Building on last year's legislation that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, the Governor of California recently announced the world's first global warming pollution standard for transportation fuels. The plan gives full discretion to gasoline and diesel fuel makers on how they will reach the ten percent reduction target but offers them the opportunity to buy credits from companies exceeding the standard. Supporters assert that the measure will encourage investments in alternative fuels such as ethanol and natural gas.

Middle and high school teachers eager to stimulate their students' interest in government and history can download short video clips and related class discussion materials from the C-SPAN Classroom website. The service, available to members, provides multi-media resources covering a range of political issues, from Electoral College proceedings to the British House of Commons weekly Q&A session.

As part of a Federal Highway Administration's pilot project to improve safety at busy intersections, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has recently installed a new "flashing" left-turn signal on a state highway in Pueblo. Public officials argue that the new signal is less confusing than both the traditional circular green light, which can be mistaken for a protected left turn, and the circular red light plus green arrow, which causes some drivers to hesitate.

Goodsearch.com turns pennies into payments for nonprofits. The site, powered by Yahoo, donates 50% of its advertising revenue for every search conducted, about a penny per search, to charities chosen by its users. For instance, patrons of the Scottdale Public Library are designating the moneys from their searches to construct new facilities and Westmoreland County Community College hopes to use search proceeds for scholarships and renovations.

To help individuals without phones receive important messages in a timely fashion, Community Voice Mail (CVM) provides registered individuals free access to a messaging service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The national program, which has expanded to Augusta, Georgia, gives users an opportunity to check their messages anywhere, either at social service agencies or the homes of friends and family. Supporters of CVM claim that enabling users to access messages from potential employers, landlords, and critical human services providers can lead to greater economic independence.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has partnered with Google to make driving easier for its residents. Delaware drivers now have access to interactive traffic maps that update drivers with travel advisories, such as major accidents, road closures or restrictions, and toll rates. Maps can also be customized to study different layers of traffic information, and are aided by strategically placed weather and road condition cameras.

New York City is planning to equip its 911 call centers with technology to receive digital images and videos sent from cell phones and computers. Once received, 911 operators will be able to forward these real-time images to first responders. The city eventually would extend the technology to 311, a hotline dealing with non-emergency, quality-of-life concerns. Indiana has already begun a similar plan to adjust its 911 networks.

Across the nation, schools are integrating character education into their curriculum to create environments that foster ethical young people who respect themselves, and others. Some schools in Wisconsin, for example, are using booklets and role play to focus their students on different themes each month, such as poise and hard work. Supporters cite growing evidence that strong character education programs are linked to gains in test scores. 

Aiming to reduce consumer dependence on polluting fuels as well as promote cleaner air, the Las Vegas City Council has passed a bill approving the use of small wind energy systems in several zoning districts. Purchasing one of these systems requires an initial investment, but the cost quickly becomes competitive with conventional energy sources when one accounts for reduced utility costs.

Florida is using the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program to give citizens a way to donate their time and skills to a community law enforcement agency. The goal of the program is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement by recruiting volunteers to perform tasks previously assigned to police personnel, such as fingerprinting, "welfare checks" on the elderly, and assisting with school zone patrol.  In addition to conserving police resources, VIPS provides meaningful opportunities to willing community members. 

The Student Educational and Economic Development Success (SEEDS) program in West Virginia seeks to improve under-achieving schools by partnering them with business leaders.  Based on a similar model in Florida, SEEDS brings corporate executives to willing schools whose administration is looking for new strategies, including time-management, goal setting, and performance measurement.

Some schools are using yoga to help stressed-out students relax in the classroom. The Tools for Teachers program, in Maine, includes workshops that give teachers simple techniques to help their students maintain focus when things get tense.