There is a popular notion being championed across the country: we must build more housing to create affordability. We’ve heard the “build, baby, build” refrain from non-partisan advocates and the Republican and Democrat parties alike. But how real is this apparent solution and, perhaps, a question for another day, how did Democrats get coaxed into using a remixed Sarah Palin line? 

This November, Washington voters will get to choose whether they want their state to keep doing something towards climate action. The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is on the chopping block with an oppositional ballot initiative seeking to remove the act without offering any replacement for the climate work needing to be done.

Stepping into a living example of our clean energy future is more than a little inspiring. Wildpoldsried, Germany has pulled off what people around the globe are clamoring for, and they did it not only because of the climate, they did it because it just makes great financial sense. Their no-nonsense approach and smart risk taking has led to their massive investment in clean, local energy and is supported heavily by strong government policies, both local and federal.