Events

Nov. 6 – WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) community event.

Richland Public Library, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. INEF is taking an integrated systems approach to achieving a clean energy future. At this event, learn about:

• Engaging the next generation and upskilling the current one- from Research Associate Jillian Cadwell and Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif.

• Exciting new agricultural developments, including combining solar panels and agriculture (AgVoltaics) in orchards – INEF Assistant Director for Agriculture, Extension & Outreach, Chad Kruger.

• Crucial ways water plays a role as part of the clean energy challenge – Yonas Demissie, INEF Assistant Director of Engineering & Environment.

• Leading INEF’s vision for the future – Inaugural Director and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor Noel Schulz, a respected IEEE power engineer with a deep understanding of the grid, is the force nurturing and steering INEF’s efforts.

Nov. 13 – BFCOG Regional Bicycle Plan Open House. 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Mid-Columbia Library, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. BFCOG is looking for your input on their new regional bike network. If you can’t make it in person, you can review the plan and submit online comments on at https://www.bfcog.us/

Nov. 22 – STC monthly meeting at noon on ZOOM. Decide on next steps, and a 2025 “SMART” project.

Nov. 27 –TC Chapter CCL monthly meeting. There are many ways to be involved with others working to fight climate change. Contact Steve.

ACTIONS for NOVEMBER

Ride Free to Vote. On Tuesday, November 5^th BFT is offering free rides all day. Voting is encouraged but not required. Includes Dial-A-Ride customers. View  Election Drop Boxes .  Please spread the word and vote No on both I-2117 and I – 2066: Related to the Restrictions on Access to Natural Gas .

Watch: Join or Die A film about why you should join a club, and why the fate of America depends on it. “Join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?” There may be a watch party.

Attend a public meeting about emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries

Ecology is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9:00 – 10:30 am about emission-intensive, trade exposed industries (EITEs) and the report to the Legislature on EITE allowance allocation for 2035-2050. The meeting will provide an overview of EITEs and no-cost allowance allocation, details about the report to the Legislature, and how to be involved in the process. More information about the report is available in the report to Legislature section of the EITE webpage. Register for a meeting HERE.

EITE Policy Advisory Group: The first meeting is 11/13/24.

EITE Industries Advisory Group: Meets 11/14/2024.

Have a Sustainable Thanksgiving. Great ideas in this Smithsonian magazine article.

Black Friday alternatives: shop local or join friends from Tapteal Greenway to collect sagebrush seeds. Meet at the Amon Creek Elementary parking lot, 18 Center Parkway, Richland. Nov. 29, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Afterwards, enjoy free hot cocoa at the Caterpillar Café, 227 Symons, Richland.

WHAT WE DID in OCTOBER

STC  2024 Sustainability Awards

Thank you to everyone who participated by choosing the organizations they felt most deserved recognition. Here are the results:

1^st place: Climate Opportunity Action Group

2^nd place: Benton Franklin Health District

3^rd place: B F Council of Governments

Honorable Mention:

• Bike Tri-Cities
• BF Transit
• Mid Columbia Electric Vehicle Association

Others suggested:

• BIG Recycling – effort to resume glass recycling in the Tri-Cities  
• The Reach Museum – hosts Earth day events and does conservation education.
• Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Tri-Cities Chapter
• Women of Wisdom of Tri-Cities

Learn about their work on our website Activities page .

BFCOG Summer Art Contest 2024

The BFCOG Summer Art Contest invited students and the community to use their imagination and creativity to illustrate a solution to shared regional problems through art. Judging occurred at the September board meeting, where the BFCOG board voted based on the art contest theme and its creativity. The winning art piece was Eco-Friendly Tri-Cities Landscape Design. “Congratulations to our winners, Lora Rathbone and Gail Taft, who submitted an eco-friendly landscape design model on behalf of the Sustainable Tri-Cities Urban Heat Resilience working group. This model demonstrates how a traditional yard can become eco-friendly, including water conservation, native pollinator protection, fire safety, pollution prevention, and decreasing energy bills.

Riverfest

The STC booth was a big success.  The Sustainability Award poster was introduced. People were interested in our landscape design model which had a coloring sheet to go with it for children. Marjie shared how scarlet runner beans are great for quick shade. A lot of people signed up to help with glass recycling, and many were interested in learning about I-2117. The biggest hit by far was our fishing pond with eco messages in the bottles (fish).

NEWS and THINGS to READ or Watch

Your gateway to grants and incentives: FundHubWA connects you to climate and clean energy funding opportunities.

Watch What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates – https://www.netflix.com/ai/title/81609333 Join Bill Gates as he delves into pressing global issues and uncovers cutting-edge technologies that will transform the world.