TriMet using hawks to stop poop from 10,000 crows
The regional transit agency spends $1.5 million a year cleaning up the transit mall in Portland.
Winter could put state highways on a low-salt diet
ODOT, cities expect to use more salt this year if snow and ice become a big problem; study found use of salt did not attract wildlife to roadways.
Sacked: Lake Oswego bans single-use plastic bags
Ordinance includes a 10-cent pass-through fee to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags
More wildfires, droughts and extreme weather in store for Oregon
Climate change is already impacting nearly every aspect of life in Oregon, from respiratory health to the state's agriculture and fisheries, according to a new federal report
EARTHTALK: Leaf blowers
Dear EarthTalk: When will those gasoline-driven leaf blowers that gardeners use be outlawed? The noise and toxic fumes they emit can't be good for us.- Judy, via email
Lily, beloved elephant, dies
Oregon Zoo officials believe the young elephant developed a fast-acting virus on Thursday and died Friday.
EARTHTALK: Avoiding synthetics in our food
Dear EarthTalk: What are PFASs and why should we be concerned about them?- -Jim Stobbins, Cary, NC
Sustainable Life
State upholds approval of Grand Ronde fishing platform
Department of State Lands said concerns raised by the other tribes and PGE deserve consideration.
Varoom! Commission revs up highway toll plan
Federal agency must sign off on proposal to toll traffic on sections of I-5 and I-205 through Portland
Audit flags problems with Portland's environmental agency
The audit reports 36 percent of the city's green streets are outside the areas with the highest risk of sewer backups and…
New Electric Avenue planned for Eastport Plaza
PGE plans to install up to six new Electric Avenues across the region to help boost electrified vehicle use.
Six hospitalized after possible 'toxic exposure' at Intel
Twice in the past week, first responders have been called to the company's Ronler Acres campus.
Oil company's request draws new concerns over oil spills
Citing concern from community and key stakeholders, Port of Columbia County says workshop needed
Volunteers restore river habitat near Damascus
Removal of ivy and other invasive species will open room next spring for a planting
A monarch movement at Mary S. Young?
West Linn-area groups, residents and students team up to create pollinator garden near dog park
Extreme weather experienced here in 2015 will become…
Federal study warns of failure to take action on climate change, and suggests communities plan to be more resilient.
ODFW OK'd to kill 93 sea lions a year at Willamette Falls
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says California sea lions are eating too many salmonids.
Steel Bridge a 'chokepoint' for 40-minute ferry service
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler wants to fund Susan Bladholm's Frog Ferry boat to Vancouver, Washington.
EPA plans formal meeting with Willamette River polluters to…
Dec. 4 gathering in Portland comes nearly two years after EPA issued its $1 billion Portland Harbor cleanup plan, and nine…
EARTHTALK: The future of plastics
Dear EarthTalk: Considering all the well-publicized problems with plastic in our oceans, do you think that plastic has any…
More anhydrous ammonia, a 'colorless gas with pungent,…
A Midwest company will use the Rivergate Terminal to export the fertilizer component to Asian markets.
ODFW OK'd to kill 93 sea lions a year at Willamette Falls
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says California sea lions are eating too many salmonids.
So long, e-scooters, but maybe not for long
Portland's pilot project with battery-powered scooters ends, but a second project may be in store for 2019.
Police investigate 20 birds found dead near Hillsboro
Oregon State Police are investigating after nearly two dozen birds were found dead in a field.
Mirror Lake Trailhead opens in new home
Mount Hood area residents, officials celebrate relocation, reopening of popular hiking spot
Study: NW forests will weather climate change better than…
Doug firs in Western Oregon and Washington are less vulnerable to fire and drought for next three decades, until conditions…
Lack of ferry means trouble in river city, backers say
Oregon Transportation Commissioners hear first report on Frog Ferry concept on Friday, Nov. 16.
Happy America Recycles Day, Oregon - but you're failing to…
Recycling rate has been down in all parts of the state in recent years, though, surprisingly, it may have gone up a bit in…
Portland votes to restrict use of plastic straws, stirrers
City Council is poised to adopt a 'by request' policy for restaurants, bars - even schools and hospitals - before patrons…
Can a river ferry relieve traffic? Proposal hopes for green…
Ambitious plan to move hundreds between Vancouver and Portland encouraged by local and state leaders
ODFW: Someone may be feeding coyotes that attacked 2 kids
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife not planning on tracking or trapping beasts in SW Portland.
National Parks backing Willamette Falls as National…
Next step is to write legislation that will be introduced to U.S. Congress in 2019
Polar bears, chimpanzees and rhinos: Your time has come
Ten years after voters approved a $125-million construction bond, the Oregon Zoo has entered a final round of projects.
