Judge Redden Rules on Federal Salmon Management Plan

Salmon swimming Middle Fork of Snake River near Dagger Falls (Photo: Aaron Kunz)

Federal Judge James Redden this afternoon[Tuesday] struck down the federal government’s plan for managing salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers. Aaron Kunz reports.

President Obama Launches Strong Cities Program

President Barack Obama

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Obama Administration launched Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), a new and customized pilot initiative to strengthen local capacity and spark economic growth in local communities, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. To accomplish this, federal agencies will provide experienced staff to work directly with six cities: Chester, PA; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Fresno, CA; Memphis, TN; and New Orleans, LA.  These teams will work with local governments, the private sector, and other institutions to leverage federal dollars and support the work being done at the local level to encourage economic growth community development.

Judge Redden Hears Perhaps His Final Arguments In Salmon -Vs- Dams Debate

www.opb.com

(For audio on this from Reporter Rob Manning, visit the OPB website)

Portland, Oregon (OPB) — The long-running legal debate pitting hydroelectric dams against salmon on the Columbia River may finally be coming to an end. As Rob Manning reports, the presiding judge heard a last round of arguments Monday.
Hours into Monday’s hearing in Portland, lawyers representing the state of Oregon and environmental groups had repeatedly lambasted the federal Columbia River plan. They say the plan sets low standards for salmon recovery. And it won’t even reach those standards.

Obama releases long form birth document, rips ‘silliness’ of debate over issue

WASHINGTON— Saying he has long been “bemused” and “puzzled” over the fascination the controversy surrounding his birth certificate, President Obama on Wednesday released a copy of the long-form version of the document, saying the country does not have time for the “distraction” and “silliness” of the issue.

The Phosphorus Debate

By Aaron Kunz

Boise, Idaho — Despite being passed on April first, a ban on one of three key elements in standard fertilizer is no joke.  Passed on a 56-37 vote that now sends it to the Governor, House Bill 1489 is expected to receive the Governors signature.
The purpose of the bill which is in dispute by many Washington organizations is phosphorus which is one of three key ingredients found in popular fertilizers.  The other two ingredients are nitrogen and potassium.  What some in the Washington Legislature decided was phosphorus when applied to healthy turf had a better chance of washing into nearby storm drains.  That element often used in matches, fireworks, and explosives ultimately ends up in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.

Washington Sends Phosphorus Ban Bill to Governor

OLYMPIA — The Legislature has approved a ban in lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorus. On a 56-37 vote, it sent to the governor a bill that bans the sale of that type of fertilizer — in most instances — starting in 2013.