Congratulations to Comunidades

Comunidades will become an independent nonprofit! Founded in 2018 by Ubaldo Hernández and community volunteers, Comunidades’ mission is to amplify voices for environmental and social justice while increasing Latina/o/x engagement and leadership in Columbia River Gorge communities. To support Comunidades’ growth, Columbia Riverkeeper fiscally sponsored the group, offering administrative and program-staff support when needed. We are excited to work as nonprofit partners as the group continues to grow its program work and impact. We wish Ubaldo well in his new role as full-time director of Comunidades.

FERC Ignores Tribal, Environmental Concerns 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released the final environmental review for the Goldendale Pumped Storage development. FERC recommends licensing the development despite the objections of Tribal Nations and dozens of climate and environmental advocacy groups. If approved, the developer would build two massive reservoirs that would inundate an area known as “Pushpum” by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation which translates to the ‘mother of all roots’, a sacred area for the Tribe. Learn more about why we continue to work in solidarity with Tribes and climate and environmental advocacy groups on this important issue.

Fighting Fossil Fuels Legal Update 

Last week, Washington and Oregon filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the GTN Xpress fracked gas pipeline expansion that would add 3.47 million tons of greenhouse gas pollution each year. The states’ challenge follows Columbia Riverkeeper and Rogue Climate’s legal action.

Salmon at a Crossroads

Did you see our legal director and salmon aficionado Miles Johnson speak at Mt. Adams Institute’s Sense of Place lecture series? If you want to learn more about Lower Snake Dam removal, or you’re just a lover of rivers, you won't want to miss out on this discussion. Check out the recording today!

Partner Spotlight: PIELC

The Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) is an annual gathering that unites more than 3,000 activists, attorneys, students, scientists, and concerned people from over 50 countries to share their experience and expertise. Columbia Riverkeeper is excited to be a part of three panels during the conference: 

• “Stop GTN XPress: A Legal and Grassroots Fight Against Pipeline Expansion” on March 1, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. 
• “Long Term Stewardship and the Hanford Nuclear Site” on March 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Many Nations Longhouse. 
• "Rumble on the River: Renewable Diesel: Boon or Boondoggle" March 3, 2024, 10:45 a.m. at the Law School Auditorium Rm. 175.