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. Suburbs see fastest-growing poverty rates
The Oregonian | Economy
2. Where are my cars: SR-167 HOT lanes
Sightline | Transportation
3. Amazon’s crazy new workspace for Seattle
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer | Land Use
4. Immigration bill clears hurdle in US Senate
Los Angeles Times | Immigration
5. Crowdfunding coal science
Oregon Public Broadcasting | Coal
6. Portlanders reject fluoride measure
The Oregonian | Health
7. Fragmented Duwamish Tribe struggles for identity
KUOW | Native People
8. Engineers: Washington’s roads, transit rate a D
The Seattle Times | Transportation
9. Car2Go can’t be all things to all people
Publicola | Economy
10. Video: Staggering footage of the OK tornado
Grist | Weather
Where Are My Cars: SR-167 HOT Lanes
We’ve written before about the “high occupancy/toll” lane experiment on Washington’s SR-167. But for those unfamiliar with the concept: HOT lanes are special highway lanes that transit and carpools can travel in for free, but are also available to solo drivers who are willing to pay a toll. When the regular lanes start to back up, the HOT lane tolls increase. That way, the HOT lanes never get clogged, even when the regular lanes are full.
Besides keeping carpools and transit moving, the SR-167 HOT lanes have an additional value: they give researchers more nuanced understanding of how much people are willing to pay for a quick trip. And when we took a look at the SR-167 HOT lane data last year, the numbers surprised us: apparently, drivers really aren’t willing to pay much for a faster commute. read more »
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 »



