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AROUND THE REGION
OREGONGovernor John Kitzhaber again demonstrated his political courage and leadership by endorsing the Salmon Planning Act introduced in August by U.S. Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Tom Petri (R-WI). The Governor wrote to the congressional sponsors to thank them for their "leadership on this important issue."
The August 1 letter went on to say, "I commend you for introducing the Salmon Planning Act of 2001. Your bill allows the prudent studies, planing and authorizations needed to ensure that dam removal, should it prove essential for securing a future for Snake River salmon, can occur in a manner that also secures a bright economic and social future for the region's people." See the August Report for a detailed description of the bill.
IDAHO
"It's a new dawn for wind technology in Idaho," announces the invitation from U.S. Senator Mike Crapo to The Idaho Wind Power Conference . To be held October 22 at Boise State University's Student Union the conference will focus on wind energy as a new rural economic development opportunity for the state. Conference organizers are targeting both landowners interested in leasing land to wind developers for commercial projects and farmers seeking to install their own small-scale wind projects. The full day of speakers and breakout sessions will be followed on October 23 by a kick-off meeting for the Idaho Wind Power Working Group to discuss the Idaho Wind Power Development Strategic Plan . For more info, see www.idwr.state.id.us/Wind or call the Idaho Energy Hotline, 800-334-SAVE.
WASHINGTON
The Seattle City Council's Energy and Environmental Policy Committee held two hearings in mid-August to solicit public input on potential changes to Seattle's Energy Code to increase the required level of energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Seattle's Construction Code Advisory Board reached consensus on final amendment recommendations to the City Council after reviewing input from technical and industry experts. Seattle City Light estimates these revisions to the energy code will yield 1 to 1.5 average megawatts of new conservation annually, or enough to power 876 Seattle homes.
NORTHWEST
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA ) resumed some limited spill in August to help migrating salmon survive dams on the Columbia River . The spill is estimated to be enough water to generate 450 megawatt-months of electricity worth about $16 million at today's moderating market prices.
Though the spill amounts to only about 10% of levels recommended in the Federal Salmon Recovery Plan , it was seen as critically needed by salmon advocates and tribal biologists to reduce the stress of low flows and high river temperatures on threatened and endangered salmon runs.
In justifying the decision BPA cited higher-than-forecast run-off volumes and lower power prices, but environmentalists acknowledged the political courage it took for Acting Administrator Steve Wright to act so quickly. Just weeks earlier BPA had ruled out any late summer spill due to concerns over the agency's perilous financial condition.
Quote of the Month
"They could chill the market in an instant if they lose their resolve. They have the ruby slippers on, they just need to click their heels together. "
Rachel Shimshak of the Renewable Northwest Project to the Tri-City Herald August 14 on the opportunity the Bonneville Power Administration has to continue driving wind power development in the Northwest.