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Media Summary
Contact Carol Winkel
for more information. Also see archive.
Overview for December 1, 2001 - February 20, 2002
Stories receiving coverage included a presentation to the Council on
the potential for a "boom-bust" economic cycle in the power
industry; the independent scientific review panel's analysis of the
region's salmon recovery plans; and the Council's decision to rescind its
earlier approval of a conservation easement along the Methow River.
DECEMBER 1
Group Studies Challenges of Protecting Infrastructure--The News
Register, McMinnville, OR
AP story on the need to assess the security of the region's infrastructure
cited in an earlier summary. Quotes Council member Tom Karier:
"'We need to start thinking about the unthinkable,' said Tom Karier,
a member of the Northwest Power Planning Council, a conference
co-sponsor." Also appears in The Bulletin, Bend, OR; The Daily
Argus Observer, Ontario, OR; and The Tribune, Great Falls, MT.
DECEMBER 2
Pacific Northwest Avoids Energy Crisis--The Bulletin, Bend, OR
Story on the region's improved energy outlook this winter. Quotes
Council staff: "The Northwest Power Planning Council recently
completed a power assessment for the region, which includes Oregon,
Washington, Idaho and Montana, and found there is a 1 percent the lights
will go out over the winter, said Jeff King, senior resource
analyst."
DECEMBER 4
BPA Reconsidering Easement Purchase Along Methow River--The Daily
Record, Ellensburg, WA
AP story on the status of a proposed purchase of a conservation easement
next to the Methow River cited in an earlier summary. Plans were put
on hold over concerns the river running dry part of the year. Quotes
Council staff: "John Harrison, spokesman for the four-state
Northwest Power Planning Council, said an independent scientific review
panel toured the site in October and found the riverbed was
dry." Also appears in the Capital Press, Salem, OR.
DECEMBER 5
BPA Reconsiders Arrowleaf Support--The Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA
Story on the proposed purchase of property along the Methow River and
concerns about whether it will benefit fish. Quotes Council Chair
Larry Cassidy: "'We just want to be real certain that the fish
benefits are as originally portrayed,' Cassidy said."
DECEMBER 7
Deschutes Conference to Address Basin Plan--The Capital Press,
Salem, OR
Story on the subbasin planning meeting for the Deschutes subbasin.
Mentions the Council: "The plan is driven by the Bonneville
Power Administration and the NW Power Planning Council, he [Jeff Rola]
said, which is funding the half million dollar process."
DECEMBER 9
No Dam Breaching, But Work Not Done--The
Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA
Editorial supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' plan to improve
salmon survival through "major system improvements" at the
dams. Mentions the Council: "In addition, multiple
agencies--the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Northwest Power
Planning Council, the Bonneville Power Administration, the state and
tribes--intend to reduce overfishing in the ocean, reform hatchery
practices and improve salmon habitat from the mountains to the Columbia's
mouth."
DECEMBER 11
Northwest Electricity Experiences Big Changes--The Tribune, Great
Falls, MT
AP story on the improved power outlook for the region. Quotes
Council staff: "'We think the power system is in good shape
now, as far as reliability is concerned,' said John Hines, economist with
the Montana office of the Northwest Power Planning Council."
Also appears in The Missoulian, Missoula, MT.
DECEMBER 12
Power Prices Moving to Boom-Bust Cycle, Study Predicts--The News
Tribune, Tacoma, WA
AP story on a study by Andrew Ford, a Washington State University
environmental science professor, presented to the Council. Quotes
Council member Tom Karier: "'If the electric power industry
does turn out to be like the real estate industry, it's going to be a
disaster,' said Tom Karier of Spokane, a power council member and chairman
of its power committee." Also appears in The Yakima
Herald-Republic, Yakima, WA; The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA; The
Observer, La Grande, OR; The World, Coos Bay, OR; The Democrat Herald,
Albany, OR; The Gazette-Times, Corvallis, OR; The Daily Courier, Grants
Pass, OR; The Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID; The East Oregonian,
Pendleton, OR; The Bellingham
Herald, Bellingham, WA; The Olympian, Olympia, WA; The Walla Walla
Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA; The Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA; The
Chronicle, The Dalles, OR; The Standard Journal, Rexburg, ID; and The
Statesman-Examiner, Colville, WA.
Locke Applauds New State Energy Code--The Newport Miner, Newport, WA
Story on the State Building Code Council's requirement of stricter energy
efficiency standards in new buildings cited in an earlier summary.
Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power Planning Council
estimates the improvements will result in a savings of 29 trillion British
Thermal Units or BTU's, of natural gas over the next 15 years..."
DECEMBER 13
Scientists Skeptical of Salmon Programs--The
Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
AP story on the independent scientific review panel's analysis of the
region's salmon recovery plans, presented to the Council. Quotes
Council member Eric Bloch: "Eric Bloch, one of Oregon's two
appointees to the power council, said the review makes clear that the
state and federal governments must improve their salmon recovery
plans." Also appears in The Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA; The
Register Guard, Eugene, OR; The Olympian, Olympia, WA; The Post-Register,
Idaho Falls, ID; The Democrat Herald, Albany, OR; The Herald & News,
Klamath Falls, OR; The News Register, McMinnville, OR; The Lewiston
Tribune, Lewiston, ID; The Gazette-Times, Corvallis, OR; The Idaho
Statesman, Boise, ID; and The Herald & News, Klamath Falls, OR.
DECEMBER 16
Last Winter's Power Worries Cost Jobs, Fish--The Peninsula Daily
News, Port Angeles, WA
Story cited in an earlier summary on the effects of last year's energy
shortage on fish and resulting higher electricity rates. Quotes
Council member Eric Bloch on the impact of reduced spill on fish:
"Still, Eric Bloch, one of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber's
representatives on the Northwest Power Planning Council, says Bonneville
caused too much harm to salmon."
DECEMBER 17
Garnet Plant Reflects Trend--The Idaho Business Review, Boise, ID
Story on the trend to build natural gas-fired electricity plants in the
Northwest. Quotes Council staff: "'Natural gas is the
resource of choice at the moment, although we worry about a proliferation
of new natural gas-fired power plants--because we also believe that energy
conservation is attainable for the same price,' said Northwest Power
Planning Council spokesman John Harrison, Portland."
DECEMBER 19
Arrowleaf Funding Goes Back to Panel--The Methow Valley News, Twisp,
WA
Another story on the reassessment of the proposal to purchase property
along the Methow River. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy:
"'We wanted a reappraisal of the benefits for the ESA-listed fish, '
said council chair Larry Cassidy."
DECEMBER 23
Group: Drop Flow Augmentation--The South Idaho Press, Burley,
ID
Story on opposition to the use of flow augmentation to help salmon:
"Idaho's largest water user group wants the Northwest Power Planning
Council to drop the continued use of upper Snake River water as flow
augmentation for salmon recovery." Also appears in The Longview
Daily News, Longview, WA.
Gas Consumption Levels Awaken Analysts--The
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Story on the growing demand for gas and efforts to locate additional
sources. Quotes Council staff: "'Those are legitimate
concerns,' said Dick Watson of the Northwest Power Planning Council, which
will explore these issues in an 18-month review of the region's electrical
system." Also appears in The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA;
The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR; The Olympian, Olympia, WA; The Daily World,
Aberdeen, WA; The Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA; The Longview
Daily News, Longview, WA; The Observer, La Grande, OR; The Longview Daily
News, Longview, WA; The Walla Walla Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA; and The
Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID.
Intalco Needs Lower Power Price to Restart--The
Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA
Story on the prospects of aluminum companies going back to work.
Mentions the Council: "Thanks to the smelter shut-down and
smaller conservation steps by businesses and homeowners, regional power
consumption fell by 20 percent, or 4,000 megawatts, while 900 megawatts of
generating capacity were added in the Northwest, according to a report
issued last month by the Northwest Power Planning Council."
DECEMBER 26
Power Situation Upgraded From Crisis Levels--The Post Register,
Idaho Falls, ID
Story on the possibility that electricity rates will go down in
2002. Mentions the Council: "The Northwest Power Planning
Council in early December said the forecast for blackouts was down from
[a] 12 percent probability to 1 percent."
DECEMBER 30
Wild Salmon Still Endangered--The
Seattle Times/Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, WA
Editorial argues the importance of restoring wild salmon runs, despite the
increased returns of hatchery fish. Mentions the Council:
"The NMFS's 2000 Biological Opinion, the multi-agency All-H Paper,
the Northwest Power Planning Council's fish and wildlife plan and a plan
proposed by the governors of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon are
either too vague or lack clear institutional arrangements for carrying
them out, the panel warned."
JANUARY 3
Power Plant Solutions Elusive--The
Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA
Editorial on the importance to accurately assess and coordinate our energy
needs. Mentions the Council: "What the Power Planning
Council study points out is that building too many plants can be just as
bad as too few."
