February 2008 Issue

Council Requests Comment on Its Regional Resource Adequacy Standard

The Council approved the release of its Draft Resource Adequacy Standard for the Northwest for public comment. The standard was developed by a forum established by the Council and the Bonneville Power Administration to help prevent a repeat of the 2000-01 energy crisis. The standard should help alert the region of power supply problems in time to address them. The comment period ends on March 7; the Council will consider final adoption of the standard at its March 11 meeting in Boise, Idaho. Also see press release.

2008 Columbia River Basin Runoff Forecast Points to a Normal Water Year

Jim Ruff, manager of mainstem passage and river operations for the Council, briefed the Council on the latest runoff forecasts. He noted the large amount of precipitation through much of the basin in January, resulting in near or above average runoff forecasts for most of the basin. The forecast, at this point, he said, was for a normal runoff at the Dalles Dam.

Carbon Sequestration Technologies and Climate Change

Dr. Mark Trexler, managing director of EcoSecurities Global Consulting Services, gave a presentation (290k PDF) on the status of carbon sequestration technology and its potential role in climate change mitigation. Dr. Trexler discussed the various technologies used to capture and dispose of CO₂, the costs associated with them, and the development of carbon sequestration within the context of greenhouse gas markets.

Coming Up

• March 11-13: Council meeting in Boise

For more, visit www.nwcouncil.org.

This monthly newsletter has news from Council meetings, including recent decisions, news from state offices, and updates on energy and the environment.
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