Community Victories
Land use, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Health.
Glamping Proposal Along the White Salmon River Stalled
In October 2020, Crag and other conservation groups successfully petitioned for Klickitat County to reconsider Under Canvas’s permit application to build a glamping resort along the Wild & Scenic White Salmon River.
New Setback for Jordan Cove LNG Export Terminal
On July 17, 2020, the Land Use Board of Appeals overturned the City of North Bend’s land use permit that would have allowed the controversial Jordan Cove LNG export facility and pipeline to go forward.
Environmental Justice in West Eugene
In September 2019, the Lane County Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) agreed to improve air quality monitoring and community engagement in West Eugene, in response to a 2014 environmental justice complaint that Crag had filed against the EPA.
Oregon Farmers Win in Court of Appeals
In 2019, the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed two decisions issued by Yamhill County that authorized subdivisions on high-value farmland in the Chehalem Mountains. These decisions protect Oregon farmland from being converted into developments proposed under former Oregon Ballot Measure 37.
Crag Stops Nestlé From Bottling Water in the Columbia Gorge
In October 2017, after a long-fought battle, Crag and local conservation groups defeated Nestlé’s plan to bottle water from a pristine section of the Columbia River National Scenic Area and to build a plant in Cascade Locks.
Illegal Asphalt Plant in Rogue Valley Stopped- Numerous Appeals Later
In 2016, after an appeal made by the Mountain View Paving Company, the Land Use Board of Appeals sided with Crag and Rogue Advocates to force an asphalt plant to move away from Bear Creek.
Crag Secures a Ban on Pesticides in Compost Used in Organic Food Production
In 2016, Crag and the Center for Food Safety fought on behalf of several nonprofits to close a USDA loophole that had allowed synthetic pesticides in compost used for organic production, arguing that the USDA had unlawfully changed organic regulations and created the loophole without allowing public participation.
Crag Helps Molalla Residents Win Clean Water Act Protections
On September 4th, 2015, Crag secured federal court approval of an agreement to settle a lawsuit against the City of Molalla for violations of the Clean Water Act brought on behalf of local conservation group, Bear Creek Recovery.
Development Along the White Salmon River Blocked
In 2013 Crag celebrated a victory with our clients, Friends of the White Salmon River and Friends of the Columbia Gorge, in blocking an ordinance that attempted to rezone 1,000 acres of riverside land along the White Salmon River.
Industrial Expansion of Port Westward Halted
In August 2014, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals rejected the Port of St. Helens’ plan to rezone prime farmland for industrial development, which would double the size of Port Westward, after a challenge by Crag and longtime client Columbia Riverkeeper.
Grand Island Farmland Protected from Gravel Mine
On October 10, 2012, the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) issued a decision that Yamhill County’s approval of the Grand Island gravel mine was flawed. Since 2