Oakland Invades the Desert

12/07/10 Four East Bay companies are leading the rush to develop utility-scale solar power. But some environmentalists suggest there's a big price to pay. by Nate Seltenrich Rising rebelliously from the desert floor on the northern end of Ivanpah Valley, the town of Primm, Nevada, calls to mind man's triumph over nature. Its gaudy fashion outlet and three hotel-casinos crowd the freeway just east of the ...

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From Disease to Green

12/28/10 Emeryville-based Amyris is using its expertise in fighting malaria to develop a molecule that turns sugarcane into biofuel. by Nate Seltenrich The Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt promise to help quench America's growing thirst for electric vehicles. Yet no matter how popular they become, electric cars will leave a big piece of the petroleum puzzle unsolved: trucks, buses, and aircraft, whose power ...

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Destroying Alameda Creek

04/05/11 A Caltrans road-widening project will cut down more than four hundred trees, and could ruin restored habitat for steelhead and salmon. by Nate Seltenrich The Alameda Creek Alliance has an admittedly narrow aim: securing safe passage and spawning habitat for wild steelhead and salmon along Alameda Creek, the East Bay's largest and longest waterway. The nonprofit formed in 1997 after steelhead ...

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