This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

"When two major American cities discovered dangerous levels of toxic air pollution a decade ago, both tried to crack down despite industry protests.

"The air in Portland and Louisville, Kentucky had more than a dozen heavy metals and chemicals above safe levels. Air regulators curbed pollution in one city.

"And it wasn't in progressive Portland. ..."

Portland and Oregon need a tougher DEQ — Oregonian Editorial

" ... Portland, in particular, and Oregon, in general, are at a crucial juncture in facing up to the detection and control of rising levels of air pollution. The recent disclosure that tree moss samples in Portland contained high concentrations of cadmium and arsenic understandably generated fear and panic. But it made for a circus of official accusation, claims and counter claims, and writhing by environmental officials otherwise believed to be guardians of public health. ..."

" ... While Southern California's air quality has improved in recent decades, the region still has repeatedly failed to meet federal air quality standards. Too many residents breathe unhealthy levels of pollution that can permanently damage children's lungs and raise adults' risk of heart attacks and strokes. The AQMD's mission is to protect public health and to ensure that Southern California meets federal air quality standards. How can that happen if the board kowtows to industry lobbying? ..."

How do we save Arizona's water? With the Web — Arizona Republic Editorial

"... Arizona and the West have spent the last decade gradually waking up to the fact that we are facing an extraordinary drought that could turn into the kinds of mega-droughts that have visited this region and hung around for 50 years or more.

"That means we need to plan now. ...

" ... It was in this climate that three Valley institutions, the Arizona Community Foundation, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University and Republic Media (The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com and La Voz) teamed up to raise awareness about our water dilemma.

"We created The New Arizona Prize, a contest to promote solutions to water supply and other great challenges facing this state. "Beyond the Mirage" a team of media specialists from the University of Arizona and Arizona Public Media won the first prize — the $100,000 Water Consciousness Challenge. ..."

Davis seeks to chart its own energy path — Sacramento Bee Editorial

"The city of Davis and Yolo County are taking a step toward energy independence, and other municipalities ought to take notice.

"At its meeting Tuesday, the Davis City Council likely will approve a plan to create a hybrid in the world of electricity, a concept called community choice energy.

"The hybrid wouldn't be a municipal utility district, like the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which has served Sacramento well. Nor would electricity customers in Davis and Yolo County remain subject to Pacific Gas and Electric, the private utility that provides electricity to its residents.

"Instead, starting about 18 months from now, Davis would offer residents the option of getting greener electricity at a lower price. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to enter into the pact with the city of Davis. Woodland and West Sacramento ought to join as well. ..."