Area Power Managers Begin to Breathe Easier--The News Tribune,
Tacoma, WA
Story on the improved energy scenario due to heavy mountain snowpacks and
new power plants being built. Quotes Council staff: "In
the two years ending this week, new power plants producing some 1,300
megawatts--enough to light Seattle--have begun operating in the Northwest,
said Jeff King, who tracks such projects for the Northwest Power Planning
Council in Portland."
Planners Try to Save Power--The
Idaho Statesman, Boise, ID
AP story on the Council's conservation proposal cited in an earlier
summary: "The Northwest Power Planning Council, a four-state
agency created by Congress more than 20 years ago to balance power
production and wildlife, says one of the best ways to catch up is to
conserve as much electricity as a new power plant can
generate." Also appears in The Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage,
AK; and The Gazette, Billings, MT.
JANUARY 5
Cheney's Comeuppance for Scorning Conservation--The Lewiston
Tribune, Lewiston, ID
Editorial critical of Vice President Chaney's "one-eyed approach to
meeting the nation's energy needs," and notes the Council's
conservation goal: "Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana can
help meet their rising demand for more power simply by conserving the
power it uses, says the Northwest Power Planning Council."
JANUARY 13
Despite Last Year's Energy Crisis, Outlook Appears Good for 2002--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Feature story by Council staffer Terry Morlan on the energy outlook for
2002. Reviews the region's energy situation, how we got there, and
what is ahead.
What a Difference a Year Makes on Power Front--The
Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA
Story on the improved power situation this year. Mentions the
Council: "The power planning council study concludes there is
only a 1 percent chance the Northwest will not have enough electricity
this winter."
JANUARY 17
Vancouver Resident Retains Power Panel's Top Spot Despite Furor--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on the Council's chairmanship election at the January meeting:
"Larry Cassidy got a third term as chairman of the Northwest Power
Planning Council on Wednesday, but not without a fractious debate."
Power Panel Snubs Plea, Returns Chairman to Post--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the chairmanship election: "In a rare public display
of the sharp rift in salmon policy between Oregon and the region's other
states, the Northwest Power Planning Council on Wednesday rejected Gov.
John Kitzhaber's pleadings and re-elected a Washington appointee chairman
for a third term." Also appears in The Daily Astorian, Astoria,
OR.
JANUARY 18
This Week's Winners and Losers--The Statesman Journal, Salem, OR
Editorial handing out criticism or praise. Mentions the Council in
the "loser" category: "The government loses the
public's respect when politicians change the rules--or the customs--to
keep themselves in power...the Northwest Power Planning Council stopped
Oregon representative Eric Bloch from ascending to the chairmanship."
Planned Power Plants in Limbo--The Puget Sound Business Journal,
Seattle, WA
Story on the changing scenario for power plant construction due to the
drop in electricity and gas prices. Quotes Council staff:
"'I wouldn't say these cancellations put us in the lurch,' said Jeff
King, analyst with the Portland-based Northwest Power Planning
Council. 'But I think there is a potential for a longer-term
problem.'"
Experts, Analysts Cautiously Optimistic About 2002--The Vancouver
Business Journal, Vancouver, WA
Story on the outlook for a variety of economic indexes including
energy. Quotes Council staff: "Looking ahead, [Terry]
Morlan sees retail electricity prices coming down by the end of the
year."
Cheers and Jeers--The Post Register, Idaho Falls, ID
Editorial handing out praise or criticism. The Council is mentioned
in a "jeers" to Idaho Power: "The council says that
in spite of some interesting energy-saving initiatives, such as buying
back power from willing farmers, Idaho Power is one of just two
investor-owned utilities not creating its share of total savings."
NW Power Council Opposes $2.5 million for Methow Easement--The
Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA
Story on the Council's decision to withdraw its recommendation to fund the
easement: "Some council members noted that the scientific
panel's recommendation this time was not as enthusiastic, and talked about
other important projects that could be accomplished with the money, said
the Council's spokesperson John Harrison." Also appears in The
Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima, WA.
JANUARY 20
New Fisheries Official Wants Less Talk, More Action--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on National Marine Fisheries Service Regional Administrator Bob
Lohn's views on salmon recovery and his support of subbasin
planning: "The power council alone distributes about $130
million each year to improve salmon habitat in the Columbia River basin,
and Lohn said subbasin plans will better prioritize where that money is
spent." Also appears in The Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles,
WA.
JANUARY 23
Power Council Votes to Deny Funding for TPL--The Methow Valley News,
Twisp, WA
Story on the Council's decision to withdraw its recommendation to fund the
conservation easement. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy:
"Cassidy said the project could be submitted for funding again when
the regular funding cycle comes around next spring."
