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Defending California

Despite being our nation’s most populous state, California still has vast stretches of wilderness. From the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountain ranges in the east, to the Sierra Nevada in the west, Cascade Range in the north, and the Tehachapi Mountains in the south, California is an area of rich and varied geography, encompassing lush rainforests, cold snow capped peaks, and hot, dry deserts.


California’s population continues to grow and with that growth comes extensive development, air and water pollution, and threats to the natural environment.  Californians long history of environmental stewardship remains strong.   Representing California-based conservation organizations, local governments and individuals, the Western Environmental Law Center is working to protect California’s wild places and ensure the health of Californian communities.

Ensuring a state's right to limit vehicle green house gas (GHG) emissions
The Western Environmental Law Center is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use its authority under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act to grant California a waiver of federal preemption to enable it to limit vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses - Alleviating Damage from Commercial Packstock
This suit challenges the Forest Service’s authorization of commercial packstock uses in the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses in the Sierra Nevada in California -- two of the most popular wildernesses in the lower forty-eight states.
White House drops forest appeal
The Bush administration has dropped its appeal of WELC’s 2007 district court victory protecting 193 million acres of national forest lands.
VICTORY! WELC Wins Battle for Off-Road Records
WELC has won a two-year battle to gain access to U.S. Forest Service’s data on the damage caused by off-road vehicles and unmaintained roads on national forests around the West.
Southwest National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor
WELC is challenging the Department of Energy’s failure to comply with critical environmental laws in designating the Southwest National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.
WELC Sues Forest Service Over Attempts to Remove Protections for Wildlife Across the Country
WELC files suit on behalf of 14 conservation organizations
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