Press Releases

These are our press releases

Pioneering Federal Climate and Energy Lawsuit to Move Forward - Feb 10, 2010 - Taos, NM

The lawsuit, filed last year, seeks to safeguard the climate by requiring BLM to account for the climate change impacts of its oil and gas leasing decisions.

Diverse Coalition Files Challenge of Risky Foreign Energy Project - Jan 19, 2010 - Coos Bay, Oregon

The new LNG terminal and pipeline threatens private property and irreplaceable natural resources.

Forest Service Agrees to End Controversial Grooming Program - Dec 23, 2009 - Missoula, MT

Conservation groups settle lawsuit. The agreement protects core wolverine habitat and nearly 148,000 acres in West Pioneer Wilderness Study Area.

Lynx in New Mexico Warrant Listing But Remain in Legal Limbo - Dec 17, 2009 - Santa Fe, NM

Federal government cites “higher priorities” as an excuse not to protect the wild cat.

Environmentalists, Landowners Criticize Federal Decision To Approve Fossil Fuel Project in Oregon - Dec 17, 2009 - Coos Bay, OR

Community groups pledge to challenge decision.

Colorado Chosen as Site to Showcase Wildlife Crossing Designs of the Future - Dec 16, 2009 - Denver, CO

Competition challenges design teams to reweave landscape for wildlife in a cost-effective manner using new methods, new materials, and new thinking.

Montana Ranchers Petition the State to Close a Loophole that Threatens Their Water Rights - Dec 01, 2009 - Helena, Mont.

The use of small permit-exempt wells has skyrocketed in the state’s high-growth counties – almost 30,000 wells were drilled between 2000 and 2008, mainly for new subdivisions.

Salmon Advocates Go to Court to Keep WOPR Dead - Oct 06, 2009 - Portland, Ore.

And support Obama Administration’s efforts to develop a new plan that safeguards Oregon’s wild salmon streams and forests.

Destructive Sierra Nevada Off-road Vehicle Plan Challenged - Sep 09, 2009

Advocates for quiet recreation, clean water, and wildlife habitat today filed a legal challenge to the Eldorado National Forest’s 2008 Travel Management Plan, charging the plan illegally prioritizes off-road vehicle use at the expense of traditional recreation and forest health.

Conservationists’ Win Upheld in Nat’l Cotton Council v. EPA - Aug 03, 2009 - Cincinnati, Ohio

6th Circuit denies pesticide industry’s request for rehearing

EPA Allows States to Enforce Stricter GHG Tailpipe Emissions Limits: A hard-fought victory for Environmental Groups - Jun 30, 2009 - Eugene, Oregon

In a critical step to combat global warming, the U.S. EPA today granted to California a long-delayed waiver for California's greenhouse gas reduction law for new vehicles. Today’s action reverses President Bush’s denials of the waiver request in 2007 and 2008.

FIELD BURNING DOUSED - Jun 29, 2009 - Salem, OR

An historic victory for Oregonians

Conservationists File Lawsuit to Defend Scenic, Natural and Historic Values of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument - Jun 18, 2009 - Great Falls, MT

The Western Environmental Law Center on behalf of the Montana Wilderness Association (MWA) filed a complaint in Federal District Court against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for violating laws protecting the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in north-central Montana.

Groups Applaud Western Governors’ Efforts to Protect Wildlife Corridors - Jun 15, 2009 - Park City, Utah

In a historic agreement, state and federal agencies have agreed to work together to protect wildlife corridors essential to the survival of animals like pronghorn, caribou, mule deer, and elk.

Public Deserves Say On Snowmobile Decision - May 29, 2009 - Missoula, MT

Wolverine habitat threatened

On Earth Day, ‘Lease First, Think Later’ Approach Still Dominates U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Oil & Natural Gas Leasing Program in New Mexico - Apr 21, 2009 - Taos, New Mexico

Conservation Groups Press for Win-Win Climate & Energy Solutions

WELC Urges EPA to Issue Greenhouse Pollution Restictions, Including for Soot, With Endangerment Finding - Apr 09, 2009 - Eugene, OR

The Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) today sent an urgent letter to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, urging her to speed issuance of regulations aimed at restricting greenhouse pollution and to include black carbon, or soot, among climate forcing agents to be regulated.

Conservationists Applaud EPA Decision to Not Seek Reversal of Victory Protecting Local Water Supplies, Fisheries & Wildlife - Apr 08, 2009 - Washington, DC

Rebuffing the Department of Agriculture, the Justice Department today announced that it will not seek rehearing of a recent significant environmental decision.

