Environment

Environment

A young cougar, which was previously tagged with a tracking collar, is treed by hounds in Washington. Courtesy of Buddy Woodberry

New Rule Allowing Hound Training For Cougar Tracking Highlights Wildlife-Human Challenges

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission recently approved a new rule that could soon grant George’s wish. But the rule is not without controversy. Many conservationists worry that training more hound handlers could put a strain on Washington’s cougar population and lead to catastrophic unintended consequences for the big cats. Continue Reading New Rule Allowing Hound Training For Cougar Tracking Highlights Wildlife-Human Challenges

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A northern spotted owl. CREDIT: Todd Sonflieth/OPB

Western Members Of Congress Call For Investigation Into Slashed Spotted Owl Protections By Interior

Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer joined with colleagues from Washington, California and Arizona Tuesday in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior. In it, they requested an immediate federal review into the previous administration’s decision to remove 3.4 million acres of the Northern spotted owl’s critical habitat in Oregon, Washington and California. Continue Reading Western Members Of Congress Call For Investigation Into Slashed Spotted Owl Protections By Interior

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All new cars sold in Washington state would need to be electric by 2030 if the legislature approves a pending bill. CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

Washington Lawmakers Consider Shifting All New Car Sales To Electric Only By 2030

You may be used to hearing a pushy car salesperson ask the timeless question, “What can I do to get you in this car?” But one big thing could be different in Washington state a decade from now. Proposals introduced this winter in the Washington Legislature would end sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2030. Continue Reading Washington Lawmakers Consider Shifting All New Car Sales To Electric Only By 2030

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Buildings account for the second biggest share of carbon pollution in Washington, after transportation, largely due to gas furnaces and water heaters such as these. CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

Bye-Bye, Gas Heat? Proposals For Washington Seek To Phase Out Fossil Fuel Heating In Buildings

A long goodbye to natural gas furnaces and water heating — and possibly other gas appliances — could begin with action by the Washington Legislature this winter. Separately, the Seattle City Council this week begins consideration of a similar proposal to eliminate fossil fuel-based heating in new commercial buildings. Continue Reading Bye-Bye, Gas Heat? Proposals For Washington Seek To Phase Out Fossil Fuel Heating In Buildings

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Alexandra Sasha Grieb and Kyleigh Dabler, both 19, from Kennewick, waved at passing cars driving by Richland’s John Dam Plaza. Grieb said it will be up to younger generations to fight climate change now with their votes. “The earth will survive climate change. Humans won’t,” she said. CREDIT: Courtney Flatt/NWPB

In One Of His First Acts, President Biden Moves To Have U.S. Join Paris Climate Agreement

The U.S. officially withdrew from the accord to limit climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions late last year, after President Donald Trump began the process in 2017. It is the only country of the nearly 200 signatories that has withdrawn. Biden vowed to sign on Inauguration Day the documents needed to rejoin the agreement. Continue Reading In One Of His First Acts, President Biden Moves To Have U.S. Join Paris Climate Agreement

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