The Energy News Digest for April 14, 2021

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Victory for Municipal Broadband as Wash. State Lawmakers End Restrictions (Ars Technica)

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/victory-for-municipal-broadband-as-wash-state-lawmakers-end-restrictions/

The Snake River in the Pacific Northwest Is the Nation’s ‘Most Endangered River’ of 2021 (USA Today)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/13/most-endangered-rivers-snake-river-tops-list-american-rivers/7191736002/

More Idaho Republicans Vote to Censure Mike Simpson Over Snake River Dam Proposal (KLIX Radio, Twin Falls, ID)

https://newsradio1310.com/more-idaho-republicans-vote-to-censure-mike-simpson/

Montana Lawmakers Back State Action on Colstrip Contract (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/lawmakers-back-state-action-on-colstrip-contract/article_a0af462a-b4e0-550c-a98b-3083b3fea656.html

WA State: Douglas PUD Commissioners Sets Power Delivery Rate for Large Customers (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/douglas-pud-commissioners-sets-power-delivery-rate-for-large-customers/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Montana Lawmakers Back State Action on Colstrip Contract

2.      Montana: Customer Risk Is Still Too High in Colstrip Bill, Regulators Say

3.      WA State: Douglas PUD Commissioners Sets Power Delivery Rate for Large Customers

4.      More Idaho Republicans Vote to Censure Mike Simpson Over Snake River Dam Proposal

5.      Pacific Gas & Electric Bid to Securitize $7.5 Billion in Wildfire Costs Could Hit Ratepayers Hard, Consumer Advocates Warn

6.      ERCOT Emergency Warning Shocks Texans on Mild April Day

7.      The Fight Over Tacoma’s Liquified-Natural Gas Plant Continues. Will Permits Be Upheld?

8.      Arizona Utility Regulators Still Deciding How Hot Is Too Hot for Shutoffs

9.      Public Power Utilities Begin Participating in California ISO’s Western Energy Imbalance Market

10.   Japan to Start Releasing Fukushima Water into Sea in Two Years

11.   Op/Ed: Congressman Simpson Should Put Idaho First, Do No Harm

12.   Op/Ed: Data Doesn’t Support Washington State Clean Fuel Standard Claims

13.   WA State: Violet Power Still Committed to Moses Lake Solar Energy Production

14.   Humboldt Solar Project Tests ‘Agrovoltaic’ Concept

15.   Turning Cow Poop into Energy Sounds Like a Good Idea — But Not Everyone Is on Board

16.   New York: Opponents Hail Withdrawal of Proposed Ashokan Hydroelectric Project

17.   Celebrate Earth Day by Saving Energy: You Can Start with These Seven Action Items Today

18.   Shade from Solar Panels Makes for More & More Diverse Flowers

19.   Get the Buzz on Native Bumble Bees

20.   The Snake River in the Pacific Northwest Is the Nation’s ‘Most Endangered River’ of 2021

21.   New Report Says Orcas, Salmon, Black Bears at Grave Risk as America’s Rivers in Historically Bad Shape

22.   Tensions Rise in Water Battle Along Oregon-California Line

23.   Oregon 100% Clean Electricity Bill Advances with Utility, Activist Support

24.   Oregon Climate Program Draws Fire for Leaving Out Natural Gas Power Plants

25.   Washington State Senate Passes Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Bill; Returns to House

26.   Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Increased Slightly in First Year of Carbon Tax: Report

27.   A Green Grid by 2035? New Report Says We’re Halfway There

28.   Victory for Municipal Broadband as Wash. State Lawmakers End Restrictions

29.   Coinbase’s Public Listing Is a Cryptocurrency Coming-Out Party

30.   Salt River Project Offering $1,000 to Customers Who Buy or Lease Electric Vehicle

31.   This EV Charger Turns Electric Cars into Back-Up Power Sources

32.   Even NASA’s Helicopter on Mars Has to Wait for Software Updates

33.   WA State: Marijuana Facility Destroyed in Massive Fire at Port of Shelton

34.   Washington State Legislature Approves Ban on Native American School Mascots

WORD OF THE DAY

Propitiate \pro-PISH-ee-yate\ Verb - To gain or regain the favor or goodwill of: appease, conciliate.

