Energy News Digest for February 23, 2016

The energy news digest will be communing with mavens of public power February 23 & 24. If you miss a news digest edition on either of those two days, watch www.twitter.com/energydigest for breaking energy news or items of note.

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 23, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1ozmU1B

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Washington State Regulators Fine CenturyLink $2.85 Million for 2014 911 Outage (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/feb/22/regulators-fine-centurylink-285-million-for-911-ou/

New Orcas Power & Light Employee, Victim of an Alleged Home Invasion – Says sheriff's office didn't respond in timely manner (Island Sounder, Eastsound, WA)

http://www.islandssounder.com/news/369495632.html

Taming the Wild West: CAISO Begins Study of a Full Regional Electricity Market (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/taming-the-wild-west-caiso-begins-study-of-a-full-regional-electricity-mar/414213/

Clean Power Plan Reset Sought after Emails Show Collaboration between EPA, Greens (Washington Times)

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/22/clean-power-plan-reset-sought-after-emails-show-co/

Officials Confirm First Washington State Case of Zika Virus (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/regional-state-news/26868-officials-confirm-first-washington-state-case-of-zika-virus

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• New Orcas Power & Light Employee, Victim of an Alleged Home Invasion
• Taming the Wild West: CAISO Begins Study of a Full Regional Electricity Market
• Editorial: Do the Math on Washington State Coal-Plant Bill
• Op/Ed: Could Puget Sound Energy Replace Its Coal with Coal?
• $1.25 Billion Northwest Fossil Fuel Project Dead in the Water
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cites Costs, Other Options in Scrapping Pumped Storage Project
• Nuclear Plants Running for 80 Years Trump Renewables & Gas
• Minnesota: Court Upholds State's Largest Settlement for Cows Hurt by Stray Voltage
• Become Your Members’ Trusted Energy Advisor
• California: Under Sunny Skies, Folsom Dam Operators to Double Water Releases 
• Ummm… Cheapest Power in the US? Palo Alto Muni Eyes Solar at Under $37/MWh
• Hawaiian Electric Cancels Contracts for Solar Power from Three SunEdison Projects
• Solar Showdown in the Nevada Desert: Warren Buffett vs. Elon Musk?
• Put a Solar Panel on It
• As Wind Turbines Grow Larger, So Does the Challenge of Moving Them into Place
• Clean Power Plan Reset Sought after Emails Show Collaboration between EPA, Greens
• Despite the Supreme Court, Here’s Why the White House Says We’ll Cut Carbon Anyway
• Seas Are Rising at Fastest Rate in Last 28 Centuries
• Washington State Regulators Fine CenturyLink $2.85 Million for 2014 911 Outage
• Source Says Time Inc Exploring Bid for Yahoo's Core Business
• Seattle Humor Website Cheezburger Acquired by Unnamed Company
• How to Get Started on the Most Popular Social Media Networks
• State Lawyer Regrets Legal Advice over Early Release of Washington Inmates
• Officials Confirm Mason County Man Has First Washington State Case of Zika Virus
• Explosion Levels Kitsap County Home; Residents Missing
• North Mason School Board Holding Study Session on Theler
• McNerney Out – CEO Muilenburg to Become Boeing Chairman

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

New Orcas Power & Light Employee, Victim of an Alleged Home Invasion – Says sheriff's office didn't respond in timely manner (Island Sounder, Eastsound, WA)

http://www.islandssounder.com/news/369495632.html

Taming the Wild West: CAISO Begins Study of a Full Regional Electricity Market (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/taming-the-wild-west-caiso-begins-study-of-a-full-regional-electricity-mar/414213/

Editorial: Do the Math on Washington State Coal-Plant Bill – May not be in ratepayers’ best interest (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/do-the-math-on-coal-plant-bill-may-not-be-in-ratepayers-best-interest/

Op/Ed: Could Puget Sound Energy Replace Its Coal with Coal? (Seattle Weekly)

http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/963056-129/could-puget-sound-energy-replace-its

$1.25 Billion Northwest Fossil Fuel Project Dead in the Water (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/02/1-25b-northwest-fossil-fuel-project-dead-in-the.html

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cites Costs, Other Options in Scrapping Pumped Storage Project (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=45268

Nuclear Plants Running for 80 Years Trump Renewables & Gas (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016/02/23/80-year-nuclear-plants-trump-renewables-and-gas/