E-scooter company fined for pilot program rules violations
City says Skip didn't put enough scooters in East Portland during local test run
Energy Trust seeks partners to devise innovative solar…
The nonprofit is offering grants to community groups and those working in affordable housing
Waste Management retains landfill contract for Portland…
Metro will ink renewed contracts to haul much of region's garbage, by truck, to Eastern Oregon landfill.
Two Oregon companies fined for mishandling hazardous waste
Department of Environmental Quality issues about $120,000 in combined penalties to Patheon Development Services and Univar…
Tracking down beaver dams
The Wetlands Conservancy, a statewide group based in Tualatin, pinpoints them on its preserves, to help monitor where they…
EARTHTALK: Fall colors
New England's beautiful fall foliage may shift north of the Canadian border due to climate change.
City Council considers plastic straw ban on Wednesday
Portland may need to 'stop sucking' if a proposal to limit use of plastic straws is passed.
EcoTip: Hot water
How to cut your carbon emissions and reduce your water-heating bill, from the Center for Earth Leadership
Caring for our river
Molalla River Watch has had a busy spring and summer as it looks to new projects in the future
Cheers erupt as results show clean energy fund tax passing…
Portland will have a Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund through a 1 percent retail gross receipts tax on large…
Paper instead of plastic
Portland lab owned by Swedish company BillerudKorsnÍs creates paper replacements for plastic packaging
EARTHTALK:Floating plastic islands
Dear EarthTalk: What are we doing about getting rid of all the plastic floating in the ocean and forming giant gyres far…
Four governors join Brown's call to retain federal air and…
Five legislatures would have to approve adopting federal standards pre-Trump into their respective state laws.
Pioneers in sustainability take a bow
Jeanne and Dick Roy retire as leaders of earth-friendly living; they have led or helped lead local organizations and…
Portland developer building affordable homes from recycled…
Prototype model of shipping container house shows what will soon be for sale in St. Helens
EARTHTALK: Is hand sanitizer counterproductive?
Dear EarthTalk: A friend recently told me that when her family stopped using hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes all the time, they stopped…
Land protection program purchases Corbett property
The district purchased the blueberry, raspberry and blackberry farm on Sept. 20. The land is along approximately 100-feet of an unnamed tributary to…
Researchers say NW dodged trouble from algae on quake debris
International study led by OSU found dozens of new algal species threatened to take root after riding ocean from Japan to Oregon and Washington.
Armentrout takes new job as BPA's VP of Enviroment, Fish and…
New exec comes to BPA from the U.S. Forest Service in Montrose, Colorado, where he's served as a forest supervisor.
Federal grants boost local sustainable projects
Companies in Marion County, Portland and across the region use the USDA money to boost or expand their businesses.
Zoo butterfly lab busy with 'egg-citing' season
When the weather grows warmer, the zoo and its conservation partners release butterfly pupae along the Oregon Coast.
Forest service seeks public input on rivers plan
Community asked to help define values of nine scenic streams in Mt. Hood National Forest
Pipeline will connect hatchery fish with more water
Construction on the project at the Clackamas Hatchery in Estacada is expected to begin next spring
Festival focuses on the fungus among us
Annual educational event next month will feature information, demonstrations about mushrooms
Locals offer support for Oregon bees
Yamhill County residents volunteer to collect overdue data concerning Oregon bee health and species
EPA proposes reducing Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup plan
Environmental agency now says one pollutant in the harbor is not as dangerous as previously believed.
Husband-and-wife team honored for decades of contributions to…
Jeanne and Dick Roy are passing the torch to younger leaders of the Eco-School Movement they started.
EARTHTALK: What the bus? I thought trains were the greenest…
Dear EarthTalk: I always assumed the train was the greenest form of mass transit, but a friend told me I would be better off taking the bus. Could…
Attention Portland: It's free compost week!
Need some free compost? The Bureau of Transportation in Portland will give you as much as you want.
Water Bureau using 100% Bull Run water again
The Water Bureau is no longer blending in water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field.
Multnomah County stormwater mangement invites comments
After the commenting period is over, the report will be submitted to the Oregon DEQ.
Work starts on bridge near Leach garden
The original bridge had become a headache for Portland Bureau of Transportation crews, who were constantly working to stabilize the span to limit…
Turning bark into a bench
An 85-foot Douglas fir will be transformed into public art for one of the planned waysides along Boones Ferry Road
Clean out your garage, storage room
Annual fall cleanup lets you get rid of bulky waste and recycle hard-to-recycle items
Portland one of Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge…
Other winning cities announced on Wednesday that will receive up to $2.5 million each are Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose.
Determining look of French Prairie Bridge
Suspension and cable-stayed are the least obtrusive options for bike/pedestrian bridge across the Willamette River
Fall weather perfect for tree planting
Brighten up your yard, provide shade and habitat with these suggested varieties
PGE to open new Electric Avenue EV charging center in Hillsboro
PGE's original Electric Avenue - located at its World Trade Center headquarters - has charged more than 1.25 million miles of electric driving since…
Troutdale opts out of banning plastic bags
Councilors defer decision to state legislature or Metro regional government.
