Last week, it was announced that the atmosphere has reached a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppm. In the face of difficult realities like this, Anna Fahey recommends we tap into our “Dark Optimism” to confront with courage and resilience the difficult emotions that our climate crisis evokes. Guest author Kurt Hoelting wrote up her keynote speech from a recent climate conference at the Whidbey Institute. “Dark Optimism is our capacity to face dark truths, while believing unwaveringly in our human potential, and I think we can harness that.” Read more.
1. On PDX fluoride vote day, a brief history of US fluoride wars
Washington Post | Health
2. A survival plan for America’s tornado danger zone
New York Times | Climate impacts
3. We say, “Stop the coal trains”
The Stranger | Coal exports
4. Inslee signs $8.7 billion transportation budget
The Seattle Times | Transportation
5. Could the Monsanto Protection Act get repealed?
Grist | GMO
6. Want to build your brand in hip urban centers? Sponsor a bikeshare
GOOD Magazine | Bikes
7. How city wastes light rail in SE Seattle
Crosscut | Transit
8. Night biking: You’re overestimating your visibility
Bike Portland | Bikes
9. The global afterlife of your donated clothes
NPR | Waste
10. No cans, no trash?
Washington Post | Waste
Do I Need Another Drink?
Of the 100 medical opinions I’ve gotten, 97 of them say that my liver damage is a result of binge drinking. Two of them weren’t sure if it was caused by the booze, and one actually disputed the idea.
My friends aren’t so sure though. I’ve asked ten of them, and only four think it’s mainly the liquor at fault. So although no one denies I’m in serious danger of liver failure, there’s some uncertainty over the cause, … read more »
Senate Invites Public Comment on Atomic Waste Draft Bill

Locations that the US Department of Energy (DOE) designated in 2007 as candidates to receive a particular type of radioactive wastes from across the nation. All eight are federal facilities, managed and/or being cleaned up by DOE.
The US Senate Energy Committee in late April issued a “discussion draft” of comprehensive legislation on how atomic wastes will be managed. Legislators draft bills routinely, but this is an unusual case for several reasons. For one, it has bipartisan backing including Senators Feinstein (D-CA), Wyden (D-OR), Murkowski (R-AK) and Alexander (R-TN). (Senators Feinstein and Alexander also each issued alternative proposals.) For two, and more surprising, the senators are inviting public comments on their draft. The deadline is May … read more »
Weekend Reading 5/17/13
Alan
National Journal takes a look behind the scenes at what Republican leaders and activists are saying about climate change, and it includes some good news.
Anna
The best thing I read this week was this European history told the way we’re used to hearing about Native American history. It’s funny in that way that also makes you want to cry for shame.
The best thing I heard this week was Barbara Ehrenreich on Alternative Radio talking about how … read more »
The Skinny on WA’s New Stormwater Permits (#2)
We recently updated you on the new stormwater permits that will soon dictate how Washington State’s most populated areas manage polluted runoff that damages water quality and can flood low-lying property. Here we’ll tackle the new Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, which covers the next most populated areas and affects nearly 100 cities around the state.
These cities are legally obligated to try to control water that runs off pavements, roofs and streets in built areas every time it rains. Along … read more »




