percent-woman-leaves-13-million-to-her-cat/

Man Fakes Heart Attack after Getting Pulled Over

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Man-fakes-heart-attack-after-getting-pulled-over-135333163.html

Laura Nyro's Lasting, Eclectic Musical Legacy

http://www.npr.org/2011/12/10/143499121/laura-nyros-lasting-eclectic-musical-legacy?ft=1&f=7

Soda or Pop? How Washington State Talks About Soft Drinks

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/12/09/soda-or-pop-how-washington-talks-about-soft-drinks/

SONG OF THE DAY

Laura Nyro - Stoned Soul Picnic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwSNbC9zK-w