Environment
Environment
A Mixed Bag: Northwest’s Iconic Salmon Face Tough Conditions During Ocean Journey
Salmon survive best when the water is cooler along the coast and warmer farther out. Colder La Niña conditions have also led to higher salmon counts. Right now, that’s exactly what’s happening. But things will likely change over the summer.
Interior Department Moves To Make It Illegal (Again) To Accidentally Kill Migratory Birds
The Interior Department rescinded a controversial Trump-era legal opinion Monday that limited the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It also said it will soon propose a rule to replace one enacted at the end of the Trump administration that did the same.
The Secret Life Of Trees: Researchers Probe Methane In Washington’s Coastal Forests
Trees have a little secret you might not know about. Yes, they produce oxygen. Yes, they take in carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping greenhouse gas. But, they also emit methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas that can be significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.
Wenatchee-Area Hydrogen Production Plant Signals Renewed Interest In Alternative Fuel
A public utility in north-central Washington broke ground Monday for a hydrogen production facility. It’s one of several related actions in the Northwest that reflect renewed interest in hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel.
Northwest Wildlife Agencies Warn Of Newly Found Invasive Zebra Mussels
Washington state wildlife officials are working with pet store chains to stop the spread of aquarium products found to contain zebra mussels. A zebra mussel is a tiny shellfish native to the Black and Caspian Seas in Ukraine. But they’re now found all over the world, except in the Northwest.
New Rule Allowing Hound Training For Cougar Tracking Highlights Wildlife-Human Challenges
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission recently approved a new rule that could soon grant George’s wish. But the rule is not without controversy. Many conservationists worry that training more hound handlers could put a strain on Washington’s cougar population and lead to catastrophic unintended consequences for the big cats.
Interior Nominee Deb Haaland Faces Tough Questions On Climate Goals
Congresswoman Deb Haaland would be not just the first Native American Interior Secretary, but also the first in a presidential cabinet. She faced tough — and, at times, misguided — questioning from Republican lawmakers worried about the president’s climate goals.
Federal Government Will Reconsider Rollback Of Northern Spotted Owl Protections
The U.S. Interior Department is delaying and reviewing the Trump administration’s last-minute roll-back of federal protections for the imperiled northern spotted owl, which called for slashing protections from millions of acres of Northwest forests.
U.S. Officially Rejoins Paris Agreement On Climate Change
The United States on Friday officially rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change designed to limit global warming and avoid its potentially catastrophic impacts.
Washington State Parks Commission Changes Plan On Navy Usage For SEAL Training
During a special meeting Thursday, the commission voted to let the state parks director decide if daylight restrictions can be lifted or modified after the Navy’s nine-month trial period is up, as long as the Navy complies with limits on when and where it will conduct training operations.
Idaho Congressman Proposes $33.5 Billion Plan For Breaching Snake River Dams In Washington
A $33.5 billion stimulus package would breach the four dams by 2031. Much of the funding would go toward solutions for what would be lost, including hydropower, less access to irrigation, grain transportation and economic development for Lewiston and the Tri-Cities.
Western Members Of Congress Call For Investigation Into Slashed Spotted Owl Protections By Interior
Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer joined with colleagues from Washington, California and Arizona Tuesday in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior. In it, they requested an immediate federal review into the previous administration’s decision to remove 3.4 million acres of the Northern spotted owl’s critical habitat in Oregon, Washington and California.
