Underscoring the urgent need to combat global warming, Attorney General Jerry Brown warned county leaders from across the state Tuesday that they must reduce greenhouse gases when planning new developments or run the risk of costly lawsuits. At a meeting of more than 500 leaders gathered in his hometown of Oakland at the annual California State Association of Counties conference, Brown said, he can sue local governments to ensure they are complying with the state's landmark environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act. Contra Costa Times 11/14/07
The state agency that wants to link Northern and Southern California with 220 mph passenger trains will propose today to route the high-speed rail line through San Jose instead of the East Bay. The report will be presented to the agency's board of directors, who will take at least a month before voting. One major factor in the decision was the fact that the alternative path over the Altamont Pass would require a new bridge be built over the Bay, but proponents said it would better serve growing commuter cities such as Tracy. Contra Costa Times 11/14/07
The California DMV has started its own channel on the video-sharing site YouTube and a profile on the social networking site MySpace t o attract the attention of new drivers and give them safety tips. Contra Costa Times 11/14/07
A record $19.9 billion transportation bond pitched to voters last fall as a way to “fast track” projects is hitting slowdowns in some areas. Legislation to set guidelines for distributing $2 billion to improve the movement of freight was stalled in part because of partisan bickering, and other money is waiting on votes. San Diego Union Tribune 11/14/07
The purpose of annual Darpa races like those held 11/3 has been to help build robot vehicles for the United States military by the middle of the next decade. Progress, however, has been so dramatic that the impact is likely to be felt soon and far more broadly, in the commercial automotive world and elsewhere. Scientists describe the ‘behaviors’ that emerge in self-directed machines such as these, aggressive, sneaky, cautious, as ways to protect themselves as well as to make choices among competing demands. NY Times 11/11/07
For years, the arrival of an ethanol distillery in agricultural America was greeted mainly with delight, a ticket to the future in places plagued by economic uncertainty. Now, faced with the reality of plants in their own backyards, locals bemoan an increase in noise, traffic, odor, emissions and demand on the water system. NY Times 11/13/07
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