The Columbian

In a sweeping plan to reorganize much of the federal government, the White House has proposed selling federally owned power transmission assets, such as the transmission lines owned by the Bonneville Power Administration. The Trump Administration claims the move would save taxpayers money and reduce public liability. Critics refute those claims and argue Pacific Northwest residents would see electricity rates spike.

Trump administration puts BPA assets back on chopping block

July 2, 2018, 5:53pm Business

The Trump administration is proposing to sell the Bonneville Power Administration’s transmission assets, despite previous assurances from some administration officials that it would be left alone. Read story

A leaking vehicle sends pollution down a parking lot storm drain. Leaky vehicles are a significant source of waterway pollution in Western Washington.

Don’t Drip and Drive program aims to curtail cars’ oil leaks

June 30, 2018, 6:03am Clark County News

It’s easy for drivers to ignore the leaks and drips coming off their autos — considering how expensive auto repairs can be, occasionally topping off the oil is much cheaper than a trip to the mechanic — but all those tiny spills have an outsized cumulative environmental impact. Read story

Rick Dyer is retiring as Clark Public Utilities’ director of finance.

Clark Public Utilities’ finance chief retires after 34 years

June 29, 2018, 5:08pm Clark County Business

After 34 years as Clark Public Utilities’ director of finance, Rick Dyer has retired. Read story

Noaa Boris, left, and Connor Guenther, both of Battle Ground, look out on the low water levels of the East Fork Lewis River just above Moulton Falls Park. A hot and dry spring melted much of the regional snowpack and has lowered runoff and precipitation of waterways.

Rapid snowmelt already evident in dramatic change to area waterways

June 22, 2018, 11:30pm Clark County News

It doesn’t take long to ruin a good thing. In April, Southwest Washington was coming out of winter with a healthy mountain snowpack of around 125 percent above normal -- a good sign for the upcoming dry season; but it only took a few weeks to dramatically reduce an entire… Read story

Port of Vancouver’s board of commissioners from left, Don Orange, Eric LaBrant and Jerry Oliver meet in January 2018 at the Port of Vancouver.

Vancouver port board resolution against separating kids from parents at border

June 19, 2018, 5:14pm Business

On a 2-1 vote, the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday urging elected officials and federal representatives to immediately stop separating children from families at the U.S. border with Mexico. Read story