• Climate Change a Top Priority for Washington Gov. Inslee
• Source: Seattle Times   |   Washington state   |   March 18, 2013
• Inslee talks about climate change all the time. He discussed it in his inaugural address, during most of his news conferences, when introducing a bill on the issue in the state House and Senate, even in announcing his choice for transportation secretary.
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• Which Cities Are Most Energy-Efficient?
• Source: USA Today   |   Nation   |   March 15, 2013
• Of the 10 U.S. cities with the most Energy Star buildings, half are located in the Midwest or South.
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• California Earthquake Showcases Merits of Early Warning System
• BY: McClatchy News   |   California   |   March 14, 2013
• The Monday quake, centered about 35 miles south of Palm Springs, was a successful test of an early warning system researchers have been working to perfect.

• Wisconsin Governor Signs Iron Mining Law
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Wisconsin   |   March 12, 2013
• Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law the controversial bill that relaxes permitting requirements for iron mining in the state. Lawsuits are expected to be filed against the state over the changes.

• 45 State Officials Have Ties to Fracking Industry in Pa.
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Pennsylvania   |   March 12, 2013
• Many of the state's policymakers and regulators have come from or go straight to jobs in the oil and gas industry they oversee, according to a report that questions the impacts of such a "revolving door" on public policy decisions.
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• California's Environmental Law Polluted with Abuse
• Source: Los Angeles Times   |   California   |   March 11, 2013
• The California Environmental Quality Act, signed into law by Gov. Ronald Reagan, is being used for unintended purposes and needs fixing.

• Wisconsin Passes Mining Bill, Groups Vow Lawsuits
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Wisconsin   |   March 8, 2013
• A newly passed bill in Wisconsin relaxes environmental and permitting regulations to pave the way for a new mining in the state. Several groups have vowed to fight new mining in court.

• State Regulators Want Insurers Better Prepared for Climate Change
• BY: Dylan Scott   |   Nation   |   March 8, 2013
• Most insurance companies aren’t adequately preparing for the challenges of climate change, according to a new report, but they are still well-positioned to take the lead on the issue and become vocal advocates in statehouses and on Capitol Hill.

• Disposable Bag Fees, Bans Being Considered in Several States
• Source: Washington Post   |   Nation   |   March 8, 2013
• Maryland, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Vermont or Washington could become the first state to impose a charge for disposable bags this year. Meanwhile, at least six states -- Arkansas, California, Florida, New Jersey, Oregon and Rhode Island -- are considering banning all disposable bags.

• Illinois' Fracking Deal May be National Model
• Source: AP/Quad-City Times   |   Illinois   |   March 8, 2013
• The Illinois model might also offer a template to other states seeking to carve out a middle ground between energy companies that would like free rein and environmental groups that want to ban the practice entirely.
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• Maximizing the Value of Infrastructure
• BY: Stephen Goldsmith   |   March 5, 2013
• To realize the most long-term value, governments must take a sensible approach to asset management.

• To Aid Utah's Air Pollution Problem, Leaders Promote Natural Gas
• Source: Salt Lake Tribune   |   Utah   |   March 5, 2013
• After weeks of protests and criticism over pollution and inversions, Gov. Gary Herbert and legislative leaders unveiled several bills that aim to increase the number of natural-gas powered vehicles.

• California Governor Seeks to Spread State's Green Practices
• BY: McClatchy News   |   California   |   March 4, 2013
• California is a leader on the environment, but it needs other states -- and nations -- on board to keep down economic costs.

• Environmental Impact Study of Keystone Pipeline Released
• Source: The Daily Nebraskan   |   Nation   |   March 4, 2013
• The news gives President Barack Obama a political shield if he chooses to approve the pipeline in the coming months.

• Genetically Modified Food Fight Heads to Minnesota
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Minnesota   |   March 1, 2013
• Newly introduced legislation in Minnesota requiring labeling on all genetically engineered foods could set up a battle similar to the one waged in California over Proposition 37.