Science & Environment
Aerial view of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens as seen from the southwest. Columns of ash and volcanic gas reached heights of more than 80,000 feet.
45 years later, Washington geologist remembers visiting Mount St. Helens the day before it blew
Sunday marks the anniversary of the May 18, 1980, volcanic eruption that rocked the Northwest. Geologist Carolyn Driedger recounts the haunting day before that catastrophic event — and its lasting effects.
Latest Stories
Oregon hobbyists reach for the stars with backyard astrophotography
New technology allows photographers to capture detailed images of the cosmos without breaking the bank or leaving the city.
Northwest leaders set renewable energy goals, but neglected a key element required to achieve them
An investigation by OPB and ProPublica found that Oregon and Washington are trailing the nation in adding renewable energy, despite ambitious goals set by lawmakers in both states.
An architect of Oregon’s wildfire map on why he now supports repealing it
After Oregon’s devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Legislature passed a bill that was supposed to lead to more wildfire awareness and resilience. But the resulting map led to a huge backlash from property owners – a backlash so strong that a few weeks ago, the state Senate voted unanimously to eliminate it.
Higher prices, rolling blackouts: The Northwest is bracing for the effects of a lagging green energy push
Northwest leaders pushed strict green energy mandates but neglected problems with the electrical grid. Residents are already feeling the consequences.
How the Pacific Northwest’s dream of green energy fell apart
Oregon and Washington passed aggressive goals to decarbonize their power supply but left it to the Bonneville Power Administration to build the transmission lines needed for wind and solar. The agency hasn’t delivered.
The hunt for thundereggs: Oregon’s state rock celebrates 60th anniversary of its designation
Sixty years ago, in 1965, the fascinating thunderegg was declared Oregon’s state rock.
Oregon one of 15 states suing over Trump’s move to fast-track oil and gas projects via ‘energy emergency’ order
A coalition of 15 states, including Oregon, is suing over President Donald Trump’s efforts to fast-track energy-related projects, saying the administration is bypassing environmental protection laws and threatening endangered species, critical habitat and cultural resources.
Allergy season is accelerating in the Willamette Valley
Pollen counts are in the moderate range this week for trees and grass, according to Dr. Kraig Jacobson with Oregon Allergy Associates. He said warm, dry weather has sped up deciduous tree development.
Advocates urge Oregon lawmakers to pass bill extending food benefits for immigrant children
Food advocates and parents went to Salem Wednesday to urge state lawmakers to pass a bill that would extend food assistance benefits to children who are often denied because of their immigration status.
PCEF committee considers pitch to help Portland’s budget crisis with a loan from the climate fund
Portland Councilor Mitch Green, District 4, is proposing using the Portland Clean Energy Fund’s reserve funds to create a three-year loan to help fill the city’s budget gaps.