Minnesota: Court Upholds State's Largest Settlement for Cows Hurt by Stray Voltage (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)

http://www.startribune.com/court-upholds-state-s-largest-settlement-for-cows-hurt-by-stray-voltage/369744671/

Become Your Members’ Trusted Energy Advisor (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/become-your-members-trusted-energy-advisor/89693

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

California: Under Sunny Skies, Folsom Dam Operators to Double Water Releases (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article61780617.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ummm… Cheapest Power in the US? Palo Alto Muni Eyes Solar at Under $37/MWh (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/cheapest-power-in-the-us-palo-alto-muni-eyes-solar-at-under-37mwh/414372/

Hawaiian Electric Cancels Contracts for Solar Power from Three SunEdison Projects (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2016/02/hawaiian-electric-cancels-contracts-for-power-from-three-sunedison-projects.html

Solar Showdown in the Nevada Desert: Warren Buffett vs. Elon Musk? (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellynch/2016/02/23/solar-showdown-in-the-nevada-desert-buffett-vs-musk/#3f8b12171986

Put a Solar Panel on It – How did a warehouse company become one of America’s leaders in renewable energy? (Slate Magazine)

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_juice/2016/01/prologis_which_runs_warehouses_is_a_huge_leader_is_solar_energy_huh.html

As Wind Turbines Grow Larger, So Does the Challenge of Moving Them into Place (San Antonio Express-News, TX)

http://www.expressnews.com/business/eagle-ford-energy/article/As-wind-turbines-grow-larger-so-does-the-6847908.php

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Clean Power Plan Reset Sought after Emails Show Collaboration between EPA, Greens (Washington Times)

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/22/clean-power-plan-reset-sought-after-emails-show-co/

Despite the Supreme Court, Here’s Why the White House Says We’ll Cut Carbon Anyway (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/02/22/despite-the-supreme-court-heres-why-the-white-house-says-well-cut-carbon-anyway/

Seas Are Rising at Fastest Rate in Last 28 Centuries (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/science/sea-level-rise-global-warming-climate-change.html?ref=energy-environment

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Washington State Regulators Fine CenturyLink $2.85 Million for 2014 911 Outage (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/feb/22/regulators-fine-centurylink-285-million-for-911-ou/

Source Says Time Inc Exploring Bid for Yahoo's Core Business (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-time-m-a-yahoo-idUSKCN0VW1AX

MARKETING & MEDIA

Seattle Humor Website Cheezburger Acquired by Unnamed Company (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2016/02/seattle-humor-website-cheezburger-acquired-by.html

How to Get Started on the Most Popular Social Media Networks (Social Media Examiner)

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-get-started-on-the-most-popular-social-media-networks/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

State Lawyer Regrets Legal Advice over Early Release of Washington Inmates (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/state-lawyer-regrets-legal-advice-over-early-release-washington-inmates

GENERAL NEWS

Officials Confirm Mason County Man Has First Washington State Case of Zika Virus (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/regional-state-news/26868-officials-confirm-first-washington-state-case-of-zika-virus

Explosion Levels Kitsap County Home; Residents Missing (Associated Press)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/explosion-levels-kitsap-county-home-residents-missing/article_ac66300a-da41-11e5-8ed1-2fc6d7b3ada2.html

North Mason School Board Holding Study Session on Theler (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/19189

McNerney Out – CEO Muilenburg to Become Boeing Chairman – Likely to Smooth Union Relations (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2016/02/22/mcnerney-out-ceo-muilenburg-to-become-boeing.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Sandy property owner ready to trade land for beer

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2016/02/sandy_property_owner_ready_to.html

Mysterious High-Pitched Tone Keeps Oregon Residents Up at Night

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oregon-noise-idUSKCN0VW03K

Meerkat Expert Cleared of Assault in Zoo Love Triangle Spat – Cleared of assaulting a monkey handler in a love spat over a llama-keeper

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/meerkat-expert-cleared-of-assault-in-zoo-love-triangle-spat/article_3895fe03-3ac7-5fcd-96e4-130977832616.html

Dealer Mistakenly Uses Couple's Consignment RV for Parts

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2016/02/23/dealer-mistakenly-uses-couples-rv-parts/80787978/

SONG OF THE DAY

Minnie Ripperton - Lovin' You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MmEVWI8Ieo

