Category: Public Policy

November 29, 2018
Editorial: Dire climate report forecasts hard times for Yakima Valley
Wednesday November 28 Let’s take a closer look at Chapter 24 [of “U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Fourth National Climate Assessment, Vol. II”), especially as it pertains to life in the Yakima Valley our kids and grandkids will inherit: • Changes that those who grow apples and other tree fruit already have experienced — early […]

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November 29, 2018
Washington state lawmakers call for ban on plastic bags
Wednesday,  November 28 SEATTLE  Washington state leaders are calling for a ban on plastic bags. A bill announced Wednesday would prohibit the use of single-use plastic carryout bags and require a charge of 10 cents on all paper carryout bags. Currently, 19 cities in Washington have plastic bag bans in place, including Seattle, Tacoma and […]

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November 27, 2018
Volkswagen federal enforcement action
November 27 Washington is a beneficiary of $112.7 million from one of the Volkswagen federal settlements led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The settlement resolves violations of the federal Clean Air Act after VW installed illegal software that cheated emissions tests on many of its diesel vehicles. Under the settlement, money can be invested […]

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November 27, 2018
Inslee statement regarding climate threats detailed in newest federal Climate Assessment
Friday, November 23 Gov. Jay Inslee today issued this statement following the release of the Fourth National Climate Assessment. Background story here. Inslee’s statement from the earlier 2014 assessment is here. “The scientific community has spoken clearly and unequivocally that climate change is a present and growing danger to our nation, our economy and our way of […]

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November 9, 2018
Energy Department Launches Manufacturing Prize to Recognize Leaders on the Plant Floor Driving Energy Savings
Source:  Energy.gov, November 9, 2018 Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Individuals Taking Energy Action in Manufacturing (ITEAM) prize, a competition designed to identify and attract attention to a wide range of ideas and practices that are driving measurable energy savings at U.S. manufacturing plants to stimulate innovation at other facilities. To […]

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