From the article:

While almost all the scientists surveyed accept that human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, is causing global warming, only half the public agree that people are behind climate change. Eleven percent do not even agree there is warming.

Which half are you in?

A graph published in May in The Economist echoes the Pew finding:

 

For many, understandably, climate change remains an abstract concept. While we could guess--or scientifically quantify--the reasons for the gap between scientific fact and public opinion, one thing is clear: we all need to be sharing the knowledge we have with our friends, families and neighbors.

Indeed, you can put climate change aside and still have plenty of reasons to conserve resources. But the one question I have for the deniers, for the Jim Inhofes of the world who live in the half of the Pew study where humans have nothing to do with global warming, or worse, think it's a "hoax": If you're right (not possible, but for the sake of argument...) then we have still conserved resources, increased our energy independence, created jobs and saved money.

But what if you're wrong? What will we have gained then?

Do you have photos of your favorite places in the state? Your kids on a riverside trail? Mountain views? Your sweetie playing in tide pools or strolling on a long, deserted beach? Sunset in Eastern Oregon?

We want to see your pics. Better yet, we want to use them. The winner gets the Scorecard cover, and runners up may be used inside the Scorecard, in the e-bulletin, or on our website.

So grab your camera and get out there!

Here are the deets:

Submit digital images only to toby@olcv.org

Please include:

1. specific information about the location the photo was taken (please, Oregon pictures only)
2. First and last names of all the people in the photo, or let us know if you don't know them
3. Name of photographer, as you would like to see it in print for the photo credit

We've extended the deadline! Please submit your photos by August 10.

Send your best shots (including ones that picture friends, family and pets) to Toby at toby@olcv.org. Questions? Email Toby or call 503-224-4011.

More about the bill, which now heads to the Governor.

Representative Cannon carried the bill on the floor. Reps. Berger and Jenson joined 35 Democrats voting aye. All 21 No votes were from Republicans. Reps. Komp and Thatcher were excused.

Republican Senators Nelson and Starr joined 16 Democrats in voting Yes. Democratic Sen. Betsy Johnson joined 10 Republicans in voting No. Sen. Prozanski was absent.

Senate Bill 528 would limits on field burning throughout the Willamette Valley, phasing out the practice by 2013 except for 15,000 acres in the Silverton Hills. There is a large body of evidence linking the practice of open field burning of grass seed crops to severe health effects as well as increasing the average particulate pollution by as much as 40% on field burning days.

Congratulations to Rep. Paul Holvey and Sen. Floyd Prozanski, who have worked tirelessly on this issue. All 24 House Republicans voted against the bill, as did Reps. Clem, Komp, Schaufler, VanOrman, and Witt.

The bill weakens Oregon's commitment to clean energy by redefining what is "renewable" under Oregon's renewable energy standard passed in 2007. The Standard requires Oregon have 25% new renewable energy by 2025. This bill will reduce that commitment by about 26% by allowing old biomass and waste burning facilities to be counted as renewable facilities and towards the 25% goal.

More about the bill.

Those voting No should be thanked: Reps. Barton, Beyer, Cannon, David Edwards, Greenlick, and Kahl.

Conservation groups now turn our efforts to Governor Kulongoski and asking him to veto the bill.

Today the Senate passed the bill, HB 2626, on a 27-3 vote after the House passed it 57-0. It now heads to the Governor for his signature. Read more about the program.

Congrats to all who worked on this bill.

Senators Atkinson, Boquist, Ferrioli, Kruse, and Starr voted against the bill, which was supported by conservationists and the paint industry.