CLIMATE PROTECTION * EPA says greenhouse emissions endanger health. http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1446422820080714 <http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1446422820080714> The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Monday that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, a critical finding that has languished in bureaucratic limbo since last December * Global warming may raise kidney stone risk. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-14-kidney-stones-warming_N.h tm <http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-14-kidney-stones-warming_N. htm> Global warming could do more than hurt polar bears: It could force a rise in kidney stones, scientists warned Monday. * EPA experts detail global warming's health risks http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080714/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_global_warmin g;_ylt=AvufqNGlpdeUyHb833SfaqOs0NUE <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080714/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_global_warmi ng;_ylt=AvufqNGlpdeUyHb833SfaqOs0NUE> "This document inescapably, unmistakably shows that global warming pollution not only threatens human health and welfare, but it is adversely impacting human health and welfare today," said Vickie Patton, deputy general counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund. "What this document demonstrates is that the imperative for action is now." While the science pointed to a link between public health and climate change, the Bush administration has worked to discourage such a connection. To acknowledge one would compel the government to regulate greenhouse gases. * In deep-sea rock, a place for CO2. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/science/earth/15obcarb.html <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/science/earth/15obcarb.html> Researchers are proposing to inject carbon dioxide into deep-sea basalt formations to remove it from the atmosphere. <<Observatory - In Deep-Sea Rock, a Place for CO2 - NYTimes_com.htm>> * What will drive the energy 'innovation revolution'?. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/what-will-drive-the-energy- innovation-revolution/ <http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/what-will-drive-the-energy -innovation-revolution/> Satisfying global energy demand while limiting human influence on climate will require revolutionary advances in both policy and technology. <<What Will Drive the Energy Innovation Revolution - Dot Earth - Climate Change and Sustainability - New York Times Blog.htm>> * Editorial: Environment -- A record of soot http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/370725_energyed.html <http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/370725_energyed.html> How far can an administration go in destroying its country's environment, harming the citizens to which it is (in theory) beholden and dooming the future not only of its own people, but spreading the harm across the world? We won't know for sure until President Bush leaves office, but his record, and that of his administration, borders on criminal... As a lawyer with the Natural Resources Defense Counsel summed it up for The New York Times, "the Bush administration has failed to achieve a single ounce in reductions of smog, soot, mercury or global warming pollution from power plants." Not every administration can claim that kind of record. PORTS * Commentary: Local ports churn economic engines on backs of short-haul truck drivers http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/370730_port15.html <http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/370730_port15.html> The system leaves a toxic trail of climate-changing pollution, with low-income truckers left behind holding the bag... There is a solution coming from competitors in California... The Clean Trucks Program requires that capitalized trucking companies take responsibility for their work force and a new, modern and clean fleet. To succeed, the program offers powerful incentives for alternative fuel trucks to drive down the current cost of clean-technology vehicles and jump-start a new market. PAY AS YOU DRIVE * State considers pay-as-you-drive auto insurance. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-carinsure15-2008ju l15,0,6970018.story <http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-carinsure15-2008j ul15,0,6970018.story> A plan that charges motorists based on miles driven could cut fuel use, pollution and traffic as well as lower premiums. <<State considers pay-as-you-drive auto insurance - Los Angeles Times.htm>> TRANSPORTATION CHOICES * Bicycle pedals outpacing the pump http://www.thenewstribune.com/front/topphoto/story/412539.html <http://www.thenewstribune.com/front/topphoto/story/412539.html> Industry sales numbers for the year aren't available yet, but anecdotal evidence is widespread that bicycle companies are benefiting from what's hurting other businesses, said Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong Coalition, an advocacy group. For Tory Grant, manager of Tacoma's Old Town Bicycle, the increase in gas prices is having a direct and healthy impact on business. NOTE: If the hyperlink to the article fails, contact Consuelo Flores. Consuelo Flores Communications Dept. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency 206-689-4074 consueloF@pscleanair.org Bill Smith Senior Environmental Specialist City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management 3510 S. Mullen Street Tacoma, WA 98409 253-593-7719 Phone 253-591-5547 Fax