New Sightline Podcast
Energy Efficiency: The Low-Hanging Fruit

Open a newspaper these days and it's hard to avoid new claims about cutting-edge technological innovations that could revolutionize the way we use energy. But we don't have to wait for a new technological "silver bullet."

In this six-minute podcast, Sightline Research Director Clark Williams-Derry discusses how technology we already have—like caulk guns, fuel-efficient cars, and high-efficiency furnaces—can help us significantly reduce our energy consumption.

But in tough economic times, many families can’t afford the efficiency upgrades that will ultimately lower their energy bills. For one solution, look to Berkeley, California’s energy efficiency loan program, which provides local families and businesses with the upfront capital to make efficiency upgrades.

Find out more by listening to Sightline’s newest podcast; then check out the online Cascadia Scorecard energy indicator to find out how the Northwest is doing on energy use.

Listen to the Podcast

Teen birth rates rise throughout the Northwest

New findings from this year’s Cascadia Scorecard reveal some surprising trends. After decades of relatively stability, Northwest birthrates have been on the rise since 2005. What's troubling is that teen birthrates have increased for the second year in a row after a decade of decline. Read more on Sightline’s Daily Score.

More posts on the Cascadia Scorecard:

• Easing off the Gas: Per capita gas sales in the Northwest are at their lowest since 1965.
  
• NW Grades Are In: Sightline's Cascadia Scorecard is now available as an online resource.
  
• Record Fuel Spending in 2008: Fossil fuel imports cost Northwest states almost $30 billion last year.

Have your own blog? Facebook page? You can help Sightline by linking to our video, blog series, or charts.

Featured blog post:
Sightline and the Obama Administration

It's almost like going to Washington, DC ourselves. Almost.

Also from the Daily Score: