Environment

By KNKX Public Radio

What's Environment about?

Stories about the environment focused on the Pacific Northwest, with many from KNKX's Environment reporter, Bellamy Pailthorp.

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Environment episodes:

08.19.2021
Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition calls on EPA to maintain standards set in 2014
A polluted river runs through the heart of industrial Seattle. The Lower Duwamish waterway was designated a Superfund site in 2001 . Now the community coalition that has spent years helping shape the cleanup plan for this 5-mile stretch of...
08.10.2021
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits Quinault as climate pushes coastal tribes to higher ground
Irreversible sea-level rise is among the permanent consequences of human-caused climate change. That’s one of the findings of the new report out this week from the United Nation’s panel of scientists, the IPCC. On the front lines of the new...
08.09.2021
Worried about climate change? This Seattle therapist says you're not alone
The wildfires, drought and off-the-charts heat in the Northwest are just a few examples of extreme weather events that sound the climate-change alarm bells.
08.09.2021
Swinomish Tribe objects as state allows Cooke Aquaculture to stock net pen at Hope Island
The Swinomish Tribe is filing another amicus brief this week, in support of a lawsuit against the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Environmental groups want to stop Cooke Aquaculture’s plans to continue fish farming in Washington waters.
07.28.2021
Unanimous county council vote bans new refineries, fossil fuel facilities at Cherry Point
"No one got everything they wanted, but we have a very good compromise on the table. … Please pass this ordinance as amended July 13."
07.27.2021
Murray pushes climate as Senate tackles infrastructure, budget measures
Negotiations continue in the U.S. Senate around massive infrastructure and budget measures. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, is among the Senate Democrats pushing provisions aimed at addressing climate change .
07.26.2021
Makah Tribe remains closed to outsiders while resuming annual Makah Days festival
Every year in late August, the tiny Makah Nation welcomes neighboring tribes and others from all over the state to celebrate its traditions and learn about its unique culture. Many of the protocols on display during Makah Days were developed...
07.21.2021
J-pod orcas missing from inland waters of Salish Sea for more than 100 days
It’s peak season for whale watching in the Salish Sea. But the iconic southern resident killer whales that for decades spent their summers here have been scarce, likely because of a lack of salmon.
07.08.2021
Official death toll from heat wave at 78 in Washington – and it's expected to rise
11:45 a.m.: Updated with new information from the state Department of Health. The Washington state Department of Health has a preliminary tally of heat-related deaths in the past week. At least 78 people died statewide because of the scorching temperatures...
07.07.2021
Study: How smoke affects birds in Washington ... and our ability to see them
We know that people suffer when smoke from wildfires fills the air. It’s a nuisance and a health hazard. But how does it affect wildlife? Researchers at the University of Washington are tackling that question.
07.02.2021
How Washington state may (finally) be leading on climate action
State lawmakers passed significant legislation this session that takes concrete steps to address climate pollution and the concerns of communities that it has harmed the most in Washington. KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp sat down with Morning Edition host Kirsten...
06.29.2021
Extreme heat came at worst possible time for Washington raspberry growers
Cool offshore flow and mild summer heat normally make western Washington an ideal place to grow red raspberries. The state commission for that crop reports growers here provide about 70 percent of the nation’s premium flash-frozen raspberries. But the record...
06.22.2021
Federal court: Puyallup River dam needs permits under Endangered Species Act before it can restart
In another blow to the operators of the Electron Dam on the Puyallup River, a judge in federal District Court has barred its parent company from diverting any water to generate power until it gets permits under the Endangered Species...
06.17.2021
Researchers identify shellfish-killing phytoplankton behind massive summer die-offs in Puget Sound
In July of 2018 and 2019, large numbers of oysters, cockles and clams died on beaches all around Puget Sound. No one knew why. It was a particularly bad couple of years, but summer mortality events with mass die-offs of...
06.04.2021
Native leader calls him a 'snake,' but Inslee defends veto of tribal consent in cap-and-trade law
Anger lingers among tribal leaders in Washington after a surprise veto from Gov. Jay Inslee last month. As he signed the cap and trade Climate Commitment Act, the governor struck down new powers for tribes.
05.14.2021
Invasive green crabs continue to spread in Washington, especially in coastal estuaries
European green crabs were found in Washington’s inland waters in 2016, prompting extensive monitoring. Now state officials say this destructive invasive species is spreading in several coastal locations. They thrive in shallow water and soft sediment, which Washington’s estuaries provide....
05.11.2021
Special group of gray whales returns each year for shrimp ‘buffet' around Whidbey Island
Every spring, gray whales migrate up the West Coast on a 12,000-mile round-trip from their calving grounds in Mexico to the Alaskan Arctic, where they feed on tiny crustaceans. Since early 2019, an unusual mortality event has reduced their population...
04.23.2021
Earth Day celebration calls on Port of Seattle for a pollution-free Salish Sea
A celebration of Earth Day in honor of the Salish Sea took aim at the Port of Seattle Thursday. Representatives of several groups, including 350.org and the Center for Biological Diversity, called attention to the port’s impact on marine life.
04.22.2021
SR3 SeaLife Rescue Center brings critical care closer for Pacific Northwest marine animals
Even as human impacts cause increasing numbers of animal strandings along beaches in Washington and Oregon, there has been a gap in critical care for them. Till now, there was no marine wildlife hospital in either state dedicated to rehabilitating...
04.16.2021
Washington sets ambitious goal: All new cars sold will be electric by 2030
In less than a decade, all cars and light-duty vehicles sold in Washington will be powered by electricity, not fossil fuels. That’s the goal set within legislation that has passed the state House and Senate. The 2030 timeline is now...
04.09.2021
Law to reduce plastic waste, ban polystyrene foam statewide passes House floor vote
It looks increasingly likely that Washington will ban plastic foam, reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling markets. A bill to that effect is nearly through the Legislature.
04.08.2021
Leafline Trails Coalition working to expand, connect regional network of accessible trails
Throughout the central Puget Sound region, wide trails offer the promise of safe and accessible transportation corridors for people who bike or walk. Many are converted railroad right-of-ways, and some connect to high-speed transit. But many stand alone, limiting their...
04.06.2021
State urges spring boaters to take safety courses (and wear a life vest)
Spring has sprung, many people are now vaccinated and there’s renewed excitement to get outdoors. The pandemic has again led to a surge in outdoor recreation as people look for safe things to do in the open air.
03.30.2021
A law to reduce plastic waste, ban plastic foam statewide is advancing in Legislature
A law that would respond to the plastic waste crisis in the U.S. is advancing in the state Legislature. It passed the state Senate earlier this month; a hearing in the House appropriations committee is expected this week.
03.23.2021
NW scientist taps into personalities, diets to help sunflower sea stars shine again
In December, sunflower sea stars were declared critically endangered by an international union of scientists. This species is the largest and hardest hit among the iconic and colorful starfish that have been devastated by a wasting syndrome.
03.22.2021
Washington ‘HEAL’ Act would steer key state agencies toward environmental justice
Environmental justice became part of federal law in 1990. Washington might soon catch up. A proposed state law would infuse the concept into the work of seven key agencies.
02.27.2021
Decoding earthquake history: How geologists find fossilized clues in sediment
Twenty years ago this Sunday, the Nisqually earthquake rattled the region. It registered 6.8 on the Richter scale and shook for 40 seconds. The damage was significant. Bricks flew. It caused cracks in the Capitol dome in Olympia and sealed...
02.12.2021
Makah rollout of vaccines nearly done as the tiny coastal nation maintains strict COVID protocols
The Makah Tribe was the first community in the state to shut down because of COVID-19. Now they’re more than halfway through a vaccine rollout and are hoping to reopen this summer. The remote nation in Northwest Washington has remained...
02.09.2021
We’re way behind in meeting Paris climate goals, but local research shows how to catch up
One of the first actions by President Biden after his inauguration was bringing the U.S. back into the Paris climate agreement . A new study from a researcher at the University of Washington shows people how much more we will...
02.06.2021
Whale watch companies say licensing system should be voluntary because of COVID-19
New licensing requirements for whale watch boats working in Washington waters take effect March 1. They’re the result of years of work, both from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and from the governor’s southern resident killer whale task...
01.29.2021
As climate proposals move through Legislature, offset provisions are causing controversy
The pressure is on to pass climate bills in Olympia. Attempts to get policies through that limit carbon pollution by putting a price on it have often failed here – including two statewide voter initiatives with broad or bipartisan support.
01.26.2021
See the Treaty of Point Elliott, exhibit on 'The Power of Words' at Tulalip Cultural Center
166 years ago this past Friday, on Jan. 22, 1855, the Treaty of Point Elliott was signed in what is now Mukilteo, Washington. The document is the source of much power for many local tribes today, but it wasn’t always...
01.19.2021
Orcas return to British Columbia spot where they haven't been seen since 1995
A pod of orcas has returned to a part of British Columbia where they have not been seen for years.
01.14.2021
Settlement agreement says state must protect endangered species from polluted runoff
Endangered species in Washington will get a much-needed boost following the settlement of a major lawsuit about runoff and water quality.
12.29.2020
The standoff at this Pierce County bridge 50 years ago codified tribal treaty fishing rights
Author's note: Every once in a while, a milestone anniversary comes around that allows us to learn about or review important historical events. This year, because of the pandemic, the Puyallup tribe did not do much to commemorate the 50th...
12.24.2020
Seattle photographer's 'Snowy Owl' book transports readers to the Arctic tundra
For about a month now, a snowy owl has been spending its daytime hours on several rooftops in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Prior to that, there were sightings of the iconic bird in West Seattle and Burien .
12.18.2020
In wake of wasting disease, scientists on San Juan Island rear sunflower sea stars in captivity
Seven years ago, a wasting disease began killing sea stars all along the West Coast. The largest and hardest-hit species, the sunflower sea star ( Pycnopodia helianthoides), is now critically endangered, reduced in numbers by some 90 percent. Scientists with...
12.07.2020
Task force says reparations may be needed as state works toward environmental justice
As they prepare for the next legislative session, state lawmakers are reviewing a report that calls for laws to ensure environmental justice. It comes from a new entity, created in 2019 and charged with developing strategies to address findings in...
12.04.2020
Whale watch operators insist their presence helps protect southern resident orcas
Operators of commercial whale-watching vessels are pushing back against proposed new regulations from the state. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is implementing a mandatory licensing system for the vessels , after the Washington Legislature passed a directive last year...
12.03.2020
Economy, traditions suffer as toxic algae shuts down clamming on Washington coast
Wind and rain hammer the coast in the early morning hours at Copalis Beach in Ocean City. But Dawn Radonski is already out in her waders, waiting for the perfect moment to pull a five-gallon bucket of saltwater from the...
11.26.2020
Washington Food and Farm Finder makes it easier to shop with local producers
Demand for fresh food from local farms has surged in recent months, even as the pandemic has sometimes made it harder to get. Many people are looking for healthy ways to avoid grocery store shopping and support local small businesses.
11.24.2020
Environmental groups appeal lower court’s decision on Cooke Aquaculture’s net pen plan
A controversial plan to raise domesticated steelhead in net pens in Puget Sound faces a new legal challenge. Cooke Aquaculture wants to use its remaining leases with the state, despite the ban on net pen farming of non-native fish. So,...
11.23.2020
Quiet Sound underwater noise reduction program could soon slow ships, protect orcas
Underwater noise from ship traffic is one of the major threats to Puget Sound’s endangered Southern Resident orcas. It can interfere with the whales’ ability to communicate, navigate by echolocation and find the increasingly scarce salmon they prefer. A recommendation...
11.18.2020
Advocates say election outcome means more ‘climate champions’ headed to Olympia
Climate action advocates say they’re hopeful they’ll see more success in Olympia, when lawmakers return to session. A recent webinar with several environmental groups provided an overview of the election outcome, and its implications for climate policies.
11.11.2020
Neurotoxin that shut down razor clamming threatens Dungeness crab season
UPDATE, Nov. 25: The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed recreational fishing for Dungeness crab on the central Washington coast, effective immediately. That’s after new test results showed levels of the neurotoxin domoic acid have reached unsafe levels....
11.09.2020
Toxins from harmful algal bloom shut down razor clamming on Washington beaches
A potentially record-setting season f or razor clam digging in Washington has come to a screeching halt. Warm water off the coast has helped toxic algae thrive, rendering the clams unsafe to eat. Some species of algae that razor clams...
11.03.2020
Big money in politics — now greener than ever
Environmental groups have become some of the biggest spenders in U.S. politics this election. Washington state is no exception. The Washington Conservation Voters political action committee (WCV PAC) has poured some $425,000 into about 10 state legislative races. In each...
10.29.2020
Contrasting views on climate action in the race for Washington's 10th Congressional District
Two Democrats are vying to fill the open seat in Washington’s 10 th Congressional District. State representative Beth Doglio is running against former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. The race has been called a microcosm of the recent split in the...
10.28.2020
Washington state developing safety rules to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke
The state department of Labor and Industries has begun a rule-making process to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke. It will make Washington the second state after California to do so.
10.26.2020
Group pushes for clean-energy stimulus, as fast-growing industry is hit hard by pandemic
The clean energy sector was one of the fastest growing parts of the economy before the pandemic, and it’s been one of the hardest hit. But researchers say jobs in energy efficiency or solar or wind power are still some...

What's Environment about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Environment episodes:

Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition calls on EPA to maintain standards set in 2014

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits Quinault as climate pushes coastal tribes to higher ground

Worried about climate change? This Seattle therapist says you're not alone

Swinomish Tribe objects as state allows Cooke Aquaculture to stock net pen at Hope Island

Unanimous county council vote bans new refineries, fossil fuel facilities at Cherry Point

Murray pushes climate as Senate tackles infrastructure, budget measures

Makah Tribe remains closed to outsiders while resuming annual Makah Days festival

J-pod orcas missing from inland waters of Salish Sea for more than 100 days

Official death toll from heat wave at 78 in Washington – and it's expected to rise

Study: How smoke affects birds in Washington ... and our ability to see them

How Washington state may (finally) be leading on climate action

Extreme heat came at worst possible time for Washington raspberry growers

Federal court: Puyallup River dam needs permits under Endangered Species Act before it can restart

Researchers identify shellfish-killing phytoplankton behind massive summer die-offs in Puget Sound

Native leader calls him a 'snake,' but Inslee defends veto of tribal consent in cap-and-trade law

Invasive green crabs continue to spread in Washington, especially in coastal estuaries

Special group of gray whales returns each year for shrimp ‘buffet' around Whidbey Island

Earth Day celebration calls on Port of Seattle for a pollution-free Salish Sea

SR3 SeaLife Rescue Center brings critical care closer for Pacific Northwest marine animals

Washington sets ambitious goal: All new cars sold will be electric by 2030

Law to reduce plastic waste, ban polystyrene foam statewide passes House floor vote

Leafline Trails Coalition working to expand, connect regional network of accessible trails

State urges spring boaters to take safety courses (and wear a life vest)

A law to reduce plastic waste, ban plastic foam statewide is advancing in Legislature

NW scientist taps into personalities, diets to help sunflower sea stars shine again

Washington ‘HEAL’ Act would steer key state agencies toward environmental justice

Decoding earthquake history: How geologists find fossilized clues in sediment

Makah rollout of vaccines nearly done as the tiny coastal nation maintains strict COVID protocols

We’re way behind in meeting Paris climate goals, but local research shows how to catch up

Whale watch companies say licensing system should be voluntary because of COVID-19

As climate proposals move through Legislature, offset provisions are causing controversy

See the Treaty of Point Elliott, exhibit on 'The Power of Words' at Tulalip Cultural Center

Orcas return to British Columbia spot where they haven't been seen since 1995

Settlement agreement says state must protect endangered species from polluted runoff

The standoff at this Pierce County bridge 50 years ago codified tribal treaty fishing rights

Seattle photographer's 'Snowy Owl' book transports readers to the Arctic tundra

In wake of wasting disease, scientists on San Juan Island rear sunflower sea stars in captivity

Task force says reparations may be needed as state works toward environmental justice

Whale watch operators insist their presence helps protect southern resident orcas

Economy, traditions suffer as toxic algae shuts down clamming on Washington coast

Washington Food and Farm Finder makes it easier to shop with local producers

Environmental groups appeal lower court’s decision on Cooke Aquaculture’s net pen plan

Quiet Sound underwater noise reduction program could soon slow ships, protect orcas

Advocates say election outcome means more ‘climate champions’ headed to Olympia

Neurotoxin that shut down razor clamming threatens Dungeness crab season

Toxins from harmful algal bloom shut down razor clamming on Washington beaches

Big money in politics — now greener than ever

Contrasting views on climate action in the race for Washington's 10th Congressional District

Washington state developing safety rules to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke

Group pushes for clean-energy stimulus, as fast-growing industry is hit hard by pandemic