Climate Resources
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The latest iteration of the National Climate Assessment gets particular about the risks our region faces without fast climate action. Read more -
What the election victories in Oregon mean for increasing clean energy and climate progress in the coming year. Read more -
With less than a week before election day, it's time for Washington climate advocates to make sure we have done all we can to win on I-1631. Read more
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Tacoma's City Council endorsed I-1631 and an impressive list of clean energy commitments. Read more
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The city is working to become entirely equitable, delightfully livable, and completely sustainable. Read more
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The deadline to register or update your address is October 16. Ballots are due November 6! Read more
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Oil companies and their mouthpieces are claiming that I-1631 will hit consumers hard—that we can't afford clean air and healthy communities. The thing is, they're not telling the truth. Read more -
Oil’s dominance will last only as long as they can bully us into believing we can’t have clean energy and better choices. That's why they're spending tens of millions to oppose I-1631. Read more
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In this week's ClimateCast: next steps for climate action, on the west coast and worldwide Read more
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30 years ago, it would have been much easier to tackle the causes of climate disruption. That was then. 30 years from now, they might remember the fiery September of 2018 as the turning point toward solutions, when leaders confronted the challenge head-on at a historic summit in California. Or they might be in hell, wondering why we blew it. Read more
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We don't have a minute to lose in taking action on climate in Washington—and we need our energy utilities to stand with us for clean air and a stable climate. Read more
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Spring is in the air, and climate action is on the move in Oregon. Read more
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The transportation sector's immense contribution to global warming makes it a very important place to reduce emissions. That and more new climate and clean energy news in the latest ClimateCast. Read more
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Clean energy investment is good for business; clean energy jobs are good for communities; the economic benefits of carbon pricing and more in the latest ClimateCast. Read more
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Washington's Legislature failed—again—to enact the kind of bold climate solutions we need and are ready for. Here's what happened, and here's why we can't stop and won't stop working to make the Evergreen State a climate leadership state. Read more -
In this week's ClimateCast: solar and wind continue to prove their resilience; new calls for climate justice, and why it's really time to talk about electrifying everything. Read more
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No matter how many lobbyists they hire, no matter how many half-truths they tell, and no matter the fear-mongering we encounter—we’re going to keep at it until 100% clean is the law. Read more
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While the Oregon legislature didn’t pass the Clean Energy Jobs bill this year, we are incredibly well-positioned to pass the policy to reduce climate pollution and accelerate the state's transition to clean energy in 2019. Read more
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Examples of investments from states that have put a price on climate pollution Read more
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US support increases for phasing out coal; some utilities show a greater taste for renewables, and more in this week's ClimateCast. Read more
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On Oregon's birthday, State House and Senate Committees both advance the Clean Energy Jobs bill. Read more
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Washington State has a chance to deliver on some of the most ambitious climate policy anywhere in the country. Valentine’s Day is a key deadline. Read more -
By passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill, Oregon can cut climate pollution, invest in our clean energy economy, and increase the resilience of our farms, forests, and families. Here's how it works. Read more
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The impacts of fossil fuels are not just environmentally catastrophic, they’re deeply inequitable. Those who do the least to cause climate disruption are hit hardest by it. To break free from fossil fuels, we need strategies that deliver effective, affordable solutions and economic opportunity for all. Read more
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Today in Olympia, House and Senate committees both advanced proposals to move us faster towards 100% fossil-free electricity—meaning a cleaner world, a stronger economy, and healthier communities. Read more -
Progress, fortunately, isn’t just about the performance of the federal government. In Washington, our legislature has big opportunities for climate leadership right now. Read more
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Clean energy, cost saving, job creating investments from the ten states that have already put a price on climate pollution Read more -
With the Clean Energy Jobs bill, we have a huge opportunity for Oregon to take a bold step in the fight against climate change. Read more
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Washington has the chance this year to take a major step away from our fossil-fueled past (and the engine driving climate change), into a clean energy future. KC Golden suggests that we keep our eyes on the prize. Read more
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A just transition to a fossil-free energy system that protects our health, our economy and our climate future, is within reach, if we act now. Read more
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A coalition of more than 25 organizations sent a message to Washington state legislators calling for strong climate action, in the form of three key solutions: (1) supporting a path to 100% carbon-free electricity, (2) putting a price on carbon pollution, and (3) advancing clean fuels for transportation. Read more -
Tailpipe exhaust is responsible for nearly half of Washington state’s climate and air pollution--call it a sin of emission. We can reverse the trend by passing a Clean Fuels Standard--just as Oregon and California have already done. Read more -
As 2018 kicks off, we’re already running full steam ahead toward passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill and other strategies for transitioning Oregon to 100% clean energy. Read more
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We need to place our power sector on a path to 100% clean power, electrify transportation, and boost efficiency. Protecting clean air is a first step. Read more
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Yes, 2017 was an awful year in many ways. But it was also a year of transition for climate action. We and many others affirmed our ability to make progress at the speed and scale our climate crisis demands. Read more
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We’re making plans now to head to Olympia on January 22, and make sure that Washington State leads on climate and clean energy. Read more
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Our annual dinner with Kate Gordon in Portland this week laid the groundwork for a season of effective climate action in Oregon and Washington. Read more
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Recent election results in the Northwest suggest communities ready to act on climate... and more of the most recent news on climate and clean energy. Read more
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This just in, re. the Paris climate agreement: US businesses, civil society, state and local governments, and in fact the United States itself, are all Still In. Read more
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The Trump administration's fossil-fueled presence in Bonn seems mainly focused on flipping the bird at the rest of the world. But the world seems determined to press ahead on climate–possibly more so in spite of Trump's intransigence. Read more -