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST BLOG & TWITTER FEED

The news digest is also available at the following web site:

http://www.energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/

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

http://twitter.com/energydigest

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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 22, 2016

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 22, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1VzuO60

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Avista Files Request for Electric & Natural Gas Rate Increase – Includes Storm Recovery Costs (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/31267352/avista-files-request-for-electric-and-natural-gas-rate-increase

BC Hydro Seeks Injunction against Peace River Dam Protesters (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-hydro-seeks-injunction-against-site-c-protesters-1.3458713?cmp=rss

Washington State Falls Behind on Solar Jobs – Bill passed by the House could help local companies as changes to subsidies loom (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/feb/18/washington-solar-jobs/

Mystery Wind Drought That Cut U-S Wind Power in 2015 Is Back (New Scientist)

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2078374-mystery-wind-drought-that-cut-us-wind-power-in-2015-is-back/

Pacific Northwest Could Become Hub for Methanol Production (Associated Press)

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_METHANOL_NORTHWEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Avista Files Request for Electric & Natural Gas Rate Increase – Includes Storm Recovery Costs
• BC Hydro Seeks Injunction against Peace River Dam Protesters
• British Columbia: Crown Land Quietly Offered To First Nations In Return for Peace River Dam Site
• Boulder, Colorado & Bainbridge Island, Washington Look at Municipalization
• Op/Ed: In Power Play, Oregon Customers Will Pay
• Columbia River Spring Chinook Season Is Set; Forecasts Are Good
• Scientists Now Link Massive Starfish Die-Off, Warming Ocean
• Idaho Rehab Says Fish & Game Is Preventing Bear Intake
• Wyden: Loophole 'The Size of a Lunar Crater' Allowed Portland Pollution
• Scientists Seek a Better Tally of Soot on North American Snowpack
• Washington State Falls Behind on Solar Jobs
• Mystery Wind Drought That Cut U-S Wind Power in 2015 Is Back
• Feds Officially Cut Back Period for Wind Farm Eagle Take Permits
• Wood Energy Industry, Hundreds of Maine Jobs, at Risk
• Despite Overwhelming Nationwide Support for Clean Energy, Poll Shows Personal Disconnect
• Keeping the Porch Lights On May Deter Crime, & Is Cheaper Than You Think
• Out with Stoners, In with Suits: It’s All Business at Cannacon in Seattle
• Pot Grower Could Find Home on Hoquiam’s Bay Avenue
• Pacific Northwest Could Become Hub for Methanol Production
• All-Electric Lewis County Bus Purchase Approved
• Rewiring the Northwest's Energy Infrastructure
• Verizon to Buy XO Fiber-Optic Business for About $1.8 Billion
• Apple Tells Employees Why It Won't Help Hack Shooter's Phone
• Apple Still Holds the Keys to Its Cloud Service, but Reluctantly
• Construction Begins on the 5G Wireless Dream
• Google Fiber is Coming to Huntsville, Alabama
• Facebook Updates Messenger App to Handle Several Accounts
• Scalia's Absence to be Felt as U-S Supreme Court Returns
• Shelton Harbor & Oakland Bay Marina Shoreline Restoration Project nears Launch
• Columbia Pacific Makes $50M Loan for Purchase of Weyerhaeuser's Federal Way Campus
• Bainbridge Island: Old Growth Forest May Fall to Affordable Housing
• 'Jury Duty' Phone Call Scam Spreading in Portland

WORD OF THE DAY

Oleaginous • \oh-lee-AJ-uh-nus\ • adjective – 1: resembling or having the properties of oil: oily; also: containing or producing oil *2: marked by an offensively ingratiating manner or quality

“Mister Smith, that is the most outstanding example of supervisory direction I have ever had from one of my bosses,” thundered Axelrod. “May I be allowed to pass my congratulations to your boss so you can be justly recognized for your excellent leadership skills?” Axelrod’s boss strutted and preened to the enthusiastic praise. The other employees cringed, wretched, and reached for the anti-emetic medicine after hearing the highly oleaginous performance.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Avista Files Request for Electric & Natural Gas Rate Increase – Includes Storm Recovery Costs (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/31267352/avista-files-request-for-electric-and-natural-gas-rate-increase

BC Hydro Seeks Injunction against Peace River Dam Protesters (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-hydro-seeks-injunction-against-site-c-protesters-1.3458713?cmp=rss