Fostering a forest
Community forest grant from the U.S. Forest Service will help nurture nature project in Eagle Creek
Pacific Power offers cash grants for EV infrastructure
Organizations applying for grants must apply by Nov. 15, but other grant-funding cycles will follow.
EARTHTALK: Lending a hand to access public land
Dear EarthTalk: Are Any Environmental Groups Working Specifically To Increase Access To Nature And The Outdoors?-Mary Pelletier, Macon, GA
Buehler invested in tax credits that became state scandal
Records show that Knute Buehler and his wife bought $100,000 in business energy tax credits.
Students help schools turn greener
City program supports growing sustainability across every Gresham school district
Gorge bike, walking trail reopens
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area moves closer to economic recovery
New Seasons takes steps to reduce plastic bags, other containers…
Zippered bags are now being used for its own products, and customers can bring in any reusable container for their use and get a nickel back.
Report: Clean Energy Fund could cost up to $79M
An economists' report says an ambiguous definition of 'retail' in the measure could pull in more than twice as much cash as supporters have claimed.
Tainted state energy tax credit program cleans up its act
State auditors say small but significant steps aid in putting program back on the right track.
Grand Ronde moves forward with fishing platform at falls
Tribe begins site prep work Oct. 1 despite PGE warning about trespassing on property
River upgrades power increase in fish runs
Portland General Electric biologists report more fish returning to Clackamas River from the ocean
Agency wants more money, staff to protect drinking water
Small water districts serving about 15,500 Oregonians could be focus or new fee, inspections
EARTHTALK: Monarch flutters on edge of extinction
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that the Monarch butterfly is on the brink of extinction? How did we let that happen?-Alex Degeneres, Cincinnati, OH
Itching to work outdoors?
When you're done raking leaves, consider a free workshop this fall on gardening and landscaping
Brown tries political end-run to lock in environmental rules
Governor asks Legislature to adopt current regulations so feds can't alter them
Momentum builds in campaign against diesel pollution
Growing grass-roots pressure leads to victories at the city of Portland, Multnomah County, TriMet, and, perhaps, at Oregon Legislature.
Time to refrain from using woodstoves if air quality is poor
Multnomah County's Wood Smoke Ordinance took effect this week, and lasts through March 1.
River upgrades power increase in fish runs
Portland General Electric biologists report more fish returning to Clackamas River from the ocean
Statistician tells lawmakers extreme weather rise is myth
GOP lawmaker brings in right-wing mathematician to testify against state's proposed cap and trade bill.
Fix your stuff for free!
And check out a host of environmentally themed exhibits and booths at the annual sustainability fair in Garden Home
EARTHTALK: Applying lessons of ozone depletion to global warming
Dear EarthTalk: You never hear anything about ozone depletion anymore. Have we solved this problem and if so why can't we get a handle on global…
TriMet pledges to shift away from diesel buses
Strategy would give transit agency all battery-electric fleet by the year 2040.
Want a free tree for your Portland yard?
City to give away hundreds of large trees for people to plant at their homes, especially those in East Portland.
West Linn sustainability board plans lecture series
'People care about these topics and want to take some kind of action themselves, but oftentimes aren't sure where they can start.'
World Forestry Center gets new boss
Joseph Furia named executive director of Portland nonprofit, just as it prepares to host 14th-annual conference
Oregon could produce one-fifth of its natural gas with renewable…
State Department of Energy issues report charting the potential for developing the industry here.
Need to rent an electric tricycle? BIKETOWN now offers 2
The max speed of the e-trikes is 20 miles per hour, according to Adaptive BIKETOWN.
Business, government sustainability specialists convene for Go…
Annual all-day conference brings together practitioners in public and private sectors.
EARTHTALK: Sustainable ranching comes of age
Dear EarthTalk: I know that ranchers and environmentalists have traditionally been at odds, but what are some ways they are working together these…
Depaved! Boise-Eliot/Humboldt gets greener playground
The only majority-black public school in Portland is ripping up 8,800 square feet of asphalt.
EcoFilm Fest returns to Portland
Films explore beavers, communicating with dolphins, cave art in France and other environmental themes.
'A return of part of our lives'
Grand Ronde tribe celebrates approval of fishing scaffold that will be placed at Willamette Falls
Help protect vital wetlands
Wetlands & Wellies, the annual fundraiser for The Wetlands Conservancy, comes Oct. 14 to Southeast Portland.
City and county move to eliminate 'dirty diesel' engines on…
Portland, Multnomah County hope other governments, and then the state, will enact tougher regulations as well.
The price of Oregon's failed cougar management
State initiative to ban use of hounds to hunt cougars has led to growth in the predator's numbers.
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