Local environmental group Columbia Riverkeeper has hired a community organizer who will partner with Latino civic organizations and spearhead efforts to restore the Nichols Natural Area.
As a commissioned songwriter for the Portland’s Bonneville Power Administration in 1941, Woody Guthrie wrote 26 songs, including classics like "Roll On, Columbia," "Hard Travelin’," and "Pastures of Plenty," extolling the benefits of public power, hydroelectricity, irrigation, and the Grand Coulee Dam.
After more than two years of public review, analysis, and permit filings, delays, and extensions, the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) announced on Monday that it had rejected a crucial permit needed for the construction of the Coyote Island coal export terminal proposed for the Port of Morrow.
Columbia Riverkeeper and several other conservation groups have issued an ultimatum to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad: Clean up coal debris along the tracks or face a lawsuit.
A handful of environmental groups announced last week they intend to sue BNSF railroad and several coal export companies after finding coal in and near local waterways which they say is from improperly secured loads of coal trains haul through the Gorge every day.
While the Hood River City Council has led the way in voicing fiery opposition to coal trains passing through Hood River, the battle over the toxic transports is just beginning. An “up-river” Mesa, Wash., derailment accident on July 2 may just add fuel to those flames.
