By Dennis Newman
From the web:
Three stories from public radio that are worth a read. They’re from around the Northwest, but I found them on OPB’s website.
First, Anna King writes about the dwindling supply of water in Eastern Washington. The water in the underground aquifers is not being replaced fast enough to keep up with what’s being withdrawn. A water management company from Othello, WA says many western aquifers have 5- 20 years supply left, if pumping continues at current rates.
A possible strike by member of the United Steelworkers threatens to shut down oil refineries that service the Northwest. Tom Banse reports that the union’s contract with three of five major refineries in the Puget Sound area expired over the weekend. The refineries are the major source of gasoline for Western Washington, Oregon and parts of California.
Finally, several officials in Idaho want President Obama to remove grey wolves in their state, and Montana, from the endangered species list. US Fish and Wildlife was trying to do that, but the rule was suspended when Obama took office. One of those officials is Democratic Congressman Walt Minnick, who says Idaho can do a better job of managing wolves. The state’s plan allows for hunting of wolves.
