Politics Washington passes law to cut ‘forever chemicals’ in makeup Starting in 2025, the Toxics-Free Cosmetics Act will be among the country’s strongest legislation against hazardous products. by Joseph Winters Grist / May 18, 2023
Environment Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer REI to ban PFAs In 2024, new standards will eliminate 'forever chemicals' in the company's products after more than a year of pressure from environmental groups. by Joseph Winters Grist / March 8, 2023
Environment In Washington, people keep building houses where they might burn Researchers found as more Americans move into fire-risk areas, they increase the likelihood and impact of wildfires. by Carl Segerstrom RANGE / June 26, 2023
Environment PNW landfills reached ‘explosive’ methane emission levels in 2022 Washington and Oregon sites had leakages 20 times more concentrated than the Clean Air Act limit standards. by Joseph Winters Grist / November 3, 2023
Growth Newcomers fleeing expensive housing are finding it again in Spokane. Now they want protections A slate of measures intended to support low-income residents and reduce homelessness awaits a vote by the city council. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / January 14, 2020
Environment These young activists want Washington and Oregon to be bolder on climate — so they sued their governors A win could mean more aggressive action to avoid climate disaster. Some environmental leaders think the lawsuit is a distraction from the action Jay Inslee and Kate Brown are pushing for. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / November 15, 2019
Environment Amid pandemic meat shortage, a stampede for local beef Washington's small slaughterhouses see a boom as COVID hits big meat processors. Will it last? by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / May 26, 2020
News Amazon reported a 12% decrease in single-use plastics for 2022 Responding to pressure from advocacy groups and investors, the mega-retailer reduced its footprint through paper packaging and eliminating mailers. by Joseph Winters Grist / July 28, 2023
Environment WA's endangered pygmy rabbits bounce back from the brink Recovering the endangered rabbits will test society’s willingness to let nature reclaim a landscape. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / June 10, 2019
Environment Concerned over dwindling salmon, advocates seek a political route to dam removal After decades of court cases have rebuffed federal management, it may take a political fix to restore salmon in the Columbia Basin. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / October 1, 2019