The state scored sixth in the nation, topped only by the states of Massachusetts, California, New York, Oregon and Vermont. The scorecard evaluates programs and funding levels that advance energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. Energy-saving programs remain America’s most abundant, untapped energy resource. The states and their utility partners continue to make progress on energy-efficient technology and conservation measures, despite the lack of a federal energy policy to serve as a guide.
Energy-efficiency measures, whether it’s more efficient light bulbs, vehicles, appliances, or heating and cooling systems, help reduce consumer and business costs, spur job growth and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas buildup associated with the burning of fossil fuels. Other states should follow the lead from energy-efficient leaders such as Washington state and begin reaping the benefits of a clean-energy economy.
Three Thurston County Superior Court judges will leave office in 2012, including judges Paula Casey and Tom McPhee, who won’t seek re-election, and Christine Pomeroy, who is stepping down March 1 in the midst of her term.
The three judges combined have 56 years of experience that will be hard to replace. To have so many judges retiring in the same year is unprecedented in Thurston County. It will be up to Gov. Chris Gregoire to appoint Pomeroy’s replacement. It’s always preferable to have the voters of Thurston County select their judges, rather than having the governor hand pick them. Fortunately, whomever she appoints must run for re-election next year. Ideally, all three positions on the Superior Court will attract multiple candidates for the voters to consider. Thurston County has any number of capable lawyers who would make good judges. They are encouraged to run, guaranteeing that the quality of the county’s highest court is sustained.
The speed limit for southbound traffic on U.S. Highway 101 from Crosby Boulevard to the Interstate 5 interchange has been lowered from 60 miles per hour to 45 mph.
The speed limit reduction that went into effect last week was requested by the State Patrol and approved by the state Department of Transportation in a bid to reduce an alarming number of accidents along that stretch of highway – 134 collisions near Milepost 367 in the past year alone.
It’s a reasonable move that should save lives and reduce injuries and damage to vehicles in this heavily traveled section of freeway. The stretch of Highway 101 affected by the new speed limit is well-marked with signs. Motorists really have no excuse for speeding in this area. Nevertheless, a 30-day grace period beginning Oct. 18 will allow speeders who are caught to escape with a verbal warning. Regardless, motorists should obey the new speed limit now.
The Institute of Medicine is encouraging the Food and Drug Administration to revamp food labels with a simple rating system to help hurried shoppers pick healthier food options.
The rating system would rank foods for certain fats, sodium and added sugars, calories per serving and size of servings. Look for stiff resistance from food manufacturers, who don’t like the idea of food health rankings. However, the FDA should do what’s best for the consumer and for overall public health. With obesity, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses on the rise, Americans obviously need to eat healthier and monitor their overall intake of food. A food ranking system that is concise and easy to read would be a step in the right direction.