Lawsuit Filed to Save Endangered Songbird; Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Threatened by Release of Imported Beetle - Mar 27, 2009 - TUCSON, Arizona

The suit seeks review of granting permits for the indiscriminate introduction of the tamarisk leaf-eating beetle into critical habitat of the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

Gunnison Sage-grouse May Get Federal Protection - Mar 24, 2009 - Telluride, Colorado

Interior Department Calls for New Decision following Latest Investigation of Bush Administration's Interference in Species Conservation

Threatened Canada Lynx Protection Falls Short - Mar 13, 2009 - Durango, Colorado

Conservationists Ask Obama to Heed the Science and Provide Greater Habitat Protection

Conservationists Convince Government to Reconsider Transmission Line for Desert Rock Power Plant - Mar 05, 2009 - Arlington, VA

Interior Boards of Land Appeals decision stalls the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant

Supreme Court’s Narrow Ruling Keeps Citizen’s Right to Challenge Unlawful Government Regulations - Mar 03, 2009 - Washington, D.C.

But Justice’s limited ruling lets stand the Bush administration’s regulation that prevents the public from reviewing destructive activities in national forests.

Campaign to End Field Burning to Issue Sacrifice Zone Report - Feb 26, 2009 - Eugene, OR

State Failure to Document Public Health Risk Exposed

WELC takes challenge to appeals court to protect sage grouse from CBM drilling in Powder River Basin - Jan 29, 2009 - Laramie, WY

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, significant biological information has been received indicating that both the greater sage grouse and the black-tailed prairie dog may need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Citizens Applaud LUBA Decision Denying Bradwood LNG Terminal and Pipeline - Jan 28, 2009 - Astoria, OR

Opponents of the Bradwood project contend that the terminal and pipeline would have killed endangered salmon, increased foreign fossil fuel dependence, and imposed eminent domain on small private landowners.

WELC Supports President Obama’s Instruction to EPA on the California Waiver Case - Jan 26, 2009 - Eugene, OR

Statement of the Western Environmental Law Center in support of President Obama’s Instruction to EPA on the California Waiver Case

River Advocates File Legal Challenge to Bush’s Plan for Western Oregon Forests - Jan 15, 2009 - Portland, OR

The Western Environmental Law Center, on behalf of Pacific Rivers Council and McKenzie Flyfishers, today filed suit against the controversial BLM plan, known as the Western Oregon Plan Revisions, or "WOPR." The federal plan would weaken protection for streams and salmon on 2.6 million acres of public forestland in Oregon.

Climate at Risk from Wasteful Oil and Gas Operations in New Mexico - Jan 14, 2009 - Taos, New Mexico

Conservation Groups File Groundbreaking Suit to Force Bureau of Land Management to Safeguard the Climate, Adopt Win-Win Solutions

Conservationists Win Decision Protecting Local Water Supplies, Fisheries &Wildlife; Bush Rule Exempting Pesticide Application From Clean Water Act Protections Vacated. - Jan 07, 2009 - Cincinnati, OH

In yet another of a long list stinging defeats for the Bush Environmental Protection Agency, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a clear rebuke against the administration’s attempt to exempt certain commercial pesticide applications from oversight of the Clean Water Act.

Climate at Risk from Wasteful Oil and Gas Operations in Montana - Dec 17, 2008 - Missoula, MT

Conservation Groups File Groundbreaking Suit to Force Bureau of Land Management to Safeguard the Climate, Adopt Win-Win Solutions

Imported Beetle Threatens Endangered Songbird's Survival - Dec 12, 2008 - Flagstaff, AZ

The defoliating leaf beetle has now unexpectedly invaded nesting areas of the southwestern willow flycatcher in southern Utah and in northwestern Arizona. If the beetle spreads further, it could seriously threaten the endangered songbird’s survival.

Conservationists Defend Wildlife and Natural Solitude in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. - Dec 09, 2008 - Great Falls, MT

WELC assists the Montana Wilderness Association in a lawsuit to defend the U.S. Forest Service’s travel plan for Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Lynx in New Mexico Soon to Escape Legal Limbo - Dec 01, 2008

Matthew Bishop, the Western Environmental Law Center attorney representing the groups, said, “We’re pleased that lynx in New Mexico will finally have a chance at federal protection.” Bishop indicated that time is of the essence, as lynx crossing into New Mexico face significant threats without legal safeguards.

Conservationists Release Blueprint for Wind Energy Development - Nov 21, 2008 - Laramie, WY

WELC and six other conservation groups today released a statewide science-based report titled Wind Power in Wyoming: Doing it Smart from the Start

Oregonians Demand an Immediate Stop to Field Burning - Nov 19, 2008 - Eugene, OR

Campaign to End Field Burning Releases Endorsement List

Sportsman and Conservationists Strive to Preserve Critical Wildlife Corridor and Habitat on the Continental Divide for Elk, Moose, Lynx, Wolverine, Grizzly Bears, and Wolves. - Nov 18, 2008 - Helena, MT

Lawsuit charges US Forest Service is shirking its legal obligations

Broad Coalition of Idahoans and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Sue Jerome County Board of Commissioners Over Decision Allowing Factory Farming Near Minidoka National Historic Site - Oct 21, 2008 - Washington, D.C.

