You are here: Home » Our Work » Work By Region » Pacific Northwest
Document Actions

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

Protecting communities and habitats from the devastating effects of LNG terminals and pipelines
In the rush to exploit interest in new "alternative" energy development, Oregon has been targeted for the development of three liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along the coast and nearly a thousand miles of gas pipelines that would crisscross the state.
Protecting Idaho’s Wild Rapid River From Off-Road Vehicle Abuse
Read about WELC's work to protect Idaho’s wild Rapid River from off-road vehicle abuse
Banning Field Burning in Oregon
UPDATE: Field Burning to End in Southern Willamette Valley!
Challenge to Bush Administration Foot-Dragging on Species Protection
The Bush administration has been using a legal loophole in the Endangered Species Act (the “warranted but precluded” clause) to delay listing of hundreds of species which it has acknowledged need protection, effectively allowing these species and their habitat to spiral downhill towards extinction.
Ensuring the Public's Right to Know - Pesticide Reform
In a long campaign with Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides the Western Environmental Law Center has sought full disclosure of active and inert ingredients in pesticides to the public under the Freedom of Information Act.
Tell state leaders to take action NOW on climate change!
WELC Sues Forest Service Over Attempts to Remove Protections for Wildlife Across the Country
WELC files suit on behalf of 14 conservation organizations
Citizens Bring Suit to Clean up Air Pollution from Industrial Dairies in Lower Yakima Valley
VICTORY! WELC Protects Wildlife, Birds and Habitat on Farms
We are thrilled to report that, in one of the quickest legal resolutions we've seen, WELC won a significant victory protecting habitat for wildlife on farmlands.