Today’s Green Lines: The Dalai Lama, Bike Lanes, Gas Taxes, Wind Power + Smokey-Room Bans

The City Fix reports on more bike lanes contemplated for DC streets.

In a case of better late than never, Virginia bans smoking at bars and restaurants starting today. And, Miles Grant, AKA The Green Miles, invites you to a smoke-free party to celebrate.

While influenza outbreaks nationwide remain high, Swine Flu cases continue to decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For all the stats on the H1N1 virus click here.

Streetsblog Capitol Hill posts on the possibilities of increasing the federal gas tax.

In DC, construction of office and other commercial buildings to set a record this year before coming to a resounding halt with no groundbeakings planed for 2010, notes the Washington Business Journal.

Maryland’s Constellation Energy adds wind power.

After hearing last week about how the human brain is ill-equipped to fight global warming (more on that later,) this New York Times story on how “babies are innately sociable and helpful to others” makes me feel a little better.

This Times piece on the struggles of indigenous people against poachers, loggers, illicit gold miners and other outsiders in a remote Venezuela rainforest is also worth a read.

The Dalai Lama has joined the growing number of spiritual leaders calling for global action to address climate change. He talks about his personal conservation efforts and says protecting the environment should be part of everyone’s lives now.