Editor's Take: April 23, 2008
Credit: DCvision2006/Flickr
Workin' for a Living
American workers are in today’s news, for better or worse: struggling salmon fishermen, an equal pay bill, a Supreme Court ruling on fair pay, and gruesome details illustrating how some corporations are “squeezing workers every which way in their drive to push down labor costs.”
Also: Young voters and big turnouts bode well for Sound Transit.
Editor's Top Picks
Your editor today is Anna Fahey | View All Today's News
Op-ed: Tough Times for American Workers
San Francisco Chronicle
04/18/2008
Some people ask me why I called my new book, "The Big Squeeze." The answer is simple: The nation's corporations have been squeezing workers every which way in their drive to push down labor costs. This, unfortunately, has left the nation's workers (and consumers) weakened and weary even before we feel the full brunt of a recession that will inevitably mean unemployment and lower paychecks for many Americans.
Go to article.
Saving Salmon Fishermen
Christian Science Monitor
04/22/2008
The economic impact of the California and Oregon coastal commercial and sport salmon fishery varies. Many commercial fishermen can get income from other seafood species, but the number of commercially licensed fishing boats along the West Coast has declined in recent decades from the thousands to the hundreds.
The governors of Oregon, Washington, and California are seeking federal disaster assistance for idled fishermen.
Go to article.
Young Voters, Big Turnouts Good for Sound Transit
KPLU
04/23/2008
Since the defeat of the Proposition 1 "Roads and Transit" ballot measure last fall, Sound Transit has been struggling to figure out its next move. At least one board member seems confident the transit agency will move forward this week with proposals for extending light rail and boosting existing bus and train service. He says young people "get it" and record turnouts could mean a great year for transit.
Go to article.
Bush Fuel Economy Rules Swipe at California
San Francisco Chronicle
04/23/2008
When the Bush administration announced proposed regulations Tuesday to raise fuel economy standards for cars and trucks to 31.6 miles per gallon by 2015, even some environmentalists applauded. But then they read the fine print.
Tucked deep into a 417-page "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" was language by the Transportation Department stating that more stringent limits on tailpipe emissions embraced by California and 17 other states are "an obstacle to the accomplishment" of the new federal standards and are "expressly and impliedly preempted" by federal law.
Go to article.
Canada is No. 3 Air Polluter
Vancouver Sun
04/23/2008
Gas-guzzling vehicles are one of the key factors behind the notorious environmental record of Canadians who are among the highest per capita polluters in the world, according to figures released Tuesday by Statistics Canada.
Each Canadian produces an average of 23 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year, trailing Americans, who create an average of 24.4 tonnes of emissions per year, and Australians, with an average of 27.7 tonnes of emissions per year, according to the federal statistical agency.
Go to article.
'Cosmetic' Pesticides To Be Banned in Canada
Vancouver Sun
04/23/2008
The Ontario government used Earth Day to introduce legislation banning the use and sale of pesticides for cosmetic purposes-lawns, gardens and parks-taking aim at more than 70 chemicals found in 300 products.
Go to article.
ID's Owyhees Have a Nice Day in Congress
Boise Idaho Statesman
04/23/2008
Sen. Mike Crapo grinned ear to ear Tuesday as he praised the head of the Wilderness Society for his help bringing Idaho's Owyhee Canyonlands to the attention of Congress.
After nearly a decade of work, the Crapo-led effort to designate more than 500,000 acres of Idaho's Owyhee Canyonlands as wilderness had its most promising hearing ever in Washington.
Go to article.
Europe Turns to Coal, Raising Alarms on Climate
New York Times
04/23/2008
Over the next five years, Italy will increase its reliance on coal to 33 percent from 14 percent. Power generated by Enel from coal will rise to 50 percent.
And Italy is not alone in its return to coal. Driven by rising demand, record high oil and natural gas prices, concerns over energy security and an aversion to nuclear energy, European countries are expected to put into operation about 50 coal-fired plants over the next five years, plants that will be in use for the next five decades.
Go to article.
Op-ed: Make Pay Equal
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
04/23/2008
The U.S. Senate is finally getting around to considering a bill dealing with equal pay for men and women. The New York Times reports that the Senate will be looking at an "equal pay for equal work" bill, similar to one that the House passed late last year.
The fact that it's 2008 and we're still wondering if men and women should earn the same salary for doing the same job is just plain embarrassing.
Go to article.
Op-ed: Fair Pay, Fair Play
Washington Post
04/23/2008
The Senate should restore workers' ability to sue over pay discrimination, whenever the injustice is discovered.
Go to article.
