BPA announces intention to split with California and join new Southwest energy market Large utilities are concerned that if BPA is removed from the Western power pool, it will drive up prices across the region and create expensive inefficiencies Monday, March 17, 2025FROM THE OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLEby Alex Baumhardt OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE–-The nonprofit federal administration…
U.S. pauses Columbia River water-sharing negotiations with Canada amid Trump threats Canada controls the flow of the Northwest’s largest river from its headwaters in British Columbia, ensuring enough water is sent downstream to meet U.S. hydropower needs Monday, March 17, 2025FROM THE OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLEby Alex Baumhardt The nations were trying to finalize updates to…
The possibility of a modern-day Mosquito Fleet is under discussion in the Washington Legislature, but it’s unclear if there’ll be the cash to launch. Saturday, February 22, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Tom Banse People who live on Puget Sound islands painted an enticing vision for the Washington Legislature this week of a modern-day Mosquito…
Friday, February 7, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jake Goldstein-Street Washington was in line to receive $71 million for chargers along I-5 and other roads. But the U.S. Department of Transportation says it will revamp the program. WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–The Trump administration on Thursday told states it was blocking money for electric vehicle chargers,…
Thursday, February 6, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jerry Cornfield A citizen panel approved hikes of 16% for legislators and 14% for the governor spread over two years. Increases kick in July 1, barring a referendum. WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–Washington’s governor, attorney general and state lawmakers are in line for hefty pay raises in the…
Wednesday, February 5, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jake Goldstein-Street WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–Washington was locked out of about $150 million in federal funding for solar projects focused on low-income communities last week as the Trump administration paused clean energy grants. Last April, the federal Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7 billion to 60 recipients, including $156 million…
Tuesday, February 4, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jerry Cornfield There’s bipartisan support for allowing other manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles, like Rivian and Lucid, to do so. Car dealers have been opposed. WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–Washington wants more electric vehicles on the road. It’s offered generous incentives for EV buyers and set deadlines barring new…
Monday, January 27, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jerry Cornfield For years, Washington governors and their “designees” have enjoyed easy access to the House chamber. That ended Friday. WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is going to have a little more difficulty getting his staff inside the chamber of the state House of Representatives…
There are growing concerns that the state is shortchanging special education, while at the same time districts face rising costs for daily operations and supplies. Friday, January 24, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jerry Cornfield Lawmakers have begun another hard conversation on what it may cost the state to amply fund basic education in public…
Friday, January 17, 2025FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDby Jerry Cornfield The state boosted spending to comply with a ruling in the landmark McCleary case, but the public schools chief says it hasn’t kept up. WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation…
Tuesday, December 31, 2024by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero and Bill Lucia WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD, Olympia–New restrictions on cosmetics tested on animals, tougher penalties for negligent drivers, requirements for hospitals to offer drugs to people possibly exposed to HIV. These are among the changes in Washington state law set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Washington state lawmakers passed…