Let’s get real, baseball fans. We need a serious federal commitment to short-term and long-term recovery. Read more
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Last week's attack on the Clean Power Plan comes during a season of extreme weather disasters and increasing alarm about our warming climate. But there's good news about EVs, business engagement, and polling on climate. Read more
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We need more from the media than rain-soaked newscasters reporting from hurricane regions to help audiences understand the climate crisis and what we can do solve it. Read more
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Devastation in Puerto Rico, a major win against coal, hope, frustration, and more in our climate and clean energy news roundup. Read more
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Breaking through Climate Silence Read more
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We're gaining momentum towards 100% clean energy. Here's how we're laying the groundwork, and what comes next. Read more
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Let's help victims of recent flooding--and let's understand Harvey as a particularly urgent warning of crises ahead. Read more
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In another step toward a 100% clean energy future in the Northwest, the Oregon Public Utility Commission rejected Portland General Electric’s proposal for new fracked gas plants. Read more
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From ranchers blocking Keystone with solar, to counties suing big oil over sea level rise, grassroots action to protect the climate and our communities. Read more
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Oregon’s 2017 legislative session goes down as a mixed bag for climate and clean energy. We stopped a major rollback and secured funding for transportation, but with global warming already harming our health, economy, and natural systems –that's just not good enough. Read more
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G20 leaders recommit to the road through Paris--with the US government on the sidelines for now. More bad news for oil, more promising economic signs for renewables, and more of the latest news on climate and clean energy. Read more -
We’re breathing a sigh of relief. We succeeded in protecting Oregon's Clean Fuels Program from attacks by the fossil fuel industry, while also securing an important electric vehicles incentive. Read more
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As Oregon’s 2017 legislative session enters its final weeks, we’re fighting hard to take the steps forward we urgently need. Read more -
Oregon is at risk of moving backwards on climate change. The Oregon Senate is working behind closed doors on a plan to weaken the Clean Fuels program so significantly that it could effectively kill the program. Let's stop that from happening. Read more
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Following Portland and Multnomah County, our region can and will lead the way towards 100% clean energy. Read more
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The same day President Trump announced his disastrous decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Portland and Multnomah County became the first city and county in the Northwest to commit to 100% renewable energy. Read more
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Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement is a crushing affront to Americans and a brutal blow to U.S. standing in the world. But let’s be sober about what really changes now. Read more -
Let's do this! City and County votes are scheduled for June 1 on a visionary energy goal that will help Portland lead the way towards a safe and healthy future. Read more
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The good news is that we know how to build ourselves a clean energy future, what we need to tackle climate change. The bad news is just that it won't happen by itself. Read more
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Fossil fuel companies are stepping up their attacks on one of Oregon’s most successful strategies to reduce climate pollution: the Clean Fuels Program. Help us stop them! Read more
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Here's why events like the People's Climate March make it easier to believe the evidence that the fossil fuel empire is entering terminal decline. Read more
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Everything you wanted to know about cap and invest but were afraid to ask. Read more
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It’s no secret that climate progress is having a rough week in Washington, D.C. Here in Washington State, our governor and others have pressed for policies to clean our air and move our state towards a clean-energy economy. So how is climate progress faring in our state legislature? Read more
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The track records of nine Northeastern states and California, which have already put a price on carbon pollution, show us what a tremendous opportunity Oregon has to act on climate and invest in our state’s clean energy future. Read more
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Right now, Washington State climate advocates have a timely opportunity to support clean energy bills during the legislative session. Read more
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Let's set a goal that will mean something. The Northwest can lead the nation on climate and clean energy, by transitioning our power grid to 100% clean electricity, as quick as we can. Read more
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EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt (and other oil industry apologists) show resilience and adaptability...in their attempts to deny the urgency of responding to climate change. Read more -
The Clean Energy Transition Act gets a hearing at the Washington State Legislature on March 14. Let's fill the room and show our support! Read more
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Washington State's Utilities and Transportation Commission rarely makes headlines, but it plays a critical role in assessing the growing cost of investments in fossil fuels and its impact on consumers. Read more
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When it comes to a "conservative climate solution," can ideas appealing to "conservative values" move conservative policymakers? And can elite-driven planning result in truly equitable policy? Read more
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The Washington State Legislature is talking about climate: specifically about putting a price on carbon pollution. Can we move from talk to action? Can we win climate and clean energy solutions that are fair, practical and effective? We think that we can, and we are all in. Read more
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On the 10th anniversary of Oregon’s climate goals, a new Oregon Clean Energy Report Card assesses what has been accomplished and where we still need to improve. Read more -
The way forward is aggressive action at the state and local levels. Here's how we're planning to build on our success in Oregon. Read more
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Portland continues to lead the way with big steps including banning new fossil fuel terminals, improving energy efficiency in homes with energy scores, and updating the city's electric vehicle policy. Plus a video! Read more -
Governor Inslee's proposed budget, including a tax on carbon pollution, starts a necessary conversation for Washington climate progress in 2017. Read more -
Climate action at the state and local level has never been more important than now. Read more
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In 2017, climate and clean energy successes will be driven at the local, state, and regional levels. In the months ahead we must be ready to move forward boldly, and with steadfast ambition. Here are some simple ways you can help. Read more -
It has become obvious that we need to find new and better ways to align good climate policy with fairness, inclusion, and solutions that work for everyone. If we don’t, fossil fuel interests will fend off the transition we need by capitalizing on the same insecurity and fear that won Trump the White House. Read more