British Columbia: Crown Land Quietly Offered To First Nations In Return for Peace River Dam Site (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/crown-land-offered-to-first-nations-in-return-for-site-c-dam-site/article28807209/?cmpid=rss1

Boulder, Colorado & Bainbridge Island, Washington Look at Municipalization (American Public Power Association)

http://www.publicpower.org/Media/magazine/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=45063

Op/Ed: In Power Play, Oregon Customers Will Pay (Albany Democrat Herald, OR)
http://democratherald.com/news/opinion/guest/in-power-play-customers-will-pay/article_174fb926-8253-5ed8-bc27-8849965e6b65.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Columbia River Spring Chinook Season Is Set; Forecasts Are Good (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/columbia-river-spring-chinook-season-is-set-forecasts-are-good/

Scientists Now Link Massive Starfish Die-Off, Warming Ocean (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/scientists-now-link-massive-starfish-die-off-warming-ocean/

Idaho Rehab Says Fish & Game Is Preventing Bear Intake (KTVB-TV, Boise, ID)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2016/02/20/idaho-rehab-says-fish-game-preventing-bear-intake/80677004/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Wyden: Loophole 'The Size of a Lunar Crater' Allowed Portland Pollution (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/ron-wyden-portland-air-pollution-cause/

Scientists Seek a Better Tally of Soot on North American Snowpack (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/scientists-seek-better-tally-soot-north-american-snowpack

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Washington State Falls Behind on Solar Jobs – Bill passed by the House could help local companies as changes to subsidies loom (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/feb/18/washington-solar-jobs/

Mystery Wind Drought That Cut U-S Wind Power in 2015 Is Back (New Scientist)

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2078374-mystery-wind-drought-that-cut-us-wind-power-in-2015-is-back/

Feds Officially Cut Back Period for Wind Farm Eagle Take Permits (North America Wind Power)

http://nawindpower.com/feds-officially-cut-back-period-for-wind-farm-eagle-take-permits

Wood Energy Industry, Hundreds of Maine Jobs, at Risk (Portland Press Herald, ME)

http://www.pressherald.com/2016/02/21/wood-energy-plants-struggle-to-survive-and-save-jobs/

Despite Overwhelming Nationwide Support for Clean Energy, Poll Shows Personal Disconnect (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/edfenergyex/2322695/despite-overwhelming-nationwide-support-clean-energy-poll-shows-personal-disconn

er

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Keeping the Porch Lights On May Deter Crime, & Is Cheaper Than You Think (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/31268981/keeping-the-porch-lights-on-may-deter-crime-and-is-cheaper-than-you-think

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Out with Stoners, In with Suits: It’s All Business at Cannacon in Seattle (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/marijuana/article61346947.html

Pot Grower Could Find Home on Hoquiam’s Bay Avenue (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/pot-grower-could-find-home-hoquiam-s-bay-avenue

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Pacific Northwest Could Become Hub for Methanol Production (Associated Press)

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_METHANOL_NORTHWEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

All-Electric Lewis County Bus Purchase Approved (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2016/02/all-electric-bus-purchase-approved-kela.html

Rewiring the Northwest's Energy Infrastructure (Center for Sustainable Infrastructure)

http://evergreen.edu/sustainableinfrastructure/energy.htm

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Verizon to Buy XO Fiber-Optic Business for About $1.8 Billion (Associated Press)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/business/national/verizon-to-buy-fiber-optic-business-for-about-billion/article_80ad1225-08e7-5baf-990d-c3da41508e83.html

Apple Tells Employees Why It Won't Help Hack Shooter's Phone (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Basic-software-that-held-key-to-shooter-s-iPhone-6846273.php

Apple Still Holds the Keys to Its Cloud Service, but Reluctantly (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/22/technology/apple-still-holds-the-keys-to-its-cloud-service-but-reluctantly.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Construction Begins on the 5G Wireless Dream (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/technology/construction-begins-on-the-5g-wireless-dream.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Google Fiber is Coming to Huntsville, Alabama (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Google-Fiber-is-Coming-to-Huntsville-Alabama-136346

MARKETING & MEDIA

Facebook Updates Messenger App to Handle Several Accounts (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Facebook-updates-Messenger-app-to-handle-several-6842938.php

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Scalia's Absence to be Felt as U-S Supreme Court Returns (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-cases-idUSKCN0VU0KU

