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Defending the Pacific Northwest

Stretching from southeastern Alaska and southwestern British Columbia, down through western Washington, western Oregon, and the northern most edge of California, and from the Pacific Ocean inland to the crest of the Cascade Mountains, the Pacific Northwest is home to snow capped peaks, old-growth forests, wild and scenic rivers, and salmon bearing streams.


Pollution, oil and gas drilling, development, suburban sprawl and off-road vehicles have added to the damage done by a history of logging, mining and overgrazing. Together with more than 70 conservation organizations, the Western Environmental Law Center has led the fight to save the Pacific Northwest’s ancient forests from these destructive activities

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.
Core Grizzly Bear Habitat Protected in Idaho!
In 2006, on behalf of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, WELC attorneys stopped the Boundary timber sale by filing a lawsuit in federal court. The Boundary sale would have allowed intrusive, helicopter logging in “core” habitat for the highly endangered population of grizzly bears that lives in the Selkirk Mountains.
Blocking the White Pass ski area expansion
Representing the Hogback Basin Preservation Association and the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club, WELC is working to block the expansion of the White Pass ski area into the heart of two roadless areas.
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.
Citizens Bring Suit to Clean up Air Pollution from Industrial Dairies in Lower Yakima Valley
WELC Sues Forest Service Over Attempts to Remove Protections for Wildlife Across the Country
WELC files suit on behalf of 14 conservation organizations
Tell state leaders to take action NOW on climate change!
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