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As the leaves begin to turn color, we’re proud of the beauty in Oregon and all that we have to protect. With incredible successes earlier this year and so much on the horizon, we’re excited about our trajectory. Read more
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Grid in the eastern US could accommodate 30% renewable power, ‘sunny day’ coastal flooding already commonplace, UN body drafts rules to limit airline emissions, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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We know that we must transition away from fossil fuels, for the sake of our climate and our future. But we also have a responsibility to make sure that during the transition, workers and vulnerable communities are not left behind. That's why working people are standing up for a Just Transition. Read more
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Washington state officials continue working on a new set of rules to cap carbon emissions. Getting ir right will require setting more ambitious goals, in line with current science—and we'll still need more tools to protect our climate and our future. Read more
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Solar prices fall 8 percent in first half of 2016, Oakland rejects coal export proposal, California plans for a future without baseload power plants, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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SEIU votes to make climate action a priority, California tests zero-net-energy homes, Australian coal CEOs defect to solar and energy efficiency, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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Washington's Clean Air Rule will reduce climate-damaging carbon emissions from the state's top polluters. That's a step in the right direction! Read more
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Oil companies give up Arctic drilling leases, Ontario considers far-reaching climate plan, analysts plumb the factors behind Dubai’s 3-cent-per-kwh solar bid, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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Thanks to everyone who helped make our annual breakfast a great success this year! Climate and clean energy leader Aimée Christensen and our other speakers set the challenge, and gave us hope, for the bright future we can build together. Read more
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A group of Washington State youth known as the “climate kids” just won an important victory in their bid to force the state to protect their future from catastrophic climate change. Read more
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The past five years have brought a sea change in urban climate action: increased awareness of the critical role that local leaders play in carbon reduction; new capacity in local governments to tackle climate change; and a sharper focus on strategies that advance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation. Read more
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World Bank and IMF push countries toward carbon pricing, Tacoma gas-to-methanol proposal withdrawn, rail cars to store excess electricity, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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After 12 turbulent weeks, complete with an unanticipated special session, Washington’s 2016 legislative season drew to a close at the end of March. This year’s session included setbacks for climate and clean energy, but took a number of valuable steps forward as well. Read more
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Today Climate Solutions launches our Bright Future initiative to demonstrate that the transition to clean energy and a low-carbon economy is within our grasp. Read more -
It will be difficult for the Northwest to complete our transition to clean energy by 2050. But it's impossible for us to doubt the necessity. Why not go all the way? Read more
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We're still celebrating Oregon's new Clean Electricity and Coal Transition law! Here we explain why we love it so much, how it moves the needle towards climate security, and what's left to be done. Read more
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Arch Coal has found itself up Otter Creek without a paddle. They're in trouble. But they're still pushing a huge coal export proposal in Longview, WA—and we still must fight to stop them. Read more
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The King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2016 Climate Leadership Award for Innovative Partnerships on March 9, 2016 for creating a successful county-city collaboration for bold climate action. Read more
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Oregon is now on its way to have one of the cleanest energy grids in the country. We're so proud! Read more -
Cleaner air ahead! Washington's Department of Ecology is giving itself the opportunity to strengthen new plans to cut carbon emissions and to accelerate our state's transition to a clean-powered, sustainable economy. Read more
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It's time for Oregon to reclaim a leadership position on building codes and to join the vanguard of states leading the way in pursuit of net zero energy homes and businesses. Read more
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Washington’s short legislative session is more than half completed—and we’re cautiously optimistic that this session could include big wins for the environment and our climate. But don’t pop the bubbly just yet! Read more
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Supreme Court stays Clean Power Plan; 1st global aviation climate standards released; Green Climate Fund experiencing growing pains; solar policy all over the map; kids and nation at disadvantage with climate scarcely addressed. Read more
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Oregon is one big step closer to a coal free, clean energy future. Read more
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No one should mistake the Supreme Court's ruling staying the Clean Power Plan for a lifeline for the coal industry--our dirtiest source of electricity has just about run out of spark. Read more
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When it comes to global warming, we can't afford inaction. But that's what some Washington lawmakers are proposing, with a bill that would halt efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our state. Read more
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Oregon has an exciting opportunity for a big climate win this month, and we’re gaining momentum. Read more
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Events in 2015 created so much momentum for the fight to stop global warming, and the first weeks of 2016 proved no different. Here's what Climate Solutions and our allies are doing to maintain course and speed towards a clean energy future. Read more
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This month—with your help—the Oregon Legislature can decide to completely phase out coal, and to double the amount of renewable energy in our state’s power grid. Read more
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With the Washington State Legislature's 2016 session underway, Climate Solutions is working to decarbonize our state’s power grid, to cap climate-harming emissions, and to protect clean-energy gains that our state has made already. Read more
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Oregon’s Legislature may be headed into a short session next week, but the agenda for climate and clean energy is nothing short of completely impressive. Only two months after the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, Oregon is poised to be the first state out of the gate to heed the call to action. Read more
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We need your help to stop the largest proposed crude oil-by-rail terminal in North America! Tesoro wants to ship 360,000 barrels of volatile crude oil per day by train through our region and down the Columbia River. Read more
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Less than a month after the historic Paris agreement on climate change, Oregon utilities, climate advocates and environmental groups are heeding—and leading—the international community’s call for a clean energy transition. Read more