The famous “turkey drop” from ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ was no match for the “Ferret Drop” promotion of KFER radio one bleak, wintry day in December. The promotion, meant to propitiate listeners who had been stiffed by the limited edition “ball of sisal twine” give-away, went horribly wrong when the helicopter pilot misread his instructions and hovered 1,000 feet above the mall parking lot (instead of the ten feet as directed in the crumpled and smudged instruction sheet.) Fortunately for the apparently ill-fated weasels, their leader fashioned a makeshift parachute from a discarded mascot costume…which delivered the lucky ferrets into a briar patch from which the fabled “Ferret Foundation” grew.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Montana Lawmakers Back State Action on Colstrip Contract (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/lawmakers-back-state-action-on-colstrip-contract/article_a0af462a-b4e0-550c-a98b-3083b3fea656.html

2.      Montana: Customer Risk Is Still Too High in Colstrip Bill, Regulators Say (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/customer-risk-is-still-too-high-in-colstrip-bill-regulators-say/article_c6aa4c03-0f86-5691-9c79-9b79d1aae69f.html

3.      WA State: Douglas PUD Commissioners Sets Power Delivery Rate for Large Customers (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/douglas-pud-commissioners-sets-power-delivery-rate-for-large-customers/

4.      More Idaho Republicans Vote to Censure Mike Simpson Over Snake River Dam Proposal (KLIX Radio, Twin Falls, ID)

https://newsradio1310.com/more-idaho-republicans-vote-to-censure-mike-simpson/

5.      Pacific Gas & Electric Bid to Securitize $7.5 Billion in Wildfire Costs Could Hit Ratepayers Hard, Consumer Advocates Warn (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-securitize-75b-wildfire-costs-ratepayers/598178/

6.      ERCOT Emergency Warning Shocks Texans on Mild April Day (Forbes Magazine)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidblackmon/2021/04/14/ercot-emergency-warning-shocks-texans-on-mild-april-day/?sh=4fb870857b64

7.      The Fight Over Tacoma’s Liquified-Natural Gas Plant Continues. Will Permits Be Upheld? (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article250617169.html

8.      Arizona Utility Regulators Still Deciding How Hot Is Too Hot for Shutoffs (KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ)

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/arizona-utility-regulators-still-deciding-how-hot-is-too-hot-for-shutoffs

9.      Public Power Utilities Begin Participating in California ISO’s Western Energy Imbalance Market (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/public-power-utilities-begin-participating-caisos-western-energy-imbalance-market

10.   Japan to Start Releasing Fukushima Water into Sea in Two Years (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/japan-release-fukushima-water-to-sea-2-years-d35637331403c59bbdf61e5ee1f09dbc

SOAP BOX SERENADE - OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

11.   Op/Ed: Congressman Simpson Should Put Idaho First, Do No Harm (Idaho Business Review)

https://idahobusinessreview.com/2021/04/14/congressman-simpson-should-put-idaho-first-do-no-harm/

12.   Op/Ed: Data Doesn’t Support Washington State Clean Fuel Standard Claims (Puget Sound Business Journal, Seattle, WA)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/04/oped-data-doesnt-support-washington.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

13.   WA State: Violet Power Still Committed to Moses Lake Solar Energy Production (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2021/apr/13/violet-power-still-committed-moses-lake-production/

14.   Humboldt Solar Project Tests ‘Agrovoltaic’ Concept (Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR)

https://www.ijpr.org/environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-04-07/humboldt-solar-project-tests-agrovoltaic-concept

15.   Turning Cow Poop into Energy Sounds Like a Good Idea — But Not Everyone Is on Board (Discover Magazine)

https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/turning-cow-poop-into-energy-sounds-like-a-good-idea-but-not-everyone-is-on

16.   New York: Opponents Hail Withdrawal of Proposed Ashokan Hydroelectric Project (Northeast Public Radio)

https://www.wamc.org/post/opponents-hail-withdrawal-proposed-ashokan-hydroelectric-project

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

17.   Celebrate Earth Day by Saving Energy: You Can Start with These Seven Action Items Today (WDIV-TV, Detroit, MI)

https://www.clickondetroit.com/sponsored/2021/04/13/celebrate-earth-day-by-saving-energy-you-can-start-with-these-7-action-items-today/

