Monica Samayoa
OPB
Portland, OR, United States
Contact Monica
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Monica:
Oregon’s natural gas customers will see bill hikes starting in November
The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved double-digit rate increases for NW Natural, Cascade Gas and Avista Utilities, but said no to a larger increase that would have paid for promotional activities for a fossil fuel that's now being scrutinized for its contributions to climate change. → Read More
Pacific Northwest heat wave was a freak, 10,000-year event, study finds
New research out of UCLA says the Pacific Northwest's extreme heat wave last summer was an event that should have only happened once in 10,000 years and was likely hotter because of climate change. → Read More
Heat wave puts Oregon workplace safety rules to the test
New state rules require access to water, shade and breaks on hot days, but some workers say they’re still laboring in unsafe conditions as temperatures hit triple digits this week. → Read More
Multnomah County mosquitoes take a near record-setting bite out of summer
Multnomah County is seeing tens of thousands more mosquitoes – the most since its last major outbreak in 2010. → Read More
Oregon increases Port of Morrow groundwater pollution fine to $2.1 million
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality increased the Port of Morrow’s groundwater contamination fine to $2.1 million. → Read More
Plan for logging Oregon’s state forests while protecting imperiled wildlife moves forward
The proposed Western Oregon Habitat Conservation plan would protect endangered species in 640,000 acres of states forestland while providing more certainty for logging in those areas. → Read More
Portland Clean Energy Fund faces lawsuit and outcry from businesses
The Portland Clean Energy Fund is sorting through a mountain of problems as it was served a defamation lawsuit the same week the Portland Business Alliance calls on city leaders to halt further spending from the fund. → Read More
Climate experts predict ‘tough times’ ahead as drought conditions continue
Most of the Pacific Northwest is still experiencing an extensive drought with at least 10 Oregon counties seeing exceptional drought conditions that include dried-up wells and water shortages in reservoirs. → Read More
Zero emissions trucks could soon be required in Oregon
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission is set to vote Wednesday on a plan to gradually shift from fossil fuels to electric power for medium and heavy duty trucks. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. → Read More
Upcoming heat wave puts Oregon’s new worker protection rules to the test
This week’s forecasted temperatures would be the first to exceed 100 degrees since the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration adopted rules to protect workers laboring in excessive heat. → Read More
Hillsboro construction worker latest workplace heat death
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed a second workplace heat-related death that occurred on the hottest day in late June. → Read More
Laboring through Oregon’s hottest days underscores the push for worker protections
The Pacific Northwest heat wave made worksites unbearable for many and added a sense of urgency to efforts already underway to strengthen worker protections against summers extreme temperatures and smoky air. → Read More
Oregon OKs new temporary rules for cutting off power during wildfire season
The Oregon Public Utility Commission approves temporary rules for utilities to cut off power for public safety reasons during the 2021 wildfire season. → Read More
Oregon advisory committee submits plan for next groups to be vaccinated
The Oregon Health Authority’s Vaccine Advisory Committee voted Thursday to move forward four groups, finaling its recommendation to Gov. Kate Brown for the next phase of vaccinations. → Read More
Portland’s Willamette River almost had a sewage-free year. Almost.
‘Can we take a 2020 moment to celebrate some good news in the making?’ In a word... ‘No.’ → Read More
Oregon land board moves forward on Elliott State research forest proposal
The Elliott State Forest is a step closer to becoming an 80,000-acre research forest after the State Land Board voted in favor of Oregon State University’s proposal. → Read More
Invasive insect found in shipment in Corvallis
A Corvallis plant nursery found a dead spotted lanternfly in a shipment of planters and ceramic pots from Pennsylvania, making it the first of its kind to be reported in Oregon. → Read More
Evacuations still in place for parts of Western Lane County due to wildfires
Evacuations are still in place in parts of western Lane County as firefighters work to contain the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 Fire on Tuesday. → Read More
Camping Is Back For Oregon State Parks, But Not For Another 2 Weeks
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will begin to accept reservations for limited overnight camping at most state parks starting June 9. → Read More
Side-Effect Of The Pandemic: Pipes Clogged With Non-Flushable Junk
Oregon’s Washington County is seeing an increase in clogged pipes as more items other than toilet paper are being flushed during the coronavirus pandemic. → Read More