Editor's Take: July 23, 2009
webchicken, Flickr.
Health-Care Reform in Hot Seat
President Obama is keeping the health-care reform debate front and center with an address to the nation that sought to personalize the issue in order to keep US citizens onboard. An upcoming conference will also focus on the government's role in American health -- in this case looking at its responsibility to support walkable, bike-friendly communities to combat obesity.
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Obama strives to personalize health-care debate
Los Angeles Times
07/23/2009
With many Americans growing anxious about his plans to overhaul the nation's health-care system, President Obama on Wednesday sought to lay out in personal terms how they stand to gain from the legislation that he has made one of the top goals of his presidency.
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Government changes to environment can make us fit
USA Today
07/23/2009
You drive to the office, sit at a computer all day, drive home, and then park yourself on the couch. If that's your life, leading obesity experts say, the government should be changing your environment and making it possible for you to become more active.
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What will 'cap and trade' mean to the NW?
Oregon Public Broadcasting
07/23/2009
Climate change legislation that Oregon lawmakers approved during the last session is now law, putting the state one step ahead of the federal government. We wanted to consider what a cap-and-trade law would mean for us in the Northwest. For that, we turn to Sightline Institute's Alan Durning.
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Sea otters rebound from extermination
KPLU
07/23/2009
It's an unheralded environmental success story featuring the No. 1 species on the cute-and-cuddly list. Sea otters are rebounding along the Northwest coast. It started in 1969 with a couple dozen survivors from a reintroduction effort. Today, there are well over a thousand.
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Greenhouse gas bills signed into state law
Salem Statesman Journal
07/23/2009
Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a package of bills Wednesday expected to level off greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon by next year. The bills will reduce emissions from cars and trucks through a low-carbon fuel standard, promote solar energy for homes and energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses, and control emissions from power plants and industry.
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I-5 bridge studies span $65 million and counting
Oregonian
07/22/2009
A new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River has so far cost taxpayers $65 million, without a spade of dirt turned. By this time next year, the tab will hit $100 million -- burning though cash at a rate of more than $1 million a month. The result: mainly an environmental impact statement and thousands of pages of reports.
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One-in-six Oregonians needs food stamps
Oregon Public Broadcasting
07/23/2009
The need for food stamps and cash assistance has increased dramatically over the last year, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services. 28 percent more people asked for food stamps -- meaning one Oregonian in six now needs help to meet basic food needs.
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Fund to fight bag fee will top $1 million
Seattle Times
07/23/2009
A group representing the nation's largest plastic producers has pumped $300,000 more into the campaign to defeat Seattle's 20-cent shopping-bag fee -- and says it will add another $300,000 by the end of this week.
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BC tries to reconcile with aboriginal communities
Toronto Globe and Mail
07/23/2009
Premier Gordon Campbell says he is forging ahead with efforts to achieve reconciliation with aboriginal communities despite escalating demands from top native leaders that threaten to undo four years of often-intense negotiations toward a "new relationship."
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Local food no green panacea, prof says
CBC BC
07/23/2009
There are lots of reasons somebody might want to buy local food -- freshness, distinct flavor, or even a desire to keep their dollars in their own community. But saving the planet should not be one of them, according to a University of Toronto professor.
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