Suit Says Commission’s Decision Making Process Excluded Important Information About Potential Harm to Minidoka

Supreme Court to Decide Whether Citizens Can Effectively Challenge Illegal Government Rules - Sep 29, 2008 - Washington, D.C.

Administration Seeks to Shield Logging, Drilling, and Off-Road Vehicle Use on Forest Service Lands from Public Review

Conservation groups, the state of Montana, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and federal agencies reach historic agreement to help save the Kootenai River white sturgeon - Sep 02, 2008 - Bonners Ferry, Idaho

“After nearly six years of litigation, the parties have agreed to a plan that will help save the sturgeon,” said Geoff Hickox, an attorney from the Western Environmental Law Center

WELC, Joined by Several States, To Sue EPA for its Failure to Restrict Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Nonroad Vehicles and Engines - Jul 30, 2008

Following six months of federal inaction, the Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) provided notice of its intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for its failure to restrict greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from nonroad vehicles and engines.

U.S. Wildlife Officials Failing to Conserve Mexican Wolf, 11 Conservation Groups Intervening to Ensure Wolf Recovery Is Agency’s Priority - Apr 30, 2008 - Tucson, Arizona

With only 52 Mexican gray wolves left in the wild, a number of conservation organizations are asking an Arizona federal court to direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to take back their leadership responsibilities for the Mexican wolf reintroduction effort and make wolf conservation a priority.

Citizens Bring Suit to Clean up Air Pollution from Industrial Dairies in Lower Yakima Valley - Apr 23, 2008

Seeking to hold industrial dairies accountable for their release of hazardous air pollutants, citizens filed a lawsuit today against one of the biggest dairies in the state of Washington.

Drilling the Climate: Colorado Oil and Gas Auction to Fuel Global Warming, BLM Ignoring its Responsibility to Protect Colorado’s Climate - Apr 23, 2008 - Denver, Colorado

A coalition of local, regional, and national citizens groups have challenged the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s decision to open up more than 174,000 acres of Colorado to oil and gas drilling without taking action to protect Colorado’s climate.

Lynx in New Mexico in Legal Limbo, Groups Sue to Protect the Rare Cats in the Southwest - Apr 21, 2008

Groups are suing to ensure that the highly imperiled cats do not lose their legal protection once they cross from Colorado where they are protected as a threatened species under the Edangered Species Act (ESA) into New Mexico where they are not protected under the ESA.

Drilling the Climate: New Mexico Oil and Gas Auction to Fuel Global Warming, BLM Ignoring its Responsibility to Protect New Mexico’s Climate - Apr 15, 2008 - Sante Fe, New Mexico

Despite the growing danger posed by climate change to New Mexico, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is ignoring the natural gas industry’s significant contributions to global warming pollution as it feverishly promotes a runaway drilling boom.

Forest Service Attempts to Remove Protections for Wildlife Across the Country, Meets With Lawsuit - Apr 11, 2008 - San Francisco

A coalition of 14 conservation groups filed suit today in federal court to block the U.S. Forest Service from implementing a new rule that would remove protections for fish, wildlife, and other resources throughout the 192-million acre National Forest System. The rule represents the Forest Service’s third attempt to weaken the nationwide regulations.

BIA Withholding Records on Desert Rock Power Plant, Court Asked to Force Agency to Release Basic Public Documents - Apr 03, 2008 - Farmington, New Mexico

Despite the harmful effects of the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant on precious water resources and air quality in the Four Corners region, the lead federal agency in charge of the project has denied numerous requests to review even basic public records on those issues.

Conservation Group Amends Lawsuit Over Corridor Designation - Mar 12, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA

The Western Environmental Law Center, representing the Center for Biological Diversity, today amended its federal district court lawsuit challenging the Department of Energy’s October 2007 designation of the Southwest National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor — a sweeping, 45-million-acre area that includes seven southern California and three Arizona counties — for failing to analyze the environmental impacts of the corridor to at least 95 species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Conservation Groups Win Reconsideration of the “Village” at Wolf Creek Development - Feb 19, 2008 - Durango, Colorado

Culminating 16 months of legal wrangling, the U.S. Forest Service and developer Red McCombs agreed to go back to the drawing board and complete a fair and unbiased Environmental Impact Statement for the controversial development proposed at the top of Wolf Creek Pass in southern Colorado.