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Though we may come by our climate cynicism honestly post-Paris, it doesn't do the climate (or our future) a lick of good. The world only wins climate solutions if our country, the United States, shows all the way up. And no matter how hard it may be to hold our own country so accountable, that remains our indispensable role. Read more
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Local officials are not waiting to act on climate. From the Compact of Mayors to the Paris Pledge for Action, urban leaders have formed powerful international networks to ensure that the world meets or exceeds the Paris Agreement’s commitment to limit global temperature increase to less than two degrees Celsius. Read more
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To “be” climate is the hardest thing of all, yet there’s nothing else to be. Climate denial persists because we don’t want to go here. Contradicting science is the least of it; we compartmentalize; we detach; we disown consequences. We watch our leaders work their hearts out for a strong climate agreement, while toying with a deal to lift a ban on oil exports. Read more
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Faraday announces $1 billion electric-car factory, Texans rent their roofs for solar power, Paris accord boosts clean-energy stocks, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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"If the world were a bank," a French labor leader said in exasperation during the Paris climate negotiations, "it would have been rescued by now!" In this telebriefing, four Northwest climate action leaders share unfiltered ringside observations on the negotiations' final stages. With KC Golden, labor leader Jeff Johnson, clean tech business leader Tim Miller, and Portland sustainability manager Michael Armstrong. Read more -
The Paris Agreement sets the stage for the immediate future of coordinated, international climate action. Much of the actual progress will depend on local and regional action; every Northwest oil terminal abandoned, ton of coal left in ground, and solar panel installed, fuels the ambition of the U.S., Canada, and therefore countries around the world to meet and exceed our carbon-reduction goals. Read more
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Today in Portland, five west coast mayors announced aggressive commitments to aggressive action on both climate change and equity. The announcement comes directly after a Paris gathering of international mayors talking climate change; it also closely follows the groundbreaking climate resolutions passed last month in Portland. Here's the story of how those resolutions came to be. Read more
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Civil-society climate justice advocates and vulnerable nations may be succeeding in their push for a more aggressive target for limiting global warming. This development shows a shift in power towards the priorities of a massive global climate movement–and it's the news from Paris, as much as the climate agreement text itself. Read more -
Global climate pollution bends downward, negotiators lean toward a 1.5˚C warming goal, Financial Standards Board to require that firms disclose their carbon risk, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Cities (or "sub-nationals," in international climate negotiations-speak) are at the vanguard of where real climate solutions are being implemented around the world. That will remain true in the years ahead, no matter how ambitious an agreement emerges from the COP21 climate talks in Paris this month--local and state governments will be shouldering much of the load of creative carbon emissions reduction, of energy efficiency improvements, and of access to renewable energy. Read more
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Billionaires unite to boost clean energy R&D, deal in the works to extend federal credits for solar and wind, US public opinion backs climate pact, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Darkness of the most desperate and terrifying kind descended on Paris in the November 13 attacks. The world convenes now in the City of Light, with an ever more urgent and sober sense of the pressing need for global cooperation for peace and justice. Read more
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Alberta announces carbon tax, all UK coal plants to close by 2025, firms sign up for more than 2 gigawatts of green power so far this year, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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The international climate talks are a moment in time for forward-looking urban leaders to demonstrate the collective political will they have amassed for bold climate action, and to show how far they have already come in reducing carbon emissions. Read more
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The power of our NO fueled our run to the top of the hill... the power of our YES will lead us on over it and beyond. Read more
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Toyota to replace plain internal combustion cars with hybrids and fuel cell vehicles by 2050, BP’s chief economist admits some oil must stay in the ground, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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A package of hugely important changes to Washington State codes are needed to make buildings more energy efficient and ready for solar and electric vehicle charging. Read more
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This week the Renew Oregon Action Fund began a new chapter in Oregon’s clean energy transition, filing ballot measures to allow Oregon to become the first state in the nation to go coal free by public vote. The measures also double the amount of Oregon’s electricity produced from clean, renewable resources like wind and solar. Read more -
In the early days of climate action, urban plans to reduce carbon frequently suffered from the laundry list syndrome: cataloguing potential strategies without any evidence of how they would meet long-term goals. Since then, cities and counties have become more sophisticated about cutting carbon, and are developing clean energy transition plans to do it. Read more
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Wind is cheapest power source in Germany and UK even without subsidy, analysts weigh in on ‘grid neutrality,’ major Italian utility pledges to be carbon-free by 2050, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Broad coalitions for climate action took bold steps this week in Oregon and Washington, announcing plans to put climate and clean energy measures on the 2016 ballot. Read more
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India pledges 40% renewable power by 2030, GOP voters are ahead of candidates on climate, CEO says divestment is scaring investors away from Canadian energy sector, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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#PeoplesClimate actions are taking place across the country on Oct 14! In Seattle, join author Naomi Klein and a diverse coalition of local leaders bringing hope and action to the fight against climate change. Read more
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Shell Oil's Arctic failure is only the latest indication that expensive bets on long-term fossil fuel development make no sense of any kind. Our transition to a better energy source will take a while—but it's absolutely underway. Read more
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In December 2015, international leaders will gather in Paris for what are arguably the most important global climate talks ever. Countries are updating their carbon reduction pledges, which currently fall far short of what is necessary to hold global warming at two degrees Celsius. This represents an ambition gap among national negotiators that the bold climate leadership of city officials around the world can help close. Read more
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The Renew Oregon coalition is bringing Oregon businesses together with other voices for climate action. The list of companies backing the Oregon Business Climate Declaration continues to grow, as Portland's Mayor issues a climate challenge to local businesses. Read more
