Climate & Energy
All of Sightline's research, maps, and publications on Cascadia's energy system, its impacts, and how the region can become cleaner and more secure.
How is the Northwest doing at creating a cost-effective, climate-friendly energy system? How can our region become true climate heroes? That's what Sightline's energy research is aimed at, through initiatives such as our climate policy project, and our blog series on Climate Fairness.
Also see our Energy indicator from the Cascadia Scorecard project.
- Research & Publications
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Report
Widening Roads: Short-term Traffic Relief, Long-term Emissions Increase
Adding lanes to a highway will increase road emissions and total global warming emissions over the long term -- even if it reduces congestion over the short term. -
Report
Coal Exports From Canada
Virtually all coal exported by Canada is exported from just three ports in British Columbia. Most of it went to Asia, but in recent years very little US coal has been actually been exported through BC ports. Several of the ports are planning to expand their coal capacity, yet even with this additional capacity BC’s existing coal ports could not come close to serving the volumes of Powder River Basin coal planned for Washington’s ports.
- Solutions
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Cap and Dividend
Cap and dividend is a comprehensive policy solution for climate change. Large carbon-emitting firms like coal plants or oil companies pay for the right to pollute by purchasing annual carbon permits at public auction--the revenue of which is returned to residents on a per-capita basis. -
Prevent Pollution Before It Happens
A new twist on an old idea can multiply the reuse and recycling of materials and encourage manufacturers to eliminate pollution before it happens.
- Resources
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Organization
NW Energy Coalition
Alliance of 100+ businesses and environmental, civic, and human service organizations in the Northwest. Promotes development of green energy, conservation, consumer protection, low-income energy assistance, and more. An excellent policy portal. http://www.nwenergy.org -
Organization
Rocky Mountain Institute
RMI emphasizes market-based solutions which foster the efficient and sustainable use of resources to make the world secure and prosperous. They provide education, research and consulting on topics including energy, water, climate and many others. http://www.rmi.org