Category Archives: Energy

The Good and the Bad of Driverless Cars for Cities

The age of driverless cars is rapidly approaching, and no one seems to know what to do about it. The technology is picking up steam in the behemoth automotive industry while only a few states have regulations on the books … Continue reading

Posted in Cars, Energy, Government, Land Use, Roads, Sustainability, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Civic Indicators Highlight Seattle’s Progress, Challenges

Correction: The SSNAP report has been updated to correct statistics on where Seattle residents work. 38.2 percent of Seattle’s employed residents work outside of the city, not 62 percent. A new report by consulting firm Steinbrueck Urban Strategies, headed up … Continue reading

Posted in Demographics, Density, Energy, Event Writeup, Food, Housing, Land Use, Parks, Policy, Resources, Schools, Transportation, Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The 12th Man Lives On

I don’t really care for football. In fact, I take issue with its non-profit status and insistence on public financing for private stadiums. But I do appreciate its contribution to a community spirit that has enlivened Seattle and the entire … Continue reading

Posted in Editorial, Energy, Landscape, Resources, Sustainability, Transportation, Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is already being impacted by climate change, according to the latest National Climate Assessment (NCA). The consequences for the region’s economy and natural resources are significant. Washington, Oregon, and Idaho can expect reduced snowpack for water supplies, … Continue reading

Posted in Agriculture, Climate, Energy, Food, Government, Resources, Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Seattle Hopes to Restart Neighborhood Relations

The Mayor’s Office hosted a “Neighborhood Summit” at the Seattle Center on Saturday for the purpose of connecting city government with citizens. In addition to over 20 city departments and offices, 600 people of all ages and walks of life … Continue reading

Posted in Editorial, Energy, Event Writeup, Government, Housing, Land Use, Public Space, Resources, Sustainability, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Denny Substation Bringing Light to Growing Neighborhoods

With growing demand for power in the neighborhoods around South Lake Union, utility department Seattle City Light (SCL) is preparing to build a new electrical substation nearby. It won’t be like the city’s other 11 facilities with cold chain-link fences, … Continue reading

Posted in Energy, Government, Land Use, Landscape, Parks, Public Art, Public Space, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Walking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

West Coast Leads Electric Vehicle Sales

As electric vehicles gain a foothold in the U.S. auto market, manufacturers are seeing their highest EV sales in west coast cities and states. Data from research firm R.L. Polk shows that Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are three … Continue reading

Posted in Energy, Government, Policy, Roads, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Study: U.S. Air Pollution Causes 200,000 Early Deaths Annually

A study published this summer by the MIT Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment quantifies the startling health impact of air pollution on Americans’ health, finding that about 200,000 people die per year a decade before they otherwise would have. … Continue reading

Posted in Climate, Energy, Policy, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Proposed Coal Terminals Meet Opposition

Energy companies’ plans to export coal to Asia is at the heart of an ongoing debate in the Pacific Northwest, with proposed shipping terminals and coal trains prompting a public outcry that pits environmental concerns against economic interests.

Posted in Climate, Energy, Government, Rail, Roads | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Korea Launches Bus Powered by Wireless Electricity

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has successfully launched a bus powered by wireless electricity in Gumi, South Korea. Unlike electric cars or trains that need to plug-in for charging or get power from overhead wires, respectively, … Continue reading

Posted in Buses, Energy, Government, Roads, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment