Energy

Environment

Washington carbon exchange lets many big polluters off the hook

State officials are putting the final touches and taking public comment on the centerpiece of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s push to fight climate change. Critics say the state’s new system for capping greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters lets many of the worst climate offenders off the hook, forcing others to shoulder more of the burden of keeping the planet livable.

Surge in homes powered by the sun, but do your homework so you don't get burned

Solar power installations on home rooftops are surging in Oregon and Washington state. Alongside, you may have noticed an uptick in ads pitching rooftop solar, or even gotten an in-person solicitation. Some of the sales pitches contain dubious or potentially misleading claims. And now, consumer watchdogs are urging homeowners to do their homework before signing any contract.

Environment

Time is running out for salmon as the Snake River dam removal debate enters a new phase

‘If these dams were to be taken down for salmon recovery, it would be the largest dam removal ever in the world, and the first-ever takedown of federally owned dams.’ –Lynda Mapes

Environment

Renton neighbors object to storing climate-friendly batteries in their community

Just south of Seattle, a proposal for an industrial-scale energy storage facility has neighbors crying foul.

Environment

New draft report says removing the Snake River dams would be best for salmon

Breaching the dams would be the best way to remove Snake River salmon runs from the Endangered Species List and the best way to maintain treaty and trust obligations with tribes, according to the report. It could cost from $10.3 billion to $27.2 billion.

Science

Tri-Cities researchers say they can extract lithium from water. That's a big deal.

The nanoparticle technology could supply a large share of the lithium needed for batteries as America transitions to electric vehicles.

Politics

Activists, environment, and midterms: President Biden in Seattle

President Joe Biden is visiting Seattle for Earth Day.

Environment

Electric vehicle sales have surged in Washington state. But gas cars still dominate

Sales of electric vehicles are accelerating, even as the climate-friendly cars remain a rarity on Washington roads.

How clean energy could be good for your wallet as well as the environment

Clean energy advocates argue Washington will continue to be vulnerable to these price fluctuations unless we move away from the global oil market — not just Russian oil.

Environment

Biden ban on Russian oil hits Anacortes, Washington refinery

Russian oil could be en route to Washington state for several more weeks despite a ban on Russian oil and gas imports imposed by President Joe Biden on Tuesday.