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Low-carbon fuel standards make headway in OR and CA, climate pledges fall short of 2˚ goal but buy time for further progress, renewables surpass coal as UK’s #2 power source, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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Sweden sets goal of going completely fossil-free, China to work with US on utility innovation and decarbonizing cities, union opposes coal port in Oakland, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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Washington's new Clean Air Rule will help protect our land, air, water, public health, and economy from the urgent threats posed by a warming climate. Read more
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California to require 50% renewable electricity by 2030, utility CEO says baseload is an outdated concept, France ends export credits for coal plants, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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This paper presents lessons learned from both the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Washington State investments in single family residential retrofits since 2009 to inform a regional retrofit strategy for King County, WA. Read more
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This week in Anchorage, President Obama offered a beautiful, strong speech about the need for an epic response to climate change. But across the Northwest, our region still burns; and the President is permitting Shell to fan the flames with Arctic drilling. Read more
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Solar prices dropping, global temperatures rising, wind farms producing more energy for every megawatt of capacity, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Is the new federal Clean Power Plan strong enough? Does it expand the bounds of the possible, so we can do what’s necessary to address the climate crisis? Read more
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State, regional, and city government leaders are not fiddling while the planet burns. Instead, they are demonstrating the pathways to a low-carbon future. Read more
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Climate policy question 1 is simple: Do we have the will to do what is necessary? Not what’s easy. Not what Big Oil will allow. What’s necessary. Read more
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Thank Governor Inslee for responding to the threat of global warming—and ask him to continue working for just and equitable climate action that works for all Washington residents. Read more
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This week Governor Inslee announced bold action to address global warming, directing his administration to use its full authority under the Clean Air Act to enforce existing limits on carbon pollution. Read more
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We need to wage and win a clean energy revolution—a bold and just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Fossil fuel industries are working against us, but together we can stand up and get the job done. Read more
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Tough legislative sessions in Washington and Oregon are over. But we, together with an inspiring coalition, are just getting started. Read more
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The 2015 Oregon legislative session concluded last week, and the outcomes for climate were decidedly mixed. With a clear win on clean fuels, there remains much to do to help transition our state from fossil fuels to clean energy. Read more
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Oregon businesses are responding in ever-increasing numbers to the threat of global warming, and the ways climate change is harming our state's economy right now. You'll be inspired to see who's on the list! Read more -
December’s international climate talks will require substantial leadership from the countries at the negotiating table. But climate challenges cannot be solved by negotiators alone. Local and regional leadership – from Seattle to Bristol, California to Wales – will be critical in keeping our climate safe while realizing the benefits of the green economy. Read more
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Oil drilling suspended in Canadian Arctic, clean fuel rule survives challenge in Oregon, New York State sets higher climate targets, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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Yesterday's agreement on Washington's transportation budget allowed a "poison pill" to stand, pitting transit funding against a clean fuels standard. This is a win for the oil industry, not Washington values. Public transit funding shouldn’t be held hostage against clean air. Read more
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Undue influence from the oil industry is putting Washington’s health, climate, safety, and communities at risk. A diverse coalition is asking the State Legislature to stand up against the pressure. Read more
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This weekend will mark the second anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic oil train disaster in Quebec —a derailment and explosion that killed 47 people on July 5, 2013. Let's make sure that no more communities have to experience such devastation. Read more
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The oil industry wants to protect their monopoly, and wash their hands of responsiblity for cleaning our air and protecting the climate. That's what's behind their proposed "replacement" for Oregon's Clean Fuels Program. Lawmakers shouldn't fall for it. Read more
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With Oregon legislators threatening to repeal the state's recently-enacted Clean Fuels program, and with no other signs of climate policy progress this legislative session, it is now more important than ever for businesses to join together in the call for action on climate, Read more -
In a powerful statement released today, several major unions accuse Shell and the Port of Seattle of neglecting the interests of working people, Seattle's economic well-being, and the future health of our communities and our planet. Read more
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Norway divests from coal companies, former Tesla engineer retrofits garbage trucks with hybrid drive, Maasai women sell off-grid solar in the bush, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Kodiak utility goes 99.7 percent renewable, big rigs get a fuel economy makeover, EPA eases biofuels requirements, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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An exciting bill making its ways through the legislature would hold major polluters accountable for their contributions to global warming, require Oregon to achieve its legislatively adopted climate goals, and level the playing field for clean energy development in our state. Read more -
Let’s forgive ourselves for being part of the only system there is. But let’s change the damned system so we can do what we know is right, necessary, and possible: make the transition from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy. Read more
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When it comes to Shell's Arctic drilling plans, Seattleites won't give up easily. Building a clean energy economy is going to require hard work, but we’re not daunted. We know that an important first step is drawing the line at continued fossil fuel extraction. Read more
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The Northwest is absolutely humming with climate activism of every sort. Our annual breakfast speakers challenged us to keep up the fight against fossil-fuel dominance, injustice and political inertia, and move from opposition to opportunity. Read more -
Whew! We’ve made it to the halfway point in Oregon’s marathon legislative session. Time to take a deep breath, reflect, and scope the path to the finish line. Read more
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Climate Solutions spoke up in Salem this week, weighing in on three different carbon-reduction proposals that could shift our environment and our economy from pollution to prosperity. Read more
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New solar and wind employment outpaces coal industry’s job losses, Ontario opts for cap-and-trade, yeast from sake-making may boost biofuels, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Our state budget should hold emitters accountable and invest in Washington communities. Our state budget should include the Carbon Pollution Accountability Act. Read more
