News items for October 20, 2021

Prices in Portland's newest National Register Historic District, Laurelhurst. Image: Zillow.

• 1. Bogus “historic” districts: The new exclusionary zoning?

  Interlocking loopholes would let homeowners in richer parts of Portland veto city council’s maps – but there’s a fix.

  Sightline Institute Exclusionary Zoning

• 2. After 2020 wildfire, an Oregon town helps ensure residents’ return through affordable housing initiative

  When the 2020 Alameda Fire destroyed residences in Talent, Oregon, leaders took steps to ensure that the most vulnerable displaced residents would again have a place to call home.

  The Daily Yonder Wildfire

• 3. Oregon eyed for offshore wind energy development

  The Biden administration is betting big on offshore wind to help achieve its climate goals, and Oregon could help it get there.

  Oregon Public Broadcasting Renewable Energy

• 4. Is it time for universal basic rent?

  The country’s voucher-focused help for American renters is mired in red tape, and many landlords opt out. Would cash work better?

  The Atlantic renter crisis

• 5. Salmon need trees

  A study shows that watershed logging can be as bad for salmon numbers as increased predation in the ocean.

  Hakai Magazine Salmon

• 6. Urine trouble: High nitrogen levels in Puget Sound cause ecological worry

  The Washington Department of Ecology is set to implement new ‘nutrient waste’ regulations to protect struggling marine life.

  Crosscut Water pollution

• 7. The fight to save the oldest creature on earth

  Slimy, parasitic fish are key to Oregon ecosystems, but they’re fast disappearing.

  Portland Tribune Fish and wildlife

• 8. EPA will finally regulate ‘forever chemicals.’ Experts say it’s not enough.

  Advocates say the agency’s PFAS plan is “woefully inadequate.”

  Grist Toxics

• 9. Views: How fighting traffic congestion can create congestion

  As Washington state legislators consider building more highways, a new tool could help them understand the impact of their efforts.

  Crosscut Traffic

• 10. Biden focuses on climate, families in trimmed $2 trillion plan

  Scaling down his ambitious domestic agenda, President Joe Biden has described a more limited vision to Democratic lawmakers of his $2 trillion package for addressing climate change and expanding social services.

  Seattle Times Policy

More News from October 20, 2021

• Despite climate change promises, governments plan to ramp up fossil fuel production

  The world’s governments plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030, with just a modest decrease in coal production.

  KUOW Fossil fuels