Environment

Tide turns for Capitol Lake, estuary

A committee charged with helping to shape the future of Capitol Lake lined up Thursday squarely in favor of turning it back into the Deschutes River estuary after five years and $1.7 million worth of study and debate.

EPA lets states set emissions limits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted California and 13 other states, including Washington, authority Tuesday to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions from new cars and light trucks.

Reminder: Fireworks don’t belong in recyclables bin

Thurston County Solid Waste officials remind Fourth of July celebrants to toss debris from fireworks displays into the trash, not recycling bins.

Tree farm, state agency trade forestland acreage

Tumwater-based Port Blakely Tree Farms and the state Department of Natural Resources have completed a trade of forestlands, a move that consolidates ownership for both parties in Western Washington.

Native plant group to move to new office

The Native Plant Salvage Project, a program offered through the Washington State University Extension Service of Thurston County, will move this week to new office space in the former McLane Fire Station, 4131 Mud Bay Road W., Olympia.

Deadline extended for program that helps farmers

A federal program that helps fund farm-conservation programs has extended its application date for 2010 projects until Aug. 14, according to the federal Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Green Drinks group to gather Wednesday

Green Drinks, a monthly informal gathering of people interested in environmental issues, is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fish Tale Brew Pub, 515 Jefferson St. S.E., Olympia.

Can we blame sun for climate change?

Dear EarthTalk: Don’t some scientists point to sunspots and solar wind as having more impact on climate change than human industrial activity? – David Noss, California

Capitol Lake gets people's vote

OLYMPIA - Dozens of residents gathered Wednesday night at Heritage Park in Olympia inside a tent big enough to contain their diverse opinions about the future of Capitol Lake.

Centralia coal plant target of petition

A coalition of conservation groups petitioned the federal government Wednesday to reduce air pollution from the Centralia coal plant that causes haze and poor visibility in the region’s national parks.