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Funding education is a top priority for the Washington State Legislature this year. But this week, it was legislators' own climate science education that came into question. Read more
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Washington State's most effective climate law is under attack. Act now to protect our clean energy future! Read more -
Illinois considers auction of carbon permits for electricity generation, 100% renewable microgrid in the California desert, $100 billion from Citigroup for green projects, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Washington taxpayers shouldn’t have to choose between cleaner fuels and more public transit—and we sure shouldn't be forced to pay for coal export. Our legislators need to hear from you today! Read more
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The Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, launched with a show of support for legislation to put a price on large-scale carbon emissions, brings together an important breadth of voices calling for state action on climate and environmental pollution. Read more
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State Sen. Schoesler is very concerned that UW and WSU might have to pay for their carbon emissions under the Governor's carbon reduction plan. But his crocodile tears are a distraction from the real polluters–fossil fuel companies who are dumping huge amounts of waste gases into our air. Read more
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In December 2014, 37 local elected leaders from across Washington State sent a clear statement of support for bold state action on climate change and clean energy. New Energy Cities is helping local officials advance clean energy in the 2015 state legislative session. Read more
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Solar jobs up 22 percent last year, carbon market comes to South Korea, fossil-free Danish island inspires Maine utilities, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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The 2015 Washington State Legislature gets underway in Olympia, and local officials across Washington are ready. Read more
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Elected officials from King County and 12 cities commit to an ambitious carbon reduction agenda for 2015. Read more -
For weeks, President Obama has been speaking like someone who wants to reject Keystone XL. Now it’s up to us to make sure that he follows through in the ways that matter. Read more
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Climate change—and climate action—top the list of big issues before this year's Washington State Legislature. Read more -
Gov. Inslee’s carbon pollution fee wins praise, import tariffs split the PV industry, some car-makers bet on hydrogen fuel cells over battery EVs, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Our comments on the EPA's Clean Power Plan. The Northwest is on a path towards a clean energy economy; abandoning coal and increasing renewables and energy efficiency. The county should follow, and should set bolder targets for reining in carbon pollution. Read more -
Climate Solutions submitted these comments to the EPA on Dec. 1, 2014. Read more
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Renewables now Scotland’s top source of power, fossil fuels ‘grassroots’ groups unmasked as Astroturf, shareholders demand Exxon boost dividends and cut exploration, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Renewable fuels advance; carbon pricing on the docket; increasing opposition to oil-drilling; China to cap coal by 2020; global warming impacts far and wide. Read more
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Reverberations of the U.S.-China climate commitments keep echoing, federal clean energy fund turns a profit, lightweight solar panels you can unroll, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more -
Next week the U.S. Senate will vote on the Keystone Pipeline, which would lock in the very C02 emissions the US-China climate deal is trying to reduce. Read more
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For those peering into the void of climate leadership reflected in national election results: DO NOT DESPAIR! Here's a big bright spot right in our backyards. Read more
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In the immediate aftermath of Election 2014, our national media machine is greased with stories repeating that the prospects for action on climate have shrivelled to tiny proportions. Handy narrative by the fossil fuel industry to try and perpetuate, but it’s not true. Read more
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Business as usual ends, badly and soon. That's the gist of a new report from the IPCC. But the report also delivers important conclusions about how we can save ourselves through a transition to clean energy. Read more
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Climate issues are playing a role in elections in Florida and Michigan, Oregon solar panel factory announces expansion, banks shun Australian coal project, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Solar deals multiply, China’s coal consumption declines, carbon prices can include a mix of capping and taxing, and other stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Highlights from the Risky Business report Read more
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Abundant renewables drive coal off the grid in Scandinavia and the Baltics, new study shows fossil gas is no boon for the climate, activists blockade Australian coal port, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Out-of-state climate deniers launch effort to mislead Washingtonians about clean fuels choices, clean air and our prospects for economic independence. Read more -
On-the-ground urban carbon reduction strategies are essential with or without carbon pricing, as they are the bricks-and-mortar pathways to a low-carbon future. Read more
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Worldwide switch to clean power would save $1.8 trillion, rainforests store less carbon once they’re fragmented, WA carbon tax would pay steady dividends, and other stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Gov. Inslee floats a carbon tax as a solution to the state’s education funding problem, a coal mine sells for $2, mayors announce a nationwide climate action agenda, and other stories of the week in clean energy solutions Read more
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There's no telling what'll happen when world leaders meet in Paris next year for the 21st annual U.N. Climate Conference. But based on what went down in Manhattan last week, the time for global action on climate change is here. Read more
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Climate Week spurs new pledges from businesses, KLM to power its planes with a biofuel mix, Google and Facebook dump their ties to ALEC, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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More than 200 companies so far have joined the Oregon Business Climate Declaration's call for state action on climate, Signers so far include Intel, eBay, Symantec, Nike and Adidas. Read more
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The 400,000 People's Climate Marchers are right: the carbon bubble is beginning to pop. Coal is on the ropes, and those who have been resisting divestment are now kicking themselves for staying in too long. Oil and gas will lose their grip more slowly, but they will lose it. Read more -
Rockefeller family foundation to divest from the very fuels that built their fortune, U.S. Navy orders 100 million gallons of biofuels, novices build a wind generator from scratch, and more stories of the week in clean energy. Read more
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“Climate change?! That’s a global thing. Let the global people deal with it.” This is what we often hear from the fossil fuel interests and their allies when we propose bold climate solutions in the Northwest. It’s one of their many ways of saying, “It’s hopeless. Resistance is futile. Think about something else [… which, of course, people are understandably eager to do!]” Read more -
This weekend, tens of thousands of people are putting their lives on pause to be part of the largest-ever climate mobilization in New York. And for many, the reasons for being there are personal. Read more
