2011 Press Clips
Time Is Running Out to Cast Your Ballot in America's Stupidest (but Still Important) Election
But who to vote for [in the King Conservation District election]? How should I know? So I'm just following the advice of the Washington Conservation Voters, and casting my ballot for Eric Nelson.
Bill would gradually close Wash. coal power plant
Washington's only coal-fired power plant will shut down one of two boilers by 2020 and phase out coal-burning entirely by 2025 under an agreement between TransAlta and environmental groups, according to a proposal released Saturday.
Breathe easier, a plan to stop burning coal for power
Gov. Chris Gregoire helped broker a coherent agreement between TransAlta, state regulators and environmental groups to phase in closure of the coal-fired generating plant in Centralia by 2025. The deal is sensitive to corporate needs, environmental issues and economic and labor concerns.
Environment bills get past important deadline
Despite industry opposition, a budget shortfall and vows by Republican lawmakers to focus on economic recovery alone this session, environmentalists in Olympia had reason to celebrate Monday, with two of their biggest legislative priorities moving on ahead of the deadline for voting bills out of their houses of origin.
Unlikely coalition unites over TransAlta
SB 5769: Under plan, both coal boilers would shut down by 2025
Protect water quality for shellfish — and future generations
Protect water quality for shellfish — and our future
Pass the 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act
Pass the 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act and put Washington to work cleaning up state waterways. Legislation in Olympia creates a link between the source of the pollution and way to pay to clean up Puget Sound, the Spokane River and others rivers and streams.
Bill moves Wash. plant off coal by 2025
A bill that would gradually shut down Washington's largest coal-fired power plant cleared another hurdle Monday, paving the way to end coal-burning as a source of electricity in the Northwest.
New law will enhance state's response to oil spills
On the one-year anniversary of the BP well rupture that led to a multimillion-gallon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill into law Wednesday to enhance the spill response program in Washington.
State bans coal tar sealants in big win for foes
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state has become the first in the nation to ban toxic asphalt sealants made from cancer-causing industrial waste that have been spread over vast swaths of the nation’s cities and suburbs.
Scientists zero in on culprits behind Puget Sound water problems
New studies of where pollutants originate give scientists a clearer idea of where problems lie. Who knew that so much trouble comes from forest lands?
State cuts to environment programs 'heartbreaking'
"The long-term costs of these (budget) cuts are going to effect our health, our fishable and swimmable rivers and lakes, and they're going to end up costing more in the long run," Ridihalgh said.
Basic survival: water supply and quality
Stormwater is a top legislative priority for Washington environmental groups, and the emphasis is reflected in the 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act they will promote in Olympia this session. Mo McBroom, policy director for the Washington Environmental Council, articulates the need for investments in infrastructure to deal with stormwater runoff. A bonus is substantial job creation.
Money battles ahead for Wash. environmentalists
Lobbyists and legislators say there might be a few modest victories and if nothing else, the chance to keep issues in the public eye during the session that opened Monday.
Billig introduces phosphorous bill
Spokane's newest state Representative from the Third District, Andy Billig, isn't wasting any time throwing proposed legislation into the mix in Olympia. Watch the Representative discuss a bill that would ban the sale of phosphorous lawn fertilizers in a "Meet the New Legislature" video.
Cleaning up Washington waterways — the mess is ours
Time to make a modest investment in cleaning up the hazardous substances that are significant contaminants of Washington waterways, writes Times editorial columnist Lance Dickie.
Bill would ban coal-tar sealant in Wash. state
Representative David Frockt wants Washington to be the first state to ban a pavement sealant made of coal tar that is sprayed on driveways, playgrounds and parking lots.
In Our View: Closing TransAlta
"Coal-fired plant is not in our state’s future, and Senate bill offers best compromise" says The Columbian, endorsing Senate Bill 5769.
Limit phosphorus fertilizers to promote clean water
The Seattle Times editorializes in favor of Clean Fertilizers, Healthier Lakes and Rivers Act. "Protecting Washington water quality is not in conflict with healthy green lawns. Legislation that would limit use of fertilizers containing phosphorus is a manageable step for the state."
Lands commissioner seeks to raise logging fees
The state Public Lands Commissioner wants to increase the current $50 fee for harvesting timber on private lands, saying the money is needed to make up for budget cuts that have hampered enforcement of state forestry rules.
Keeping water and air safe is essential to our state's health
Retired physician Dr. Ed Laclergue explains in a guest editorial why “further cuts to funding for environmental monitoring and renovation of pollution problems will adversely affect every individual in the state.”
Bill sets plans to end TransAlta’s coal use
State Senator Phil Rockefeller: "It’s time to clear the air regarding legislation ensuring a responsible, well-planned transition for Washington state beyond dirty, outdated coal."
Dirty Air: Congress' friends and foes
The national League of Conservation Voters has compiled their 2010 National Environmental Scorecard and ranked U.S. Congress-members.
