Light Reading - April 2020

Federal study confirms necessity of dams

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April 2020

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Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers & Bureau of Reclamation involved in completing report.

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ederal agencies released the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and preferred alternative on Feb. 28, 2020 with the report rejecting the idea of removing four dams along the lower Snake River.

The report found that taking out the dams would “provide a long-term benefit to species that spawn or rear in the mainstem Snake River habitats, but also would have adverse impacts, including increased power costs, a rise in greenhouse gases and reduced reliability of the electric grid.”

The draft includes the preferred alternative for the operations, maintenance and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the Columbia River power system.

The preferred alternative comprises operational and structural measures that allow federal agencies to operate the integrated system to meet congressionally authorized purposes and EIS objectives, including those that benefit Endangered Species Act–listed species. The DEIS identifies and evaluates a no-action alternative and four alternatives, one of which includes breaching the four lower Snake River dams.

The report was called “a milestone” by Elliot Mainzer, administrator of BPA, which markets the hydropower and bankrolls salmon restoration at costs that have totaled nearly $18 billion since its inception.

“This was a truly regional effort, and we are

especially grateful to our tribal partners for providing their perspectives and expertise on the Columbia River system,” he said in a written statement.

Inland in Olympia

SAFETY April is national Dig Safe month

ENERGY Verdict in on Lower Snake River dams

Once the report becomes final, it could face scrutiny in U.S. District Court from salmon advocates who say that the removal of the four Lower Snake dams is a key step in reviving salmon populations and boosting the survival prospects for the endangered southern resident orcas that feed on chinook.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a warming climate has made both ocean conditions and the freshwater river environment tougher for the 13 species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Opponents of dam removal say they want salmon runs to flourish, but question whether breaching the four major hydroelectric dams would help — and fear impacts on the reliability and cost of the power supply. The report found that breaching the dams would double the risk of a regional power shortage and could result in an up to 9.6 percent increase in rates to wholesale power customers as hydropower production decreased by 1,100 average megawatts.

The DEIS is the result of more than three years of regional collaboration between the lead federal agencies and more than 30 tribes and state, federal and county agencies.

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ENERGY Weatherize your home

n what seemed like a whirlwind race to the finish line, the 2020 legislative session wrapped up Thursday, March 12, 2020.

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The governor pushed for more state control and regulation regarding green energy policies.

Tensions were high and the partisan divide was as wide as ever as Washington lawmakers worked to navigate their bills through the short 60-day session.

When it became clear that low carbon fuel standards and cap and trade would not have the votes to pass, the governor made a last-ditch effort to get energy policies on the books.

Transportation took the initial spotlight after I-976 was passed by voters, which universally dropped car tabs costs to $30 per year. This immediately slashed the state’s transportation budget.

This, however, did not stop lawmakers from setting their sights on other issues as well.

Energy was a hot topic once again this year in Olympia. Lawmakers clashed over carbon and carbon-emitting resources. Low carbon fuel standards along with cap and trade and the Clean Air Rule took center stage among a slew of other energy bills.

A Clean Air Rule amendment was the vehicle needed to push a highly-contested low carbon fuel standard through to the Department of Ecology for rule-making.

After democrats failed to come to a decision on where the money should be allocated, all legislation pertaining to the Clean Air Rule failed to pass the floor vote.

Now, it is important to note that Washington state already has some of the strictest laws and regulations regarding carbon and clean energy in the nation.

I-937 was passed by the voters in 2006 and requires utilities to now use 15 percent recognized renewable energy resources in their energy portfolios.

Last year, lawmakers passed the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), which requires Washington electric utilities to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and 100 percent carbon-free by 2045. The rulemaking process is underway and is being facilitated by the Department of Commerce.

Even though CETA was passed only last year and the rule making process is still underway, the governor and lawmakers are pushing for more control before rules on previous legislation are even finalized.

While increased regulation was avoided this year, lawmakers are already gearing up for more pressure for the 2021 legislative session.

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Inland Power will also be working during the interim to encourage policy is drafted to keep your rates as low as possible. For more information on energy bills that Inland worked on, we have a list of bills and their passage status below.

SB 6135 Concerning system reliability under the clean energy transformation act (CETA).

PASSED The bill requires the Dept. of Commerce to convene a meeting of stakeholders to develop a report to the legislature on the impacts on system reliability caused by CETA implementation.

HB 2248 Relating to expanding equitable access to the benefits of renewable energy PASSED through community solar projects. This bill establishes new community solar project eligibility requirements under the Community Solar Expansion Program.