FISH & WILDLIFE

18.   Shade from Solar Panels Makes for More & More Diverse Flowers (ZME Science)

https://www.zmescience.com/science/shade-solar-panel-flower-species-983473456/

19.   Get the Buzz on Native Bumble Bees (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Get-the-buzz-on-native-bumble-bees.aspx

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

20.   The Snake River in the Pacific Northwest Is the Nation’s ‘Most Endangered River’ of 2021 (USA Today)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/13/most-endangered-rivers-snake-river-tops-list-american-rivers/7191736002/

21.   New Report Says Orcas, Salmon, Black Bears at Grave Risk as America’s Rivers in Historically Bad Shape (The Hill, Washington, DC)

https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/climate-change/547901-new-report-says-orcas-salmon-and-black-bears

22.   Tensions Rise in Water Battle Along Oregon-California Line (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/wildlife-fish-droughts-oregon-california-c202dd2986fb8b7fa2cf91695237c89c

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

23.   Oregon 100% Clean Electricity Bill Advances with Utility, Activist Support (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/04/oregon-100-clean-electricity-bill.html

24.   Oregon Climate Program Draws Fire for Leaving Out Natural Gas Power Plants (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://opb-opb-sandbox.cdn.arcpublishing.com/article/2021/04/13/oregon-climate-program-draws-fire-for-leaving-out-natural-gas-power-plants/

25.   Washington State Senate Passes Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Bill; Returns to House (Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, WA)

https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2021/apr/13/senate-passes-low-carbon-fuel-standard-bill-return/

26.   Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Increased Slightly in First Year of Carbon Tax: Report (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-greenhouse-gas-emissions-ticked-up-1.5984202?cmp=rss

27.   A Green Grid by 2035? New Report Says We’re Halfway There (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-13/a-green-grid-by-2035-new-report-says-we-re-halfway-there

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

28.   Victory for Municipal Broadband as Wash. State Lawmakers End Restrictions (Ars Technica)

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/victory-for-municipal-broadband-as-wash-state-lawmakers-end-restrictions/

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

29.   Coinbase’s Public Listing Is a Cryptocurrency Coming-Out Party (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/business/coinbase-ipo-stock.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

30.   Salt River Project Offering $1,000 to Customers Who Buy or Lease Electric Vehicle (KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ)

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/srp-offering-1-000-to-customers-who-buy-or-lease-electric-vehicle

31.   This EV Charger Turns Electric Cars into Back-Up Power Sources (Mashable)

https://mashable.com/article/dcbel-electric-vehicle-fast-charger-battery/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

32.   Even NASA’s Helicopter on Mars Has to Wait for Software Updates (Mashable)

https://mashable.com/article/ingenuity-mars-flight-update/

GOVERNANCE, BUSINESS, & MANAGEMENT

33.   WA State: Marijuana Facility Destroyed in Massive Fire at Port of Shelton (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/shelton-manufacturing-facility-fire/281-e8483d26-0537-4330-8ca4-a02bf54dedd8

34.   Washington State Legislature Approves Ban on Native American School Mascots (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-04-12/legislature-approves-ban-on-native-american-school-mascots

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Americans Have Too Much Toilet Paper. Finally, Sales Slow.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/americans-have-too-much-toilet-paper-it-is-catching-up-to-companies-11618306200

Heinz Ketchup Shortage 2021: The Condiment Is in High Demand at Restaurants, Fast-Food Chains

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2021/04/06/heinz-tomato-ketchup-shortage-2021/7105139002/

Restaurant Offers Year of Free Burgers to Customers Who Get Tattoos

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/04/14/Farmer-Boys-tattoos-free-burgers-one-year/4901618422813/

Guinness Record Holder Gets First Haircut in 12 Years, Donates Locks to Museum

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/04/14/Guinness-World-Records-longest-hair-teen-Nilanshi-Patel-donated-museum/7671618417432/

SONG OF THE DAY

Carly Simon – Anticipation

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

The Energy News Digest for April 12, 2021

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Idaho Legislature Comes Out Against U.S. Rep Simpson’s Salmon Recovery Plan (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-legislature-comes-out-against-simpson-s-salmon-recovery-plan/article_1d65e5a7-a307-582e-8d38-11734a5e90c5.html

