Too Far North Productions and The Lands Council invite citizens who are concerned about the negative impacts of “Fracking” to attend this free screening of film, Gasland Part II, on September 24th at 7:00pm. This is the follow-up to the Oscar Nominated Gasland. Filmmaker Josh…
Rehabilitating and reusing historic buildings can help municipalities, building owners and developers meet important objectives ranging from preserving local character, to encouraging green building, revitalization, and construction. But what about the challenges in bringing older buildings "Up to Code" - how can these projects work…
On the day of his second Inauguration, in January, Barack Obama delivered an address of unabashed liberal ambition and promise. As recently as early April, before the realities of the world and the House of Representatives made themselves painfully evident, the President retained the confidence…
The University of Idaho is blazing the trail for fire ecology programs across the nation. The program received national academic certification by the Association for Fire Ecology. UI’s program is one of the first fire degree programs to receive the national certification and will serve…
It's time to pull up a classic DTE video as school is back in session and I've seen a lot of students riding around town without helmets and lights. Let's revisit some safety rules. The Bicycle Alliance Of Washington is an extensive resource. But there's…
As part of their ongoing coverage of Northwest coal exports, Sightline broke down where investments matter in terms of job production. Coal doesn't fair to well. Here are some more thoughts on the matter of jobs: Peabody Energy, SSA Marine and Goldman Sachs want to…
Good news from Philip Small at Spokane Permaculture: It’s no longer a question of if, but when, a community food forest will be established in Spokane. The Inland Northwest Food Forest Council is working with the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department to locate…
Have you ever heard of Council Connection? It's a monthly cable television program featuring Spokane City Council members as hosts. It's sort of like Wayne's World meets C-SPAN, making Spokane the only place where you'll find such a program. The next edition of “Council Connection,”…
Given some of the discussion on turning Main Ave in downtown Spokane into a two-way street, this new tool called Streetmix is perfectly timed. Consider it a practive for what you want your built environment, streetscapes, and elements for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians to look…
The Seventh Annual Dirty Martinis for Clean Water Fundraising Event is on for Friday, September 13th. I think I'm safe in assuming you like your martinis dirty and your water clean so, yes, this event is for you. This year the location is different, on…
Yogi Berra put it best: "it's like déjà vu all over again." The second proposed coal export facility in Washington - the first being Cherry Point - is getting more attention now as Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview wants to build and operate a terminal…
I have a friend named Andrew. When we were younger, he would swing his arms like a windmill yelling "here comes Hurricane Andrew!" and I would run away from his flying fists. This certainly impacted his development as years later, he would drink excessively and…
What's a better way to spend a Monday night than at a Spokane City Council meeting? Especially, when the future of a clean Spokane River is on the table. Tonight, council will consider a proposed new ordinance that would encourage property owners and developers to…
Over the years I’ve been asked many times about how to get into environmental journalism, or, alternately, how to save environmental journalism. The answer is always: I have no f’ing idea. For one thing, as I mentioned the other day, my path into professional journalism…
Props to the City of Spokane has they received an excellence award for its integrated solid waste management system by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). The award will be presented at SWANA’s annual conference on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Long Beach, California.…
The makeover continues at Riverfront Park as Avista launches a three-month project to improve two of my favorite spots in Spokane: the iconic, art-deco Upper Falls Powerhouse and the City's Theme Stream Bridge on the west edge of Riverfront Park. This will include repainting the…
As part of the video series in The User's Guide to Energy special report, check this edition on what goes into crude oil. It's short so for a more detailed look, you can read Kyle Thetford's analysis in The Atlantic.
The public is invited to comment on proposed changes to state air quality standards for specific pollutants so they align with federal standards. The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking comments about incorporating the updated standards in Washington’s federally required State Implementation Plan. The plan…
Climate Progress compiled a list of a few of our favorite things that are impacted by climate change. When we usually talk about carbon pollution, the data centers around rising seas but this is a different kind of list. "These things can seem distant and…
Check out this graphic which takes on how modern farming techniques and government subsidies have changed corn and the health effects. From Take Part: So where do the corn growers get all of that dough? A lot of it is doled out in the massive…
“Lights! Lights!” The amber flashers of the first pilot truck in a convoy bearing a gigantic piece of processing gear destined for the oil sands of Alberta, Canada rounded a distant corner in the darkness at the edge of the Nez Perce Reservation. The cry…
David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work is nearing the end of its run at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. The last day will be Sunday, August 25 after which it will be packed up and shipped to the Washington State Historical Museum in…
It's hard to believe but almost two years ago, our dear friend Michael Chappell passed away. An avid golfer, it makes sense we celebrate his life and keep his message and memory alive with a day on the greens, August 24th. Two organizations will be…
I try not to be TOO glib and mention celeberties throwing their weight behind environmental issues but I have to make an exception for Julia Louis-Dreyfus because she's forever Elaine Benes to me. So I'm convinced. No tar sands for you!