Western Environmental Law Center

We protect and fight for the West's habitat

THIS IS YOUR LAND. We use the power of law to protect the West's wild places for you, your children, and grandchildren.

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THIS IS THEIR LAND
We are a unique and powerful voice for all of the West's creatures, great and small. Their future is our future.

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WE DEFEND WHAT MATTERS
The wild places that sustain all life and provide opportunities for recreation and quiet solitude.

Keeping the WIld in the West

photo by Eron Ller

WE SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER
Clean air, healthy water and a stable climate. Fundamental rights defended.

Working for a Healthy, Sustainable West

THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY
We use our smarts and perspective to bring folks together to defend the West.

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photo by NWRafting

WISDOM BORN OUT OF EXPERIENCE
Over 2 decades of advocacy and 150 years of collective experience. We know our way around.

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OUR MOST IMPORTANT PARTNER: YOU

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Defending the West

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About Us

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The Wolverine Way

Helena, MT September 16th
Missoula, MT September 17th

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Over the last 30 years, we've provided legal representation AT NO COST to over 400 clients. Your donation helps protect and defend the West.

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Front Articles

Headlines

Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Climate Reform Project

The mountain West is home to vast resources, and responsible development is a key part of the region’s economny. But for there to be responsible development, we have to take into account the true...

The Wolverine Way

A presentation by Douglas Chadwick in Helena and Missoula

Please join us for an exciting visual presentation and discussion with Douglas Chadwick, author of The Wolverine Way.

Douglas Chadwick, natural history writer and former volunteer...

Protecting the Wolverine

The Essence of Wilderness

If you could characterize the spirit of the West in one animal, it might be the wolverine.

Programs

Regions

What's happening where?
Hover over a state to see
the latest news by area.

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Promoting Renewable Energy with Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, and Communities

In May of 2010, we joined with the other nearly 50 companies, nonprofits, school districts, and municipal agencies...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Promoting Renewable Energy with Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, and Communities

In May of 2010, we joined with the other nearly 50 companies, nonprofits, school districts, and municipal agencies...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Promoting Renewable Energy with Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, and Communities

In May of 2010, we joined with the other nearly 50 companies, nonprofits, school districts, and municipal agencies...

Ensuring Responsible Energy Transmission Lines in Montana & Idaho

Renewable energy is going into Montana and Idaho in a big way – particularly wind. That means building new...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Climate Reform Project

The mountain West is home to vast resources, and responsible development is a key part of the region’s economny. But...

Ensuring Responsible Energy Transmission Lines in Montana & Idaho

Renewable energy is going into Montana and Idaho in a big way – particularly wind. That means building new...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Promoting Renewable Energy with Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, and Communities

In May of 2010, we joined with the other nearly 50 companies, nonprofits, school districts, and municipal agencies...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Exposing the True Impacts of Nevada’s Reid Gardner Coal-Fired Power Plant

Nevada Power Company, the owner and operator of the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant, wants to use public lands...

Fighting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Industrial Operations

One thing the West is known for: Our clean air. But we have to work to keep it that way. Industrial operations with...

Promoting Renewable Energy with Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, and Communities

In May of 2010, we joined with the other nearly 50 companies, nonprofits, school districts, and municipal agencies...

WELC Helps Put Endangered Mexican Gray Wolves Back on the Path to Recovery

In response to Western Environmental Law Center's advocacy, the Mexican gray wolf recovery effort took a pivotal...

Back on the road to recovery

The Mexican gray wolf has taken a big step back into the region. A recent legal settlement has buoyed efforts to...

Restoring the Mexican Gray Wolf

Litigation is about reconciling competing interests. A picture-perfect example of how that works is WELC’s lawsuit...

U.S. Wildlife Officials Failing to Conserve Mexican Wolf

With only 52 Mexican gray wolves left in the wild, a number of conservation organizations are asking an Arizona...

Restoring the Mexican Gray Wolf

Litigation is about reconciling competing interests. A picture-perfect example of how that works is WELC’s lawsuit...

U.S. Wildlife Officials Failing to Conserve Mexican Wolf

With only 52 Mexican gray wolves left in the wild, a number of conservation organizations are asking an Arizona...

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