WA State: Seattle City Light Submits Revised Dam Study Plan for Review (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-04-08/seattle-utility-submits-revised-dam-study-plan-for-review

WA State: A Klickitat County Zone Made for Renewable Energy May Be Ambushing Homeowners (Goldendale Sentinel, WA)

https://www.goldendalesentinel.com/news/a-zone-made-for-renewable-energy-may-be-ambushing-homeowners/article_07e303b0-97b9-11eb-b3e3-13febcd476ec.html

The Relatively Wet Winter Whipped Washington State’s Snowpack Back into Shape (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/10/the-relatively-wet-winter-whipped-washingtons-snow/

Clean Fuel Standard, ‘Cap-&-Trade’ Proposals Pass Washington State Senate Thursday (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/09/clean-fuel-standard-cap-and-trade-proposals-pass-s/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Idaho Legislature Comes Out Against U.S. Rep Simpson’s Salmon Recovery Plan

2.      Amid Mounting Opposition to Rep. Mike Simpson’s Plan to Save Snake River Salmon, Supporters of Dam Removal Hope for Bipartisan Backing in Congress

3.      Columbia/Snake Ports, Growers Weigh in on Snake River Dam-Breaching Plan

4.      WA State: Seattle City Light Submits Revised Dam Study Plan for Review

5.      WA State: Seattle City Light Offers to Change Dam Operations on ‘Sacred’ Stretch of the Skagit River

6.      Washington State Utilities & Transportation Staff Gives OK to Puget Sound Electric Rate Adjustment

7.      WA State: Public Officials Press Douglas PUD on New Data Centers’ Power Delivery Rates

8.      Plutonium Programs in East Asia & Idaho Will Challenge the Biden Administration

9.      Former NRC Chair Questions Economic Feasibility of New Nuclear in U.S.

10.   Down to the Wire: President Biden’s Green Goals Face a Power Grid Reckoning

11.   Hydropower Explained – Where Hydropower Is Generated

12.   Thank A Line Worker on April 12

13.   Commentary: Idaho Legislature Makes Aversion to Snake River Dam Breaching Official

14.   Op/Ed: We’re Asking the Wrong Questions About the Cost of Renewables

15.   Editorial: Montana’s SB 379, A Horror Show for NorthWestern Energy Customers, Should Be Killed

16.   WA State: A Klickitat County Zone Made for Renewable Energy May Be Ambushing Homeowners

17.   Avista Eyes Montana Wind Energy

18.   Maui-Based Companies Team Up to Work on Solar Power Project in Oregon

19.   WA State: How Puget Sound Energy’s $1 Million Green Power Solar Grants Benefit Two Thurston County Organizations

20.   Amazon Warns Texas: Don’t Pass Bill That Would Drive Up Wind Power Costs

21.   Idaho Power Customers Save Enough Energy to Power Nearly 17,000 Homes

22.   Nevada: Clean Energy Advocates Want More Energy Efficiency Investments; NV Energy Pushes Back

23.   Squires: It Is Not Clear If Dams Are Responsible for Salmon Runs

24.   Maine: State Pulling Proposed Change to Kennebec River Management Plan

25.   Pacific Northwest Ports Pledge to Stop Air Pollution – 29 Years from Now

26.   The Relatively Wet Winter Whipped Washington State’s Snowpack Back into Shape

27.   The Water Fight Over the Shrinking Colorado River

28.   Summarizing 2020 Hydrology Conditions

29.   Las Vegas Pushes to Become First to Ban Ornamental Grass

30.   Clean Fuel Standard, ‘Cap-&-Trade’ Proposals Pass Washington State Senate Thursday

31.   Oregon: How Eugene’s Contract with Local Utilities Could Be a Tool to Reduce Carbon Emissions

32.   U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Declined by 11% in 2020

33.   Oregon: Broadband for All – Internet Strength in Lane County’s Rural Areas Is Getting Better

34.   Verizon Recalls Mobile Hotspots Sold to Schools, in Stores

35.   More Than 20 States Still Restrict Municipal Broadband

36.   Utility Distribution Systems ‘Increasingly at Risk’ for Cyberattacks, GAO Report Concludes

37.   Why Non-Fungible Tokens Have Such a Massive Carbon Footprint

38.   Non-Fungible Tokens, Explained – I Have Questions About This Emerging... Um... Art Form? Platform?

39.   Why Is Google Docs Not Working? Google Says It’s Investigating Issues Affecting Google Drive, Docs

