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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.