Research & Publications
Sightline's research program focuses on two efforts: monitoring progress toward sustainability in the Northwest and identifying the most important solutions for the region to adopt.
Sightline's work covers a variety of sustainability topics. For other recent work visit Sightline Daily or the Cascadia Scorecard.
- Latest Research
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Report
Northwest Ocean Acidification
Every day, oceans do us a huge favor by absorbing about a third of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities. But as we burn more fossil fuels and clear forests, our oceans absorb more and become more acidic. The result is water that's potentially lethal to a large swath of creatures that play a huge role in aquatic ecosystems, the Northwest economy, and our dinner plates. -
Report
Toll Avoidance and Transportation Funding
As the Northwest prepares major highway projects--the replacement I-5 bridge of the Columbia River, the replacement SR 520 bridge across Lake Washington, and Seattle's deep-bore tunnel--tolling has an increasingly significant roll to play in project financing. Yet a review of the literature shows that when it comes to predicting traffic volumes and revenue from newly-tolled roads, official projections are often overly-optimistic. This is especially true of highways with un-tolled alternative routes nearby. -
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Coal Export FAQ
Answers to some common questions about economics, health, and pollution with regard to coal exports in the Northwest, including: why care about coal exports and are coal terminals good neighbors? -
Report
Peak Gas: NW Gas Consumption Stalled in 1999
Gasoline consumption in Oregon and Washington increased slightly in 2010, and sales held steady in the first part of 2011. But minor year-to-year fluctuations mask a more important trend: despite steady increases in population, volatile gas prices, and both surges and lulls in the region's economy, gasoline use has remained essentially flat since 1999. -
Report
Coal Export: A History of Failure for Western Ports
Communities in Oregon and Washington are weighing the prospect of coal export facilities. Proponents of shipping American coal to Asia argue that coal will bring significant economic benefits to the region. In this research memo, we examine the risks of coal markets, review the history of coal exports on the West Coast, and evaluate the employment dimensions of coal terminals.