GENERAL NEWS

Shelton Harbor & Oakland Bay Marina Shoreline Restoration Project nears Launch (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26840-shelton-harbor-and-oakland-bay-marina-shoreline-restoration-project-nears-launch

Columbia Pacific Makes $50M Loan for Purchase of Weyerhaeuser's Federal Way Campus (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2016/02/columbia-pacific-makes-50m-loan-for-purchase-of.html

Bainbridge Island: Old Growth Forest May Fall to Affordable Housing (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/tech/science/environment/2016/02/19/affordable-housing-may-cut-old-growth-forest-bainbridge/80646632/

'Jury Duty' Phone Call Scam Spreading in Portland (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/crime/jury-duty-phone-call-scam-spreading-in-portland/50742394

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Officials: Young Man Poses as Ohio Lawmaker, Tours School

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/officials-young-man-poses-as-ohio-lawmaker-tours-school/article_cb1e1750-fb5a-549a-8e97-c6a8b3d586fb.html

Vance Creek Bridge – Man Films His Own Crime, Cops Say, 'Thanks'

http://m.tmz.com/#article/2016/02/19/youtube-joel-hradecky-weed-trespassing/

JRR Tolkien Poems Found in Abingdon School Annual

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-35585467

Thief Dresses As Walmart Worker, Walks Out Door with Four HD-TVs

http://q13fox.com/2016/02/22/thief-dresses-as-walmart-worker-walks-out-door-with-four-hdtvs/

SONG OF THE DAY

Toby Keith – Should've Been a Cowboy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-YuKYIP0W0

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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 19, 2016

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for February 19, 2016

http://1.usa.gov/1RcgYFd

Small Craft Advisory for Puget Sound & Hood Canal

http://1.usa.gov/1QoYUuF

Olympic Mountains – Winter Weather Advisory

http://1.usa.gov/1cx8nJX

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Oregon Legislature Moving Fast on Coal, Renewables Deal (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://portlandtribune.com/sl/293849-171299-legislature-moving-fast-on-coal-and-renewables-deal-before-independently-verifying-ratepayer-impact-

Idaho Eyed as Potential Site for Small Nuclear Reactors (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/E-Idaho-eyed-as-potential-site-for-small-nuclear-6839879.php

The Surprisingly Huge Energy Footprint of the Booming Marijuana Industry (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/02/18/this-could-be-a-big-problem-for-the-booming-marijuana-industry/

Clallam PUD Eyes Sequim Solar Power Project (Sequim Gazette, WA)

http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/369147621.html

Another Month, another Heat Record on Earth (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/science/articles/2016-02-17/the-heat-goes-on-earth-sets-9th-straight-monthly-record

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Oregon Legislature Moving Fast on Coal, Renewables Deal
• Idaho Eyed as Potential Site for Small Nuclear Reactors
• Kshama Sawant Wants an Environmentalist to Run Seattle City Light
• Snohomish PUD Responds after Loud Public Meeting
• Okanogan PUD Awards Bid for Twisp-Pateros Transmission Line
• Op/Ed: Bonneville Power Administration’s Credibility Is on the Line
• Engineering Students Win Grants to Develop Innovations for Electric Utilities
• Pacific Gas & Electric Profits Slump During 2015 as Company Prepares for San Bruno Trial
• Smart Grid Getting Smarter as New Technology Reduces Outage Time for Pacific Gas & Electric Customers
• Electricity Regulation Is Back at the Supreme Court, Again
• Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Ostendorff Will Step Down in June
• Skagit PUD, Anacortes Extend Deadline for Drafting Water Rights Transfer Policy
• Report Says Contaminated Flint Water among Most Expensive In the U-S
• Clallam PUD Eyes Sequim Solar Power Project
• Oregon: Milwaukie Mayor Hopes City Changes Can Spark Solar Revolution
• North Portland Solar Plant to Lay Off 40 in Restructuring
• SolarCity Moves Away from Its MyPower Solar Loan Product
• Op/Ed: Oregon Electricity Ratepayers about to be Ripped Off with So-Called ‘Clean Energy’ Bill
• Visualizing the Power of Today’s Solar Panels: An Infographic
• Editorial: Bright Ideas – Simple Changes to Save Energy & Prosper Economically
• The Surprisingly Huge Energy Footprint of the Booming Marijuana Industry
• Clark County Hit Especially Hard by Oregon Pot Sales
• Oregon Dispensaries See Huge Revenue Spike from Rec Sales, But Picture Not All Rosy
• Another Month, another Heat Record on Earth
• Why the U-S Is Cutting Carbon Emissions No Matter What Happens with the Supreme Court
• ‘Consequences’ for the US If It Quits Paris Climate Deal
• A Chat with the Portland Designer Behind Seattle’s $32 Million ‘Living’ Office Building
• Douglas County Audited over Data Center Tax Break Refunds
• Comcast to Credit Customers for Major Outage…If You Ask
• Apple CEO Opposes Court Order to Help FBI Unlock iPhone
• Bitcoin Mining Company Settles FTC Charges over Deceiving Customers
• Lacey City Councilman’s Comments on Facebook Test Social Media Guidelines for Public Officials
• Winners of the 2016 World Press Photo Contest
• Washington State Drops Revenue Projections $78 Million for Current Budget
• Mason County Sheriff Hands Roadside Litter, Courthouse Security Back to Commissioners
• Update: Mason Transit Manager Makes Statement after Resignation
• Congressman Kilmer Holds Town Hall in Shelton
• Oregon: Grant County Sheriff Viewed as ‘Security Leak,’ State Seeks Investigation
• Oh Great, Now ‘Anti-El Niño’ Is on Its Way

WORD OF THE DAY

Rictus • \RIK-tus\ • noun 1: the gape of a bird's mouth 2a: the mouth orifice *b: a gaping grin or grimace.

Beowulf’s insincerity was evident: his facial rictus did not reflect any smile or flicker of emotion in his cold, dark eyes.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Oregon Legislature Moving Fast on Coal, Renewables Deal (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://portlandtribune.com/sl/293849-171299-legislature-moving-fast-on-coal-and-renewables-deal-before-independently-verifying-ratepayer-impact-

Idaho Eyed as Potential Site for Small Nuclear Reactors (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/E-Idaho-eyed-as-potential-site-for-small-nuclear-6839879.php

Kshama Sawant Wants an Environmentalist to Run Seattle City Light (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA – I’d say SCL already has a pretty good record on this…)

http://mynorthwest.com/992/2915500/Kshama-Sawant-wants-an-environmentalist-to-run-Seattle-City-Light

Snohomish PUD Responds after Loud Public Meeting (My Everett News, WA)

http://myeverettnews.com/2016/02/17/pud-responds-after-loud-public-meeting/

Okanogan PUD Awards Bid for Twisp-Pateros Transmission Line (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2016/feb/17/okanogan-pud-awards-bid-for-twisp-pateros-transmission-line/

Op/Ed: Bonneville Power Administration’s Credibility Is on the Line (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/opinion/mailbag/bpa-s-credibility-is-on-the-line/article_f9075b59-292d-577b-a1f9-9a9f7e5f6795.html

Engineering Students Win Grants to Develop Innovations for Electric Utilities (Pamplin Media Group, Portland, OR)

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/sl/293866-171305-engineering-students-win-grants-to-develop-innovations-for-electric-utilities

Pacific Gas & Electric Profits Slump During 2015 as Company Prepares for San Bruno Trial (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_29531835/pg-e-profits-slump-during-2015-company-prepares?source=rss

Smart Grid Getting Smarter as New Technology Reduces Outage Time for Pacific Gas & Electric Customers (PG&E Currents)

http://www.pgecurrents.com/2016/02/17/video-smart-grid-getting-smarter-as-new-technology-reduces-outage-time-for-pge-customers/

Electricity Regulation Is Back at the Supreme Court, Again (The Energy Collective)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/ari-peskoe/2322533/electricity-regulation-back-supreme-court-again

Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Ostendorff Will Step Down in June (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/nuclear-regulatory-commissioner-ostendorff-will-step-down-in-june/414110/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Skagit PUD, Anacortes Extend Deadline for Drafting Water Rights Transfer Policy (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA)

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/pud-anacortes-extend-deadline-for-drafting-water-rights-transfer-policy/article_dd98ffea-2064-52dc-94e3-f8b31f902a37.html

Report Says Contaminated Flint Water among Most Expensive In the U-S (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-michigan-water-idUSKCN0VP2SD

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Clallam PUD Eyes Sequim Solar Power Project (Sequim Gazette, WA)

http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/369147621.html

Oregon: Milwaukie Mayor Hopes City Changes Can Spark Solar Revolution (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/milwaukie/index.ssf/2016/02/milwaukie_mayor_hopes_city_cha.html

North Portland Solar Plant to Lay Off 40 in Restructuring (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/02/northportland-solar-plant-to-lay-off-40-in.html

SolarCity Moves Away from Its MyPower Solar Loan Product (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/solarcity-moves-away-from-its-mypower-solar-loan-product/414161/

Op/Ed: Oregon Electricity Ratepayers about to be Ripped Off with So-Called ‘Clean Energy’ Bill (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/02/oregon_electricity_ratepayers.html

Visualizing the Power of Today’s Solar Panels: An Infographic (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2016/02/visualizing-the-power-of-today-s-solar-panels-an-infographic.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Editorial: Bright Ideas – Simple Changes to Save Energy & Prosper Economically (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/bright-ideas-simple-changes-to-save-energy-and-prosper-economically/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

The Surprisingly Huge Energy Footprint of the Booming Marijuana Industry (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/02/18/this-could-be-a-big-problem-for-the-booming-marijuana-industry/

Clark County Hit Especially Hard by Oregon Pot Sales (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-marijuana-pot-slows-sales-washington-clark-county/

Oregon Dispensaries See Huge Revenue Spike from Rec Sales, But Picture Not All Rosy (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mjbizdaily.com/oregon-dispensaries-seeing-huge-revenue-spikes-rec-sales-picture-not-rosy/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Another Month, another Heat Record on Earth (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/science/articles/2016-02-17/the-heat-goes-on-earth-sets-9th-straight-monthly-record

Why the U-S Is Cutting Carbon Emissions No Matter What Happens with the Supreme Court (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/02/17/why-the-u-s-is-cutting-carbon-emissions-no-matter-what-happens-with-the-supreme-court/

‘Consequences’ for the US If It Quits Paris Climate Deal (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35605916

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

A Chat with the Portland Designer Behind Seattle’s $32 Million ‘Living’ Office Building (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/02/a-chat-with-the-portland-designer-behind-seattles.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Douglas County Audited over Data Center Tax Break Refunds (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://kpq.com/2389-2/

Comcast to Credit Customers for Major Outage…If You Ask (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-To-Credit-Customers-For-Major-Outage-If-You-Ask-136312

Apple CEO Opposes Court Order to Help FBI Unlock iPhone (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-shooting-timcook-idUSKCN0VQ0XW

Bitcoin Mining Company Settles FTC Charges over Deceiving Customers (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-bitcoin-butterflylabs-idUSKCN0VR23K

MARKETING & MEDIA

Lacey City Councilman’s Comments on Facebook Test Social Media Guidelines for Public Officials (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article60691866.html

Winners of the 2016 World Press Photo Contest (The Atlantic Magazine)

http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/02/winners-of-the-2016-world-press-photo-contest/463431/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Drops Revenue Projections $78 Million for Current Budget (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/story/news/politics/state/2016/02/17/state-drops-revenue-projections-78-million-current-budget/80508710/

GENERAL NEWS

Mason County Sheriff Hands Roadside Litter, Courthouse Security Back to Commissioners (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://ifiberonenewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26811-sheriff-hands-roadside-litter-courthouse-security-back-to-mason-commissioners

Update: Mason Transit Manager Makes Statement after Resignation (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/26783-mason-transit-manager-resigns-under-pressure

Congressman Kilmer Holds Town Hall in Shelton (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/19123

Oregon: Grant County Sheriff Viewed as ‘Security Leak,’ State Seeks Investigation (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/02/grant_county_sheriff_viewed_as.html

Oh Great, Now ‘Anti-El Niño’ Is on Its Way (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/el-nino-is-almost-over-but-anti-el-nino-is-on-its-wa-1759892435

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Truthers Think Gravity Waves Are a Hoax to Convince Us the World Is Round

http://gizmodo.com/truthers-think-gravity-waves-are-a-hoax-to-convince-us-1759506141

A Special Place in Hell – Tourists Swarmed a Baby Dolphin for Photos, Then Left It for Dead

http://mashable.com/2016/02/18/young-dolphin-argentina/

Store Straightens Croissants Because Curved Pastries Are Hard Work

http://mashable.com/2016/02/18/straight-croissants-tesco/

 ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Author Harper Lee Dies

http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article61278362.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Elmer Bernstein – Theme from “To Kill a Mockingbird”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t98LWNwUhI

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their websites 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.