There’s been a lot of attention on global climate change this week, what with Greta Thunberg’s fiery, scornful speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23 and the Global Climate Strike that saw millions of people take to the streets a few days earlier. And rightfully so. The climate crisis is real and […]
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In the Balance
Seven local environmental groups have signed onto a letter to the Humboldt County Planning Department demanding changes to a proposed wind farm project that would place dozens of large turbines on two ridgelines south of Rio Dell. The letter — signed by some of the North Coast’s environmental heavyweights — comes as the the large, […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
‘Some Urgency’
At the Aug. 27 meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, First District Supervisor Rex Bohn introduced a measure calling for the creation of a citizen advisory council on climate action. Such a council, it is hoped, can provide a significant additional voice to a process — the creation of a climate action plan […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
‘Hook, Line and Turbine’
How dispiriting to read that officials at Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) have fallen hook, line and turbine for a deeply flawed energy proposal. Like many outside colonizers since 1850, a Manhattan energy company, Terra-Gen, is relying on local officials to support its plan to place up to 60 wind turbines, each standing 600 feet […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Why I Support Terra-Gen’s Wind Project
I want to highlight why I support the Terra-Gen wind project and how the project fits into Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s (RECEA’s) larger, long-term goals for using local, renewable energy production to promote local economic development and reduce the environmental impact of our energy use. With respect to the Terra-Gen wind project, I support it […]
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Study: Humboldt May Need $2.5 Billion by 2040 to Combat Sea-Level Rise
The United States will have to spend more than $400 billion by 2040 to protect coastal communities against sea-level rise, according to a study released this week. The study, from the Center for Climate Integrity in partnership with the engineering for Resilient Analytics, found the problem would be particularly acute in Humboldt County, which would […]
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Humboldt Takes a ‘Regional Approach’ to Climate Action Plan
Some people throw up their hands in despair when they talk of climate change. Others deny there is even a problem. But somewhere in the middle, quietly and without much fanfare, local governments are considering realistic steps to cut back on the carbon dioxide emissions that are heating up the atmosphere. California, which has led […]
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The Cost of Wind
Give me the restless power of the wind,” wrote lyricist John Hall in an anthem about renewable energy popularized by Peter, Paul and Mary. The phrase evokes sails billowing in the wind, or maybe a cooling breeze on a hot summer’s day. But in reality, wind energy on a scale large enough to power an […]
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Deadline Looms for Comments on Controversial Wind Power Project
With the deadline to comment on the draft environmental impact report fast approaching, debate over a proposed wind farm on a ridgeline to the south of the Eel River Valley is heating up. The project, developed by Terra-Gen, a large, San Diego-based renewable energy company owned by the private equity firm Energy Capital Partners, would […]
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Easy Steps to Reduce Your Food Footprint
In the grocery store: Look for labels like “grassfed,” “pastured” and “animal welfare approved” for meat, eggs and dairy products. Be wary of labels like “natural,” “humanely raised,” “cage free” and “free range,” which have shallow implications for environmental and ethical practices. Seek out local and certified organic produce, meat and dairy whenever possible. For […]