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Three hours north of San Francisco, the haze thickens to soupy smoke. Through the closed car windows, the smell is unmistakable. It smells like global warming. Read more
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U.S. to curb carbon emissions from air travel, protestors block oil train north of Seattle, BP faces $18 billion penalty for Deepwater Horizon blow-out, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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Banks predict transformation for electric utilities, blunt warnings ahead in the IPCC report, power companies and regulators look for new pricing schemes, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. Read more
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It's worth celebrating that county and city leaders in the Northwest are up to the task of climate leadership. Read more -
Climate disruption is making history all around us, but it’s not the history we would choose to write. On September 21, we will take back the pen. We’ll make our mark for climate progress. Read more -
California flooded with proposals for grid storage; narrow escape from oil-spill disaster in Seattle; climate change impacts our mental health; and much more. Read more
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Yesterday, Kristin Eberhard of betterquest.org and Sightline published “There’s Plenty of Room at Hotel California” – a fantastic how-to for Oregon and Washington decision-makers looking to link with other states on pricing and limiting climate pollution. It’s a great read, and rather than challenge the cloying Eagles reference in the title, I decided to extend the trend. Read more
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Over 70 businesses have signed onto the Oregon Business Climate Declaration. Read more -
Carbon pollution is once again free Down Under, Minnesota cuts coal use by more than a third, boreal fires in Canada add fuel to climate change, Appalachia looks to a future beyond coal, and more. Read more
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Fifteen roadmaps to decarbonize the biggest carbon-emitting economies, Indian solar entrepreneurs electrifying rural villages, oil companies gambling trillions in exploration dollars, and much more. Read more -
Oregon and Washington businesses can help drive strong policy to confront the climate crisis; Hank Paulson visited Portland to talk about it. Read more -
In the Northwest Biocarbon Initiative’s second quarterly digest for 2014, we bring you the latest natural carbon storage news, research, and events. Read more
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As we near July 4th, it’s a perfect time to declare our independence from Big Oil! We have a real opportunity to declare independence from dirty oil by showing support for the Clean Fuels Program here in Oregon. Read more -
Why rooftop solar is only half the price in Germany and Australia as in the U.S., what impacts of climate change make people move away, and other top stories of the week in climate and clean energy. Read more
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Cities and counties are putting wind in the sails of state and federal climate efforts by working together toward solutions in low-carbon urban transportation, energy supply, and buildings. Read more -
Risky Business report counts the benefits of climate action, solar panels sprout in "community solar gardens," Berkeley considers climate warning labels at gas pumps, and more nuggets of climate and clean energy news. Read more -
President Obama is right: cynicism is toxic to climate solutions. But it can’t be cured just by naming it. He has to fight it. Read more
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Climate action is where we need a president to show, not tell. Read more
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The ins and outs of Obama’s carbon cap for power plants, a touching essay on the climate generation gap, a take-down of “Solar Freakin’ Roadways,” and much more. Read more
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Europe backs away from food-based biofuels, Google unveils self-driving cars, the race between a biker and Car2Go, and many more tales of climate and clean energy Read more -
Climate policy question #1 is simple: Will we put responsible limits on the largest sources of climate pollution? Read more -
California is saving lives and boosting its economy by capping carbon emissions and supporting clean fuels. Can't we do the same for Washington? Read more -
Renewables gain market share as prices drop, Royal Dutch Shell rebuffs 'stranded asset' worries, California cap-and-trade laid bare, and much more Read more -
In this week's ClimateCast: A Republican mayor pushes for a net-zero energy code, insurers place their bets on climate risk, rooftop solar makes strides in Bangladesh, and more news of the emerging clean energy economy. Read more
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This week's Years of Living Dangerously underscored the dangers we will increasingly face in the age of climate consequences--and the importance of defining the leadership we need to take us in the right direction. Read more
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In this week's ClimateCast: fossil fuels pose new risks for investors, Stanford divests from coal, China in climate talks with the U.S., prices for renewable electricity drop to parity with fossil gas, and much more. Read more
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More than 70 businesses, including fossil fuel giant Shell and utility EDF Energy, recently signed the "Trillion Tonne Communique," asking governments to put a price on carbon in order to limit emissions to one trillion metric tons (we're already more than halfway there). The ultimate goal is to make the world net-zero emissions by 2100. Sounds great. Read more
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In this week’s ClimateCast: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announces climate plan, New York utilities rethink their business model, pteropods succumbing to sour sea water, and more. Read more
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On April 29, Washington Governor Jay Inslee's Executive Order on climate change marked a big leap forward for West Coast climate leadership. Read more
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In this week’s ClimateCast: Climate politics shifting in renewables’ favor; a climate denier changes his stripes; Gov. Kitzhaber comes out against coal ports; and more. Read more -
Did the producers of the Showtime docu-series Years of Living Dangerously have to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement before airing their show? They should have, because it is profoundly disruptive to the ecosystem of denial. Read more -
One woman shares the story of her rise and fall – and rise again! – as a climate activist: What do an executive, a student, a tribal leader, an activist and a veteran have in common? They were all talking climate action back in February at Fortified! – a climate change storytelling event hosted by the Portland State University's Institute for Sustainable Solutions and in partnership with the City of Portland, Climate Solutions, Ecotrust, Oregon Environmental Council, Renewable Northwest, and the VOIS Alliance. Read more
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Try explaining to your grandkids that there was some other “reality” that trumped what we now know about the threats of climate change, and the solutions available to us. How real will politics seem to them, compared to what they’re up against? Read more
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Royal Dutch Shell joins Trillion-Ton Communiqué calling for timetable to zero net carbon; Kitimat, B.C., rejects oil terminal; IPCC calls for climate-conserving measures to start ASAP, and more. Read more -
On Earth Day—April 22—King County, WA voters should resoundingly pass Proposition 1 to keep Metro bus service at current levels, and send a strong message of support for our region’s environment, economy, and citizens. Read more -
In this week’s ClimateCast: IPCC moves to consider solutions, China leads world in clean energy investment, small-scale renewables gain ground, and much more. Read more -
The short 2014 Washington legislative session concluded on Thursday night, and centered on a single question: How will we prepare a better future for our children? Read more
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Last week, state legislators in Washington announced their budgets. The House budget was great news for climate solutions and the Priorities Coalition. However, the Senate budget dropped the ball. The House budget closed the Big Oil Tax Loophole. Will you thank your representatives in the House for standing up for our environment, health, safety, and economy? Read more -
Join a growing coalition of businesses and organizations supporting a clean fuels standard for Washington. Read more -
Governor John Kitzhaber stood up to Big Oil today, while standing with business, legislative and labor leaders in Salem to announce two actions on Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program. Read more -
“Confronting climate change and building equity in our community are inescapable, global responsibilities," says Dow Constantine. He has a vision for what King County can do to reduce carbon emissions and confront global warming. Read more -
In mid-January, during the State of Oregon’s “Legislative Days”, three business leaders in Oregon testified to the effects of climate change their industries are facing right now. Read more
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The State Department's latest review of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline proposal only proves Gandhi's dictum that "we must be the change we wish to see in the world." Read more
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Both California and Washington are making strong progress toward establishing a clean fuel standard. Read more -
Washington State has made great strides in clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy independence. But some legislators want to slow or reverse those advances by weakening the law which has made our progress possible—the Washington State Energy Independence Act, or I-937. Read more
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On one hand, the science news about our climate crisis is relentlessly sobering. It’s late, and we have so far to go. On the other hand, the momentum for solutions is building, and our climate movement is growing strong. Read more
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Washington State's Big Oil loophole was never intended to benefit oil companies; it serves no purpose except to divert tens of millions away from education and essential services, benefiting a massively profitable and polluting industry. Read more
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And they’re off! Monday marked the official start of the 2014 Washington State legislative session. Here's a preview of how Climate Solutions will be there, working to promote the clean energy economy and to reduce global warming pollution. Read more
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60 Minutes' mugging of the clean tech industry this week ignores the real story: the explosive growth in clean energy technologies, and the 97% success rate of federal clean energy loans. Read more
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In the short time since we formally launched our SAF program, we have had the opportunity to drive good policy and increase understanding of the opportunities, needs and specific actions required to support sustainable fuels in our region and around the world. Read more
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City sustainability directors face challenges in moving from bold greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals to achieving actual GHG reduction. Examples of strategies and tactics in energy efficiency, distributed renewable energy, and low-carbon transportation are available to emulate but creating a locally tailored package of actions that “adds up” to meet a long-term reduction goal requires some elbow grease. Read more
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Fossil fuel companies are trotting out another round of warmed over allegations that climate policy, in particular a clean fuels standard, is unworkable and will crash the economy. They’re running up against a difficult opponent: reality. Read more
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While the West Coast climate pact announced by Governors Inslee, Kitzhaber, and Brown and British Columbia Premier Clark on October 28 focused on state policy, it has everything to do with cities. Read more
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While much of the media attention of the state legislature session focused on the near government shutdown and the budget negotiations, the legacy of the 2013 Washington State legislative session may ultimately come down to the very first bill signed into law—Governor Inslee’s Climate Action Bill. Read more
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The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to pass the Seattle Climate Action Plan this past Monday, resolving to pursue a broad set of strategies to achieve the city's long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Read more -
Through a community-wide investment in wind power, a rural county in Oregon is earning millions of dollars to build their economy, cutting carbon and demonstrating that clean energy is both practical and profitable. Read more -
On February 15, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ Green Communities Division announced the first six grantees of the Community Energy Strategies Pilot Program, a $500,000 state program to help local communities identify and implement strategies in energy efficiency and renewable energy to meet their local energy needs. Read more
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Working with numerous Northwest cities over the past four years, the New Energy Cities team has learned many lessons about how cities can accelerate the adoption of climate-smart, clean energy solutions. However, none was more instructive than the need for setting a clear, aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction with metrics. I know how process-heavy this sounds, but stay with me because this is really important. Read more -
A team of partners is developing the greenest commercial building in the world, with market-rate office space that will demonstrate what’s possible and accelerate demand for sustainable design and products. Read more -
The New Energy Cities joined close to 200 Oregon mayors and city managers in Bend, OR on January 22, 2013 at the Oregon Governor’s Cutting Edge Communities Symposium. Read more -
Cities account for 70 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which means that helping cities tackle GHG reduction is mission critical. At the New Energy Cities program, we work with small- to medium-sized Northwest cities to reduce carbon emissions by accelerating climate-smart, clean energy solutions in eco-mobility, renewable energy, highly efficient and intelligent buildings, and smart grid technology. Here’s our approach: Read more -
Climate and clean energy policies are a boon to Massachusetts economy. Read more
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Of late, a rising set of rational Republican voices can be heard affirming the assessment of 95 percent of the scientific community that the earth is warming at an alarming rate due to burning fossil fuels. Read more
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In Spokane, a public performing arts center held great potential for energy efficiency upgrades given its age. Watch how improving the efficiency of the facility reduced the amount of electricity and natural gas used, thus helping to offset rising energy prices. Read more
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There is indisputable proof that the efforts of the countries that agreed to abide by the Kyoto Protocol are succeeding. In 2008, the signatory parties to the Kyoto Protocol reduced their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 6.3% below 1990 levels. In contrast, the United States’ carbon footprint in 2008 was 16% higher than 1990. Read more
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Austin, Texas sets the bar for local governments engaged in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
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Energy efficiency, unlike many renewable energy technologies, is cost-effective today. The challenges are institutional not technological or financial and therefore require rethinking our financing structures, our utility models, and the role cities can play in creating the necessary conditions for massive energy efficiency. Read more
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