Community Groups Go to Court to Clean up Los Alamos National Laboratory. - Feb 07, 2008 - Sante Fe, New Mexico

Citing significant violations of the Clean Water Act at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, an alliance of nine New Mexico community organizations and two individuals today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy and the Los Alamos National Security, LLC

Court Upholds Habitat Protection for Mexican Spotted Owl - Feb 05, 2008 - Phoenix, Arizona

A federal court has upheld protection of 8.6 million acres of critical habitat spread across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado for the threatened Mexican spotted owl. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the critical habitat for the owl in 2004.

Environmental Groups Petition EPA to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Generated by Non-road Vehicles and Engines - Jan 29, 2008 - Los Angeles, Calif

Public interest and environmental organizations, joined by several states, today called upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from non-road vehicles and engines, a large component of the mobile source sector with the fastest rate of increase in GHG emissions.

EPA Stalling West Coast States’ Efforts to Limit Greenhouse Gases - Sep 18, 2007 - Eugene, Oregon

Public Interest Groups Take Legal Action to Force EPA’s Compliance with the Law

Conservationists file petition to protect Lynx in New Mexico - Aug 01, 2007 - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Conservationists argue that the Canada lynx should be protected in northern New Mexico

Conservationists Seek to Block Forest Service’s Resurrection of Illegal Regulations - Jul 26, 2007 - San Francisco

 

Conservation Groups File Suit to Protect Four Corners Air - Jul 10, 2007 - Durango, CO

 

Oregon and Washington Public Interest Groups Petition EPA to Grant Waiver Allowing States to Limit Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Jun 15, 2007 - Eugene OREGON

 

Groups Join to Stop Industrial Dairy Pollution - Jun 14, 2007 - Eugene, OR

Dairy Education Alliance Formed to Clean Up and Protect Communities

State Water Quality Control Commission Approves Conservation Protections for New Mexico's Most Special Waters - Jun 13, 2007 - New Mexico

 

Feds Asked to Include Lynx in New Mexico - Jun 11, 2007 - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Comments on 5 year status review argue that the wildcat’s habitat extends

Neighbors Around the West Target Dairy Polluters - May 30, 2007 - The West

 

Victory for Clean Water in New Mexico - May 14, 2007 - New Mexico

State’s Right to Protect Water Upheld in Court Against Industry Challenge

CARE Takes Action To Ensure Clean Drinking Water for Washington Communities - Apr 20, 2007 - Yakima Valley, WA

Washington State Department of Ecology’s Water Pollution Permit for Industrial Dairies Fails to Protect Communities

Court Throws Out Bush Changes to National Forest Rules - Mar 30, 2007 - Eugene, OR

 

Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry's New Book Features Environmental Advocacy of Western Environmental Law Center - Mar 29, 2007 - Eugene, OR

 

Groups Ask Court to Reconsider Lynx in New Mexico - Mar 29, 2007 - Santa Fe, NM

Request Seeks Protection of Rare Wildcat from Harmful Activities

Domenici and Bingaman Agree to Advance Valle Vidal Bill - Nov 16, 2006

Lawmakers Will Seek Senate Passage of House Bill to Protect Region

Mineral County and Lake Conservationists Leave Walker Lake Water Rights Mediation Process - Sep 20, 2006 - Hawthorne, NV

Lack of Progess and Lake's Dire Straits Cited as Reasons for Withdrawal

New Environmental Study on Grand Canyon's Native Fishes and Habitat - Impacts of Glen Canyon Dam - Sep 05, 2006

 

Groups Sue to Protect the Grand Canyon - Mar 28, 2006 - Denver

Coalition effort to improve management of the Colorado River

Judge Upholds Old-Growth and Imperiled Species' Protection 1/10/2006 - Jan 10, 2006 - Seattle, WA

Bush administration plan to eliminate protection for rare plants and wildlife thwarted

Forest Service Employee Group Wins Lawsuit - Oct 25, 2005 - Eugene, OR

Lawsuit Challenges Use of Aerial Fire Retardant

Court Tells Forest Service to Obey the Law, Protect Public's Rights - Oct 20, 2005 - Eugene, OR

Judge Clarifies Ruling that Halted Agency Projects Nationwide to Create Backlash

Conservation Groups Ask US Forest Service to Stop Playing Politics with Americans’ Lives - Oct 13, 2005 - Fresno, CA

Coalition Asks Court to Clarify Ruling on Forest Service Maintenance Projects

Court Issues Restraining Order to Halt Species’ Poisoning - Aug 23, 2005 - Eugene, OR

Pristine Wilderness Stream in Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Preserved

Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area Preserved as Roadless - May 17, 2005 - Eugene, OR

Second Judge Refuses to Allow Taxpayer Extortion