Editor's Take: September 24, 2008
Credit: freefotouk, Flickr.
Western States Band Together to Reduce Emissions
The Western
Climate Initiative (WCI) unveiled its cap-and-trade program
yesterday, a big step forward in addressing global-warming pollution. This is
the largest regional cap-and-trade program in North America,
representing nearly three-quarters of Canada's
economy and a fifth of the American economy, and bringing together a diverse
group of players. The recommendations received coverage in Cascadia's regional, as well as national major media outlets.
Editor's Top Picks
Your editor today is Christina Claassen | View All Today's News
Western Plan Aims at Cutting Greenhouse Gases
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/23/2008
The Western Climate Initiative released its most far-reaching plan yet for cutting greenhouse gases, using a market-based system that limits carbon dioxide releases and allows polluters to trade for the right to emit the gases.
The plan sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, but details still need to be hammered out.
Go to article.
Microsoft Expands Employee Bus Service
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/24/2008
Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday it will add nine routes to its Connector bus service for employees on Oct. 6, expanding the system it put in place a year ago.
Microsoft said the Connector has cut carbon emissions by 5.5 million pounds, offered a commute option for more than 60 percent of riders who were driving alone and reduced the company's single-occupancy vehicle traffic by 5 percentage points, to 62 percent from 67 percent.
Go to article.
Affordable-Housing Goals Scaled Back
Washington Post
09/24/2008
The federal regulator overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac said yesterday that the firms would play a smaller role this year in supporting affordable housing across the country than they have in the past.
Go to article.
BC and the Western Climate Initiative
Vancouver Sun
09/24/2008
British Columbia's partners in a cross-border effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have adopted a less ambitious approach than the one preferred by the B.C. Liberals.
The Western Climate Initiative -- seven U.S. states and four Canadian provinces including B.C. -- on Tuesday released the latest version of its proposal to cap and then reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Go to article.
Views: Building Justice in Seattle Housing
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/24/2008
The City Council's plan for putting 85 homeless housing units on Magnolia's Fort Lawton property is a bold step. For a region that claims to be working to end homelessness, the proposal moves us toward an important goal in a healthy way.
Go to article.
Berkeley Eyes City Carbon Tax
San Francisco Chronicle
09/24/2008
Berkeley is considering a carbon tax and parking rate increases to pay for its ambitious plan to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions.
The revenue proposals, as well as dozens of energy-saving goals for residents and businesses, are part of the Climate Action Plan the City Council considered at a special meeting Tuesday night.
Go to article.
Democrats Plan to Let Offshore Drilling Ban Expire
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/24/2008
Democrats have decided to allow a quarter-century ban on drilling for oil off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to expire next week, conceding defeat in a months-long battle with the White House and Republicans set off by $4-a-gallon gasoline prices this summer.
Go to article.
Seattle Light Rail Debated
Seattle Times
09/23/2008
In a campaign debate, Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger argues an east-west light rail line is crucial to connect his city to Seattle, while opponents favor cheaper express buses to move people in the Eastside's Interstate 405 corridor.
Go to article.
Rural Oregon May Get Its Timber Payments
Oregonian
09/24/2008
With time running out for economically distressed rural communities in Oregon and across the nation, the Senate emphatically approved legislation Tuesday that would funnel $3.3 billion in federal aid to local governments for schools, police and other crucial public functions.
The program to help rural communities was included in a $100 billion grab-bag of popular -- but expiring -- tax breaks that the Senate endorsed by a 93-2 vote.
Go to article.
Seattle Makes Shopping by Foot or Pedal Easy
Seattle Times
09/24/2008
Retailers are responding to new supermarkets in high-density areas -- and more shoppers taking a shine to walking or biking to the grocery store -- with a cavalcade of reusable bags, carts, baskets, trolleys and the like to ease the transition to shopping by foot or pedal.
Go to article.
