Press legislators on climate policy
On April 14, the Tri-City Herald reported a climate study found that global warming could be limited to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100, if all nations achieve their emissions reduction pledges.
That’s a big if, because neither current national climate policies nor emissions are consistent with the path to such warming. Global emissions are rising, as more of the goods purchased by developed countries are produced in developing countries powered by coal. Global emissions of carbon dioxide must decrease by 50% just to stop its accumulation in the atmosphere. Further reductions are needed because the Earth will still warm in response to carbon already added.
Most of the necessary technologies and energy sources are available. We just need incentives to drive faster adoption of them. Economists agree an increasing price on fossil carbon is the most powerful incentive. Returning the revenue to the people in equal monthly shares will protect families, stimulate the economy and fund development and use of clean energy technology. Tariffs on imports from countries without an effective climate policy will motivate them to adopt climate policies and keep our manufacturing onshore.
Express political will for such a climate policy by contacting your representatives.
Steve Ghan, Richland
Thoughts on dams, power and salmon
Being an advocate for lower Snake River dam removal, I was happy to see the recent Tri-City Herald article saying that dam removal is gaining momentum. Of course, this was followed by extensive statements from the usual pro-dam advocates. Todd Meyers said that the (lower Snake) dams provide 8% of Washington power. This is an exaggeration, because they are part of a regional power grid, not just for our state, and the accepted value is 4% for the NW region.
Altogether they produce less power than our local nuclear power plant. They also don’t belong to southeastern Washington or the state, but to the federal government, in spite of Newhouse always calling them “our” dams. As for the recent slight uptick in Snake salmon runs, three data points don’t make a statistically significant trend. The long-term trend is clearly downward. Barging is essentially subsidized, because the cost of running and maintaining the locks on the four dams exceeds the savings from barging. Also, to say that lack of barging threatens farmers’ ability to stay in business is ludicrous, because transport is a very small portion of their costs. How do all those other wheat farmers who don’t barge stay in business?
Stan Kuick, Richland
‘Impeach sign? Backing Harris?
Turning off Aaron Drive onto Goethals in Richland, I see a hand-painted sign someone has placed on a fence. “Honk if you want to impeach Biden.”
Apparently a huge supporter of Kamala Harris.
Gary Miller, Richland
Thanks due to public employees
May 1-7 is Public Service Recognition Week 2022 – a week for recognizing those who are serving or have served our country as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. It is a time to stop and reflect, even for just a few moments, at the myriad of services public servants provide us each and every day, even though we may not realize it.
From water, food and transportation safety to defense, energy, healthcare and serving our veterans, it is hard to imagine an aspect of our lives that in one way or another is not touched by a public servant. I am a retired federal employee, and have the honor of serving as current president for Tri-Cities Chapter 1192, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).
For more than 100 years, NARFE has been advocating for the entire federal community through its work on Capitol Hill, across the country or locally through chapters such as the one here. Our membership is diverse. So, thank you – to current or retired public employees (and their families for their support). The services you perform are appreciated! We could not live the lives we do without your efforts.
Pat Turner, Kennewick
President, NARFE Tri-Cities Chapter 1192
3 on RSD board broke state law
Spending our tax dollars to pay attorneys for Semi Bird, Kari Williams and Kari Byrd? No! This would indicate we support their inappropriate actions. School board members are elected to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of their communities.
The board’s most important responsibility is to improve student achievement. By violating the public notice requirement and hijacking a school board meeting with an out-of-order motion violating open meetings laws indicates that they are not concerned about our students’ achievement and well-being.
School boards derive their power and authority from the state. They must be in compliance with state and federal laws. By voting to not follow the governor’s emergency proclamation of an indoor COVID-19 mask mandate, they broke state law.
These three individuals made a political decision not a decision for what was best for families, students and our community. We as taxpayers should not be footing the bill for their violations of responsibilities. Valuable learning time has been wasted. The Richland School District needs these monies for resources that will support student achievement and provide the necessary tools for teachers to be successful, not for political whims.
Marsha Stipe, Richland
Kudos to RPD for finding stolen car
I am pleased to write that my vehicle stolen on (a) Saturday in the wee-hours of darkness has been recovered, found by the Richland Police Department. In particular, I want to thank Investigating RPD Officer Skinner, who recovered our vehicle at 5:20 a.m. April 27. Thank you, Officer Sknner and the RPD, for the excellent, timely police work.
We are very fortunate to have efficient and effective law enforcement in Richland.
Steve Piippo, Richland
Retired Educator
Thanks to all who got vaccinated
Thank you to those of you who vaccinated and boosted and did all that you could do to put COVID-19 behind us. Those who refused to helped to prolong COVID by not vaccinating, you’ve earned our eternal disrespect. Are there any candidates out there who put the USA ahead of their party affiliation? Like John McCain, George Bush, Obama and Kennedy?
Larry William Walker, Pasco
Why so many shootings?
It seems everyday when I read the paper there’s another gun related shooting. What’s going on? It’s been stated in some of the articles that certain incidents are gang related. I’m on the Nextdoor App and people often post that they’ve heard gunshots at all hours of the day and night.
The Tri-Cities has had gang problems in the past and it was addressed with a task force and subsequent crackdown and prosecution of the perpetrators. I have seen nothing reported from local law enforcement regarding what’s being done to address what seems to be a huge upward spiral in crime (stolen cars too)?
I would like to see some reporting and communication with the public from law enforcement about not only what the public can do to help but what they are doing to keep us safer.
Judith Smith, Kennewick
Please pick up garbage, litter
A local issue that is concerning is garbage and littering around Tri-Cities. Driving around the city, there are many parts that have garbage or people litter their fast food or any other garbage on the street, the road or just miss the garbage and it gets left on the floor. We could prevent this by picking up our garbage and making sure that we recycle, and that our garbage lands in the bin.
Nayeli Garcia, Kennewick