HB 2311

Relating to amending state greenhouse gas emission limits for consistency with PASSED the most recent assessment of climate change science. The bill increases the greenhouse gas reduction targets for the state.

HB 2957 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing authority for the regulation FAILED of indirect sources under the clean air act and implementing standards and programs that reduce emissions associated with buildings. This bill would have directed the Dept. of Ecology to adopt a rule, under state Clean Air Act authority, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

HB 1110 FAILED

Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation fuels.

(Low carbon fuel standard). This bill would have directed the Dept. of Ecology to adopt a rule establishing a Clean Fuels Program to limit greenhouse gas emissions per unit of transportation fuel energy. It would have required the program to include processes for tracking compliance obligations and bankable credits that can be transfered. This is another issue that will be worked on during the interim and we expect another bill next year.

Weatherize your home Five cheap ways to weatherize your home

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very winter and summer, we constantly experience higher utility bills. Between heating and air conditioning, our bills can sky-rocket. If you are surprised by how much you spend during the colder months, try these five great ways to weatherize you home without breaking the bank.

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rank Beatty has been with Inland Power since 2015. Prior to joining Inland, he served in the army after which he completed his lineman apprenticeship with Seattle City Light. Frank then spent the next three years working there as a journeyman lineman.

“I enjoy the family feel here,” Frank said. “I feel that everyone cares for one another and greatly values the public and our membership. Inland Power stands alone in the utility industry with its commitment to integrity and member service.”

Outside of work, Frank enjoys spending time with his family of six on their property in the Mt. Spokane area. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and fixing things around his home.

Frank Beatty - General Foreman

Always call 811 before you dig

1. Door sweeps

Spring is an optimal time of year to dream up and achieve your landscaping masterpiece. Regardless of your plans, always remember to dial 811 first.

Interesting Fact: 1/8-inch gaps around the front and back doors let in as much air into the home as a small window open halfway. To fix this issue, attach door sweeps on exterior doors.

It is one of the most affordable ways to weatherize your home, installation only takes a few minutes and it effectively seals drafts.

Underground utilities, such as buried gas, water and electric lines can be a shovel thrust away from turning a spring project into a disaster.

How do you know you need it? Lay a sheet of paper on the door frame, and close the door on it. If the piece of paper comes out easily without tearing that means you need a door sweep.

Play it safe by dialing 811 to find out where utility lines run on your property. Your call will be routed to a local “one call” center. Tell the operator where you are planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing and affected local utilities will be notified.

2. Door & window weatherproofing In addition to door sweeps, weatherstripping is another affordable and easy way to weatherize your exterior doors as well as windows. If you can stick your finger nail into a gap between the window and window frame, you need weatherstripping.

Why it’s recommended: It seals out unwanted outside drafts, moisture and dust, thus preventing heat loss and mold, while improving air quality and keeping bugs out of your house.

3. Sealing gaps & cracks with caulk & foam Interesting Fact: 1/16-inch crack around a window is equivalent to a window open 3 inches. To seal gaps and cracks around the non-moving parts of the window, use caulk and/or expanding foam sealants. (Helpful Tip: For moving parts, you need weatherstripping–and for gaps wider than 1/4-inch, an expanding foam sealant.)

Why caulk and foam? Because air sealing will make your home insulation work better. Plus, it’s a foundational step in home weatherization.

4. Attic door insulation Interesting Fact: Most attic doors are poorly designed and cause tremendous energy loss throughout the year. Still, most homeowners do not think about insulating this area.

Your Co-op Connection | Getting to know who works for you

National Dig Safe month

Consider this: Even the tiniest gap around the attic door perimeter (as small as 1/32-inch) is like leaving a 5-square-inch opening all year. An attic tent is easy to install, versatile (can be used in many different types of attic doors), durable and affordable.

5. Sealing switches & outlets Interesting Fact: Almost 2 to 5 percent air infiltration comes from outlets on outside walls.

Surprisingly, sealing switches and outlets isn’t something most homeowners typically think about at least not in the context outside of baby-proofing. But sealing switches and outlets located on exterior walls prevent unwanted drafts and heat loss very well. After all, if you seal and insulate doors, windows, and attics, it only makes sense to insulate switches and outlets on walls too.

VISIT INLANDPOWER.COM FOR MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

Within a few days, a locator will arrive to designate the approximate location of any underground lines, pipes and cables. These areas will be marked with flags or paint, so you will know what is below. Then the safe digging can begin.

Even simple tasks like installing a new mailbox post can damage utility lines, which can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm diggers and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

Never assume the location or depth of underground utility lines. There’s no need: the 811 service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted and can help you avoid serious injury. For more information about local services, visit www.call811.com.