The Ghosts Remain--The Methow Valley News, Twisp, WA
Editorial on the Council's decision to withdraw its recommendation to fund
the conservation easement. The editorial relates the past history of
the property, and states, "For the rest of us on the sidelines, the
decision stands as yet another strange twist to the controversial saga
plaguing 1,000-plus acres of private land near Mazama for the last four
decades."
JANUARY 25
Acting Boss of BPA Gets Rank Made Permanent--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
AP story on Steve Wright's appointment as administrator of
Bonneville. Quotes Council Chair Larry Cassidy:
"Vancouver resident Larry Cassidy, chairman of the Northwest Power
Planning Council, also voiced support for Wright, saying in a press
release that Wright 'has demonstrated his commitment to providing the
region with affordable electricity and to mitigating the impact of
Columbia River basin hydropower on fish and wildlife.'"
Legislators Charge Ahead on Energy Plan--The
Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, WA
Story on Washington lawmakers' concerns about the future energy
supply. Quotes Council staff: "Dick Watson, a Northwest
Power Planning Council division director, says that if all of the same
conditions existed this year, the region would still be in a full-blown
energy crisis."
Power Council Rejects Funding for Easements--The Capital Press,
Salem, OR
Story on the Council's decision to withdraw its recommendation to fund the
conservation easement. Quotes Council member Tom Karier:
"Council member Tom Karier of Washington state said he felt the
scientific panel's report showed there are obvious benefits to fish,
including providing fish passage to spawning areas upriver, and
maintaining high water quality."
JANUARY 28
Enron Fallout Hits Northwest--The Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the effect of Enron's collapse on the building of proposed
generation projects. Quotes Council staff: "Jeff King,
senior resource analyst for the Northwest Power Planning Council, said
that much new capacity should put to rest any fears of further shortages,
at least in the near-term."
FEBRUARY 3
Two Fish Hatcheries Planned for Area Rivers--The East Oregonian,
Pendleton, OR
Story on the construction of fish hatcheries on the Lostine River and on
the Imnaha River. Mentions the Council's approval of the Lostine
facility and pending decision on the Imnaha hatchery: "Their
[Council and BPA] approval would trigger the final design."
FEBRUARY 5
Cogentrix for Sale? It's Not Saying--The
Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA
Story on the status of the Cogentrix Energy company. Quotes Council
staff: "...as energy prices dropped last summer, energy
companies backed away from some proposed power plants, said Jeff King, a
Northwest Power Planning Council analyst. 'I suspect it's a
combination of energy prices and the loss of investor confidence.'"
The Northwest: Plans Include Increase in Salmon Spending--The
Oregonian, Portland, OR
Story on the Bush administration's budget priorities. Quotes Council
member Eric Bloch: "Eric Bloch, Kitzhaber's representative on
the Northwest Power Planning council, said the budget is moving in the
right direction but needs to go further."
FEBRUARY 7
Experts Hope Ocean's Bounty Helps Fish Hurt by Drought--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on a presentation to the Council on the favorable ocean conditions
for salmon: "Conditions in the Pacific Ocean over the next few
years may help salmon overcome the poor start in life they got during last
summer's drought, scientists told members of the Northwest Power Planning
Council on Wednesday."
FEBRUARY 8
Planning Council Seeks Input on New Energy Plan--The Herald,
Everett, WA
AP story on the Council's issue paper for the Fifth Power Plan:
"Council spokesman John Harrison said the agency hopes its next plan
will help the Northwest avoid energy shortages and include incentives to
develop new power plants." Also appears in The Herald &
News, Klamath Falls, OR.
FEBRUARY 10
Major Utilities Share the Pain of Energy Debacle--The
Register Guard, Eugene, OR
Story on the volatile power market and energy crunch last year.
Quotes Council staff: "'We certainly had low water years in the
past and tight power supplies,' [Dick] Watson said. 'But you weren't
looking at the extraordinary market prices we saw last year. And
utilities were nowhere near as dependent on the wholesale market as they
are today.'"
FEBRUARY 20
Reform of Salmon Hatcheries Proposed--The
Columbian, Vancouver, WA
Story on the announcement that Washington state and tribal fish hatcheries
will be redirected to ensure the survival of wild fish in the Puget Sound
and Washington coast. Mentions the Council: "...the
four-state Northwest Power Planning Council is auditing the practices of
172 state, federal and tribal hatcheries..."
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