Press Release: Legal Agreement Will Bring New Protections From Logging to Oregon Coast Coho Salmon


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2023

PORTLAND, Ore.— Resolving multiyear litigation over the harms of logging to coho salmon, conservation groups reached an agreement today with the Oregon Department of Forestry to greatly expand stream buffers across more than half a million acres of the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests.

In the Media: A gas utility’s astroturf campaign threatens Oregon’s first electrification ordinance


by Joseph Winters, Newsletter Reporter
Originally published on Grist.org, March 7, 2023

Last month, Eugene became the first city in Oregon to pass an ordinance requiring new residential buildings to be fossil fuel-free. But the policy may never go into effect — not if the natural gas industry gets its way.

Press Release: Eugene becomes first city in Oregon to phase out gas in new construction as electrification movement grows


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2023

Eugene, Ore. — The City of Eugene voted five to three tonight to phase out fossil fuels like gas in new homes and buildings, a historic step that will cut climate pollution, improve air quality, and lower utility bills for households. The vote from the City Council delivered a major victory to the dozens of climate, environmental justice, health, housing and racial justice groups who organized for more than two years in favor of the policy.

In the Media: Not Going Flat


by Henry Houston
Originally published by EugeneWeekly.com on January 12, 2023

The U.S. Forest Service ended 2022 with a decision that local environmentalists are celebrating.

The federal agency decided to withdraw its plans for the Flat Country timber sale, which would have affected some more than 100-year-old trees in a nearly 75,000 acre project area in the Willamette National Forest near McKenzie Bridge.

Press Release: Eugene Water and Electric Board’s Unanimously Votes to Decommission Leaburg Hydroelectric Project on the McKenzie River


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2023

Eugene, OR — Following years of extensive research, analysis, and outreach, the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) Commission voted unanimously to initiate a plan to decommission the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project on the McKenzie River at its January 3 meeting. The Board of Commissioners formally approved EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson’s December 6 recommendations to decommission the project, which discontinued electricity generation in 2018, and remove the aging Leaburg Dam. 

Press Release: Oregon Court of Appeals Rejects Oakridge Mining Proposal


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2022
 
Salem, Oregon —The Oregon Court of Appeals recently ruled against the proposal to mine TV Butte on the eastern edge of Oakridge, citing significant impacts blasting and industrial operations would have on resident deer and elk herds. The ruling was a major victory for Oakridge residents and local businesses who have long opposed the gravel mine proposed by Ed King III of King Estate Winery.  

Cascadia Wildlands Statement on Eugene Water and Electric Board’s Recommendation to Decommission Leaburg Dam on the McKenzie River


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2023

Following two years of extensive research, analysis, and outreach, the Eugene Water and Electric Board’s (EWEB) General Manager and staff presented a recommendation to decommission and remove the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project and Dam at the December 6 Board of Commissioners meeting. In agreement with the recommendation, the Board directed EWEB staff to convert the recommendation to an action item for the Board to vote to approve early next year.