Oregon - Research & Publications

11/07/2011
Backgrounder

Ocean Acidification in Two Pages (PDF)

As humans emit excessive carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, our oceans become more acidic--causing harm to the basic organisms that make up the ocean's complex marine ecosystem. This backgrounder outlines the problem of ocean acidification in the context of the Pacific Northwest. It includes the impacts happening in the region now as well as steps we can take to fix the problem.

11/03/2011
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.

09/16/2011
Page

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?

09/12/2011
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.

09/06/2011
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.

06/30/2010
Report

Shifting Gears: Despite struggling economy, NW gasoline use ticks up

Despite a sputtering economy, Northwest drivers used more gasoline in 2009, reversing a decade-long trend of declining personal gas consumption. British Columbia saw a startling 10 percent increase in per-capita gasoline consumption.

06/24/2010
Report

Northwest Wildlife Icons Still at Risk

According to Sightline's Cascadia Scorecard several of the region's wildlife icons are still at risk. Overall, gains for salmon, orcas, and wolves outweighed declines in caribou and sage-grouse, pushing the index to an all-time high. Still, more progress is needed.

02/04/2010
Page

A Better BETC (PDF)

Sightline's recommendations for improving Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit include keeping BETC strong, extending the sunset of credits, and building in accountability.

01/07/2010
Page

Climate Policy: Fair and Effective Solutions

What makes smart climate policy? How can we be sure it is fair, effective, and efficient? Read primers, fact sheets, and reports on how to do climate policy right.

01/07/2010
Article by Sightline

Vancouver Is Cascadia's Greenest City, Who Is Second?

Monday, Seattle inaugurated a new, ultra-green mayor, which got me thinking comparatively. Which of the three largest Cascadian cities is the greenest? Not in plans and intentions and declarations but in facts?

07/07/2009
Report

Cap and Trade 101: A Climate Policy Primer

In Cap and Trade 101: A Climate Policy Primer, Sightline sorts out the details on what's emerging as the most popular and comprehensive policy solution to the enormous challenge of climate change. Sightline's primer also looks at current bills, such as the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

07/01/2009
Report

Easing Off the Gas: Northwesterners Using Less Gasoline

Total gasoline consumption in the Northwest states fell by 180 million gallons between 2007 and 2008. Per-capita use followed a decade-long trend of decline. The Northwest states are outpacing the rest of the nation by nearly 10 percent.

06/29/2009
Report

Economic Insecurity: Tougher Conditions for the Middle Class

New census data shows one in six northwestern children live in poverty. Sightline's economic index reveals ordinary families have made virtually no progress in two decades. Oregon's families are especially feeling the pinch.

03/18/2009
Report

Green-Collar Jobs: Realizing the Promise

Green-collar jobs—jobs dedicated to saving energy, producing renewable energy, or reducing pollution—can speed progress on two deeply rooted problems at once: easing our dependence on climate-warming fossil fuels and fostering lasting, broadly shared economic prosperity.

11/24/2008
Video

Our Chance at a Clean, Green Economy

In the wake of the economic crisis and the historic election, Sightline's executive director talks about the unique opportunity facing Cascadia. One path to economic recovery? Green-collar jobs and efficient, effective climate policy that is fair to all.