News items for November 15, 2024
Friends kayaking in Bear Glacier, Alaska
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1. In race after race, people keep electing pro-housing politicians
Contrary to some misconceptions, most voters seem to understand that housing is good.
Sightline Institute
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2. One of WA’s anti-climate initiatives, 2066, eked out a victory. Why?
And how leaders can still help families and businesses electrify for safer, cleaner buildings in line with the state’s climate values.
Sightline Institute
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3. Portland achieves renewable power milestone (with help from MT winds)
Portland General Electric, which provides power to nearly 2 million Oregonians across 51 cities, is celebrating a renewable energy milestone—generating 1 gigawatt of wind energy for its customers in a single day. That’s enough energy to power about 830,000 homes.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
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4. In a surprise, Exxon CEO urges Trump team to avoid radical climate policy shifts
Exxon Mobil Chair and CEO Darren Woods signaled that one of the most powerful players in the energy industry (his company) might serve as a moderating influence in Washington, even as Republicans seek to dismantle Biden-era climate policies.
Politico
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5. Biden administration falls short on forest protection despite pledges
President Biden’s 2022 executive order aimed at protecting old-growth forests has failed to prevent significant logging in critical areas, as the Bureau of Land Management continues to approve timber sales.
ProPublica
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6. In a parched US, human-triggered wildfires are poised to thrive
Widespread drought in the U.S. sets up the ideal conditions for fire to spread—and humans are making it worse, experts say.
Inside Climate News
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7. 19th century Vancouver Island land grant undermines First Nations rights
On Vancouver Island, a vast swath of privately owned forest poses a unique challenge for five First Nations seeking redress for their unceded homelands.
The Narwhal
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8. Western voters reject ranked-choice voting
Ranked-choice ballots allow voters to indicate their support for multiple candidates, ranking them from first to last. Advocates say that this system offers a more equitable playing field for third-party candidates while empowering millions of independent voters by enabling them to vote in open elections.
High Country News
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9. US government backs controversial road through Alaska wildlife refuge
The question of whether to allow a road to be built through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, a vast wild area in southwest Alaska, has vexed policymakers for decades.
Washington Post
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10. Have greenhouse gas emissions (finally) peaked?
For almost two centuries, greenhouse gas emissions have climbed steadily as humans have burned increasing amounts of oil, gas, and coal. Now, climate scientists believe those emissions may finally be reaching a peak.
NPR
More News from November 15, 2024
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Could OR’s layers of volcanic rock help fight climate change?
Oregon’s state geologist is pitching a novel idea of using the region’s rocky basalt layer, born of lava that flowed millions of years ago from cracks in the Earth’s crust, to be a bank for storing planet-warming carbon dioxide.
The Oregonian
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US Homeland Security nominee raises climate concerns
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has consistently rejected federal climate aid programs and cast doubt on the human role in climate change.
E&E News
