Environment
Environment

Interior Secretary Nominee Gets Grilled On Ethics At Confirmation Hearing
During a testy confirmation hearing on Thursday, President Donald Trump’s pick to be the nation’s largest land steward told senators that he would take steps to prevent conflicts of interest and to improve ethics guidelines at the Interior Department. Continue Reading Interior Secretary Nominee Gets Grilled On Ethics At Confirmation Hearing

Fuel Producers, Consumers Take Sides On Washington’s Debate Over Lower-Carbon Transportation
Washington lawmakers are developing a low carbon fuels standard. If signed into law, new rules would limit the amount of carbon coming out of car and truck tailpipes. Backers say it’s necessary to combat climate change. Critics say it will increase the price at the pump. Continue Reading Fuel Producers, Consumers Take Sides On Washington’s Debate Over Lower-Carbon Transportation

Undercover Investigators Find Oregon Link To Illegal Rainforest Logging
Timber harvested illegally from African rainforests is being sold in the U.S. through Pacific Northwest companies and others are doing the same thing to get hardwood to customers throughout Europe. Continue Reading Undercover Investigators Find Oregon Link To Illegal Rainforest Logging

As 2020 Race Heats Up, Jay Inslee Proposes Cutting Senate Filibuster To Boost His Climate Pitch
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has a well-worn set of speaking points when it comes to his 2020 presidential campaign: clean energy, clean jobs, a clean economy that works for everyone, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. Inslee calls these goals the four pillars of his climate change agenda. As of last week, he’s added a fifth: gutting the filibuster. Continue Reading As 2020 Race Heats Up, Jay Inslee Proposes Cutting Senate Filibuster To Boost His Climate Pitch

Federal Action Removes Grazing Restrictions Meant To Protect Sage Grouse In Western States
The Trump administration is lifting restrictions meant to protect greater sage grouse across seven western states. In Oregon grazing restrictions are being removed in 13 locations that provide habitat for the imperiled birds. Continue Reading Federal Action Removes Grazing Restrictions Meant To Protect Sage Grouse In Western States

East Of The Cascades, Lingering Snow Means Struggle For Northwest Fauna
All this snow so late in the season prompts the much-asked question: Is this climate change? Kathie Dello, a climatologist with Oregon State University in Corvallis, says this late-winter snow is perfectly normal. But, it doesn’t mean the larger picture is all fine. Continue Reading East Of The Cascades, Lingering Snow Means Struggle For Northwest Fauna

A Punch Of Late Winter Weather Means Diminished Drought Across The Northwest
According to a new federal drought monitor map, the long-running dry spell finally looks to be over in most of the Northwest. Heavy snows and precipitation in February and early March have made up the difference. That’s good news for ranchers, irrigators, river rafters and salmon.
Continue Reading A Punch Of Late Winter Weather Means Diminished Drought Across The Northwest

Cleaner Fuels Could Soon Power Washington Cars If New Fuel Standard Passes Legislature
After hours of contentious floor debate, the Washington House of Representatives passed a low-carbon fuel standard this week. The result, if the state Senate also passes it: Cleaner fuels could start flowing from gas pumps in Washington state over the coming decade. Continue Reading Cleaner Fuels Could Soon Power Washington Cars If New Fuel Standard Passes Legislature

Where Will Your Plastic Trash Go Now That China Doesn’t Want It?
For years, America sold millions of tons of used yogurt cups, juice containers, shampoo bottles and other kinds of plastic trash to China to be recycled into new products. But last year the Chinese government dropped a bombshell on the world recycling business: They cut back almost all imports of trash. And now a lot of that plastic gets shipped to other countries that don’t have the capacity to recycle it or dispose of it safely. Continue Reading Where Will Your Plastic Trash Go Now That China Doesn’t Want It?

Genetically Engineered Salmon Swim Closer To Store Shelves, Concerning Tribes And Food Groups
Genetically engineered salmon are one step closer to winding up on store shelves, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted an import ban. It’s a move that’s concerning to tribes, food groups and environmentalists. Continue Reading Genetically Engineered Salmon Swim Closer To Store Shelves, Concerning Tribes And Food Groups

Incentives For Electric Car Buyers? Yes In Oregon, Maybe In Washington
Democrats in the Washington Legislature want to revive a tax break for buyers of electric cars, which critics view as wasteful and unnecessary. Meanwhile, a publicly-financed rebate for battery-powered cars in Oregon is finding thousands of takers. Continue Reading Incentives For Electric Car Buyers? Yes In Oregon, Maybe In Washington

‘Unfounded’ Bullying Accusations Sidelined Head Of Grand Canyon For 5 Months
Park Superintendent Christine Lehnertz has been cleared of allegations of creating a hostile work environment in a report by the Inspector General of the Interior Department. Continue Reading ‘Unfounded’ Bullying Accusations Sidelined Head Of Grand Canyon For 5 Months