SEATTLE, Wash. - Washington has had a "Clean Car Act" since 2005, requiring that new vehicles sold in the state meet stricter tailpipe emissions standards, starting with the 2009 model year. The law has been in suspension, however, because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn't allow states to use their own standards - that is, until this week.

The EPA now says it will allow California to put its "Cleaner Car" rules into place. Washington and Oregon had adopted the same rules, so they went on hold with California's. Ross Macfarlane, senior adviser with the Seattle-based group Climate Solutions, says it would be impossible to meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals without limiting vehicle pollution.

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Transportation this week announced that an internal payroll audit uncovered at least $67,000 in unearned overtime and compensation time charges by an employee over the past two years. WSDOT continues its audit and has referred the case to the Washington State Patrol and Pierce County Prosecutors Office to investigate potential criminal charges.

"We work hard to be highly accountable in our use of taxpayer's dollars. We are disappointed in our employee's actions and have taken steps to ensure this kind of abuse won't happen again," said Steve Reinmuth, WSDOT's Chief of Staff.

While a booming fireworks display maybe the perfect culmination to Fourth of July festivities, The Humane Society of the United States reminds people that many pets are frightened by such activities.

"Pets are family members, and most people include them in their holiday plans, but on a holiday full of activities like our nations' birthday, most pets will be more comfortable at home with their normal everyday routines," said Adam Goldfarb, director of the pets at risk program at The Humane Society of the United States. "So on this Fourth of July, spare your pets the stress of fireworks and crowds and ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday."

The Ocean Shores Fire Department and the Ocean Shores Police Department would like you and your family to have a fun and safe 4th of July in Ocean Shores. Below is a list of safety ideas and laws which you should follow in order to enjoy your holiday.

Fireworks can only be discharged on the beaches from Marine View Drive north to the Damon Road beach approach and not in town. Fireworks can not be discharged south of Marine View Drive.
Fireworks can not be used within 100 feet of the dune grass or fired into the dunes.
Fireworks can not be discharged from decks or balconies of hotels, motels, or any residential properties.
Absolutely no beach fires within 100' of the dunes or in large pieces of driftwood.
Please completely extinguish your campfire.

Fireworks can only be discharged during the following hours:

• June 28th 12:00 noon - 11:00 PM
• June 29th - July 3rd 9:00AM -11:00 PM
• July 4th 9:00AM-12:00 midnight
• July 5th 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

OLYMPIA - As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants the public to know that it will be reducing services to many facilities at DNR-managed recreation sites.

DNR begins reducing services this week. A list of recreation sites affected by reductions in service is available at: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/am ... duced_services_063009.pdf. A map of these sites is at www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/am ... educed_services063009.pdf (1.9 MB PDF file).

The public can still recreate on state trust lands that have reduced services; however, there will not be any amenities such as outhouses, picnic tables, signs, or garbage service at these sites. In addition, gates to some of these sites may be locked and the only way in may be on foot. DNR asks that people visiting these areas pack out whatever they pack in and observe other principles of outdoor stewardship such as ‘Leave No Trace'. (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)