40.   Biden Welcomes Settlement Between South Korean Firms on Electric Battery Dispute

41.   Washington State Legislature Approves Hawkins Bill Promoting Hydrogen Vehicles

42.   Canada Is Touting Hydrogen as Crucial to Its Climate Action Plan, But How Green Is It?

43.   Review Your Social Media Etiquette

44.   Winter Storm Most Costly Ever as Drought Expands in the West

45.   The Revolution in Satellite Technology Means There Are Swarms of Spacecraft No Bigger Than a Loaf of Bread in Orbit

46.   White House Issuing Reports on States’ Infrastructure Needs

47.   White House Releases State-by-State Fact Sheets to Highlight Nationwide Need for the American Jobs Plan

48.   Washington State Senate Passes Bill to Prevent & Fight Wildfires

49.   Report: Energy Jobs Pay Far Above the National Average

WORD OF THE DAY

Homogeneous /hoh-muh-JEEN-yus/ Adjective 1: of the same or a similar kind or nature 2: of uniform structure or composition throughout.

Whitefish, rice, cauliflower, vanilla ice cream, served on white, bone china. Dagwood was intrigued by the homogeneous nature of his dinner at the “White Night” diner.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Idaho Legislature Comes Out Against U.S. Rep Simpson’s Salmon Recovery Plan (Twin Falls Times-News, ID)

https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-legislature-comes-out-against-simpson-s-salmon-recovery-plan/article_1d65e5a7-a307-582e-8d38-11734a5e90c5.html

2.      Amid Mounting Opposition to Rep. Mike Simpson’s Plan to Save Snake River Salmon, Supporters of Dam Removal Hope for Bipartisan Backing in Congress (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/08/amid-mounting-opposition-to-mike-simpsons-plan-to-/

3.      Columbia/Snake Ports, Growers Weigh in on Snake River Dam-Breaching Plan (Waterways Journal Weekly)

https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2021/04/09/columbia-snake-ports-growers-weigh-in-on-dam-breaching-plan/

4.      WA State: Seattle City Light Submits Revised Dam Study Plan for Review (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-04-08/seattle-utility-submits-revised-dam-study-plan-for-review

5.      WA State: Seattle City Light Offers to Change Dam Operations on ‘Sacred’ Stretch of the Skagit River (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/seattle-offers-to-change-dam-operations-on-sacred-stretch-of-the-skagit-river/281-0951f6d2-c53f-4b04-8c99-a92351980c3f

6.      Washington State Utilities & Transportation Staff Gives OK to Puget Sound Electric Rate Adjustment (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/29833-washington-utc-staff-gives-ok-to-puget-sound-electric-rate-adjustment/

7.      WA State: Public Officials Press Douglas PUD on New Data Centers’ Power Delivery Rates (Wenatchee World, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/public-officials-press-douglas-pud-on-new-data-centers-power-delivery-rates/article_901c58fe-97fe-11eb-af6b-1749fd9fa0b0.html

8.      Plutonium Programs in East Asia & Idaho Will Challenge the Biden Administration (Bulletin Of The Atomic Scientists)

https://thebulletin.org/2021/04/plutonium-programs-in-east-asia-and-idaho-will-challenge-the-biden-administration/

9.      Former NRC Chair Questions Economic Feasibility of New Nuclear in U.S. (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/former-nrc-chair-questions-economic-feasibility-of-new-nuclear-in-us/598188/

10.   Down to the Wire: President Biden’s Green Goals Face a Power Grid Reckoning (Politico)

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/08/biden-green-goals-power-grid-480446

11.   Hydropower Explained – Where Hydropower Is Generated (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/where-hydropower-is-generated.php

12.   Thank A Line Worker on April 12 (East Texas Radio)

https://easttexasradio.com/thank-a-lineworker-on-april-12/

SOAP BOX SERENADE - OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

13.   Commentary: Idaho Legislature Makes Aversion to Snake River Dam Breaching Official (Lewiston Tribune, ID)

https://lmtribune.com/northwest/legislature-makes-aversion-to-breaching-official/article_80f5064f-a72f-55de-abf3-a69900b69636.html

14.   Op/Ed: We’re Asking the Wrong Questions About the Cost of Renewables (Portland Business Journal, OR)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/04/oped-were-asking-wrong-questions-about.html

15.   Editorial: Montana’s SB 379, A Horror Show for NorthWestern Energy Customers, Should Be Killed (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/opinion/editorial/gazette-opinion-sb-379-a-horror-show-for-northwestern-energy-customers-should-be-killed/article_96c78bfe-c728-5555-872e-1cc90a2face9.html

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

16.   WA State: A Klickitat County Zone Made for Renewable Energy May Be Ambushing Homeowners (Goldendale Sentinel, WA)

https://www.goldendalesentinel.com/news/a-zone-made-for-renewable-energy-may-be-ambushing-homeowners/article_07e303b0-97b9-11eb-b3e3-13febcd476ec.html

17.   Avista Eyes Montana Wind Energy (Montana Standard, Butte, MT)

https://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/avista-eyes-montana-wind-energy/article_79d8924e-6299-57ec-acf5-51372bc2476a.html

18.   Maui-Based Companies Team Up to Work on Solar Power Project in Oregon (Pacific Business Journal, HI)

https://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2021/04/maui-based-companies-team-up-to-work-on.html

19.   WA State: How Puget Sound Energy’s $1 Million Green Power Solar Grants Benefit Two Thurston County Organizations (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

https://www.thurstontalk.com/2021/04/09/how-puget-sound-energys-1-million-green-power-solar-grants-benefit-two-thurston-county-organizations/

20.   Amazon Warns Texas: Don’t Pass Bill That Would Drive Up Wind Power Costs (Ars Technica)

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/amazon-warns-texas-dont-pass-bill-that-would-drive-up-wind-power-costs/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

21.   Idaho Power Customers Save Enough Energy to Power Nearly 17,000 Homes (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/local_news/idaho-power-customers-save-enough-energy-to-power-nearly-17-000-homes/article_8e0b71d4-9afc-11eb-a6d3-430b3fa760e7.html

22.   Nevada: Clean Energy Advocates Want More Energy Efficiency Investments; NV Energy Pushes Back (Nevada Independent)

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/clean-energy-advocates-want-more-energy-efficiency-investments-nv-energy-pushes-back

FISH & WILDLIFE

23.   Squires: It Is Not Clear If Dams Are Responsible for Salmon Runs (Pacific Northwest Ag Network)

https://www.pnwag.net/2021/04/08/squires-it-is-not-clear-if-dams-are-responsible-for-salmon-runs/

24.   Maine: State Pulling Proposed Change to Kennebec River Management Plan (Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME)

https://www.centralmaine.com/2021/04/08/marine-resources-commissioner-says-agency-is-pulling-proposed-amendment-to-kennebec-river-management-plan/

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

25.   Pacific Northwest Ports Pledge to Stop Air Pollution – 29 Years from Now (KUOW Radio, Seattle, WA)

https://kuow.org/stories/northwest-ports-pledge-to-stop-air-pollution-nearly-three-decades-from-now

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

26.   The Relatively Wet Winter Whipped Washington State’s Snowpack Back into Shape (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/10/the-relatively-wet-winter-whipped-washingtons-snow/

27.   The Water Fight Over the Shrinking Colorado River (British Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56608180

28.   Summarizing 2020 Hydrology Conditions (Western Area Power Administration)

https://www.wapa.gov/newsroom/NewsFeatures/2021/Pages/Summarizing-2020-hydrology-conditions.aspx

29.   Las Vegas Pushes to Become First to Ban Ornamental Grass (Associated Press)

https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Las-Vegas-pushes-to-become-first-to-ban-16092717.php

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

30.   Clean Fuel Standard, ‘Cap-&-Trade’ Proposals Pass Washington State Senate Thursday (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/09/clean-fuel-standard-cap-and-trade-proposals-pass-s/

31.   Oregon: How Eugene’s Contract with Local Utilities Could Be a Tool to Reduce Carbon Emissions (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/04/08/how-eugenes-contract-with-local-utilities-could-be-a-tool-to-reduce-carbon-emissions/

32.   U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Declined by 11% in 2020 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=47496

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

33.   Oregon: Broadband for All – Internet Strength in Lane County’s Rural Areas Is Getting Better (Eugene Weekly, OR)

https://www.eugeneweekly.com/2021/04/08/broadband-for-all/

34.   Verizon Recalls Mobile Hotspots Sold to Schools, in Stores (Associated Press)

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/verizon-recalls-mobile-hotspots-sold-schools-stores-76955102

35.   More Than 20 States Still Restrict Municipal Broadband (StateScoop)

https://statescoop.com/more-than-20-states-still-restrict-municipal-broadband/?category_news=state

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

36.   Utility Distribution Systems ‘Increasingly at Risk’ for Cyberattacks, GAO Report Concludes (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/utility-distribution-systems-increasingly-at-risk-for-cyberattacks-gao-r/598033/

37.   Why Non-Fungible Tokens Have Such a Massive Carbon Footprint (Fast Company)

https://www.fastcompany.com/90623849/why-nfts-have-such-a-massive-carbon-footprint

38.   Non-Fungible Tokens, Explained – I Have Questions About This Emerging... Um... Art Form? Platform? (The Verge)

https://www.theverge.com/22310188/nft-explainer-what-is-blockchain-crypto-art-faq

39.   Why Is Google Docs Not Working? Google Says It’s Investigating Issues Affecting Google Drive, Docs (USA Today)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/04/12/google-down-drive-docs-outage-april-2021/7187789002/

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

40.   Biden Welcomes Settlement Between South Korean Firms on Electric Battery Dispute (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-electric-politics-biden/biden-welcomes-settlement-between-south-korean-firms-on-electric-battery-dispute-idUSKBN2BY0DH

BIG TANKS OF HYDROGEN

41.   Washington State Legislature Approves Hawkins Bill Promoting Hydrogen Vehicles (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/legislature-approves-hawkins-bill-promoting-hydrogen-vehicles/

42.   Canada Is Touting Hydrogen as Crucial to Its Climate Action Plan, But How Green Is It? (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/what-on-earth-hydrogen-canada-grey-blue-green-1.5979923?cmp=rss

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

43.   Review Your Social Media Etiquette (NY Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/10/at-home/social-media-etiquette-review.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

44.   Winter Storm Most Costly Ever as Drought Expands in the West (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/winter-storm-most-costly-ever-as-drought-expands-in-the-west/

45.   The Revolution in Satellite Technology Means There Are Swarms of Spacecraft No Bigger Than a Loaf of Bread in Orbit (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/06/small-satellites-growth-space/

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

46.   White House Issuing Reports on States’ Infrastructure Needs (Associated Press)

https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/White-House-issuing-reports-on-states-16093792.php

47.   White House Releases State-by-State Fact Sheets to Highlight Nationwide Need for the American Jobs Plan (The White House, Washington, DC)

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/12/white-house-releases-state-by-state-fact-sheets-to-highlight-nationwide-need-for-the-american-jobs-plan/

48.   Washington State Senate Passes Bill to Prevent & Fight Wildfires (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/04/10/washington-senate-wildfire-prevention-fund-legislation/

49.   Report: Energy Jobs Pay Far Above the National Average (Axios)

https://www.axios.com/energy-jobs-pay-national-average-03be2f05-861d-471c-a3dc-1bdbac9452ac.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Old Navy Responds to First-Grade Girl Who Asked for Jeans with Real Pockets

https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/05/us/old-navy-real-pockets-girl-jeans-trnd/index.html

Enjoy National Grilled Cheese Day

https://www.nbcrightnow.com/top_story/enjoy-national-grilled-cheese-day/article_2900f742-9b96-11eb-a1dd-831030e1b0e2.html

Watch NASA Mission Control as They Attempt First Helicopter Flight on Mars

https://gizmodo.com/watch-nasa-mission-control-as-they-attempt-first-helico-1846654112

You Return $10,000 Found on Issaquah Road: Your Reward?

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/you-return-10000-found-on-issaquah-road-your-reward/

SONG OF THE DAY

David Dundas - Jeans On

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

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.