Wal-Mart = Green Mart? Activists in Flagstaff put up strong opposition against the construction of a second Wal-Mart in that city, but the company prevailed and is preparing to begin construction. Meanwhile, company officials told the Arizona Daily Sun that the company is moving toward becoming “environmentally and globally sustainable.” You can view HCN’s archives for more on Wal-Mart.

Californians fight to drink from a polluted river. “the fight over ‘drinking rights to two of the most polluted rivers in the country’ shows that, in California, water remains ‘liquid gold’.” And it means water issues can only get stranger in the years ahead. LA Times story is here.

A Tax for Trophy Homes: Blaine County Idaho is considering a fee on homes that are larger than 2500 square feet. The revenue would be used to help build low-income housing. Here’s the article: Idaho county considers mansion fees to fund low-income homes. I particularly like this quote from the county commissioners:

“The board believes this [affordable housing] is a major problem and this ordinance is an initial attempt to try to address it,” Wright told the crowd of about 25 Blaine County residents at the hearing. “If what is presented today is not a good idea…we want to hear ideas on how it can be improved.… If you were sitting where we’re sitting, what would you try to do?”

It sort of takes the wind out of the “I’ve got property rights and you can’t do anything and don’t you dare zone us you jerks” attitude. What would you do about skyrocketing real estate and a shortage of places for average people to live?

And in the “No Duh” category… it turns out that fish and farms divert water. Helping ocean-bound salmon pass hydroelectric dams is a costly proposition, according to a new analysis by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, but so is diverting water to irrigate crops in the Columbia River basin. This is actually an interesting article, concerning the costs of various river uses, and the value sets that help color how we feel about a farm using water (a traditional rights holder) and a salmon using water (a water thief?).

Roundin’ up them eco-terrorists: The feds have arrested more youngsters involved in a 2001 arson at an Oregon tree farm. They claim that the suspects were involved in a multi-state conspiracy to damage timber industry facilities, a meat packing plant and an SUV dealership, among other things. The charges include arson and attempted arson, and “carrying and using a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence” which could result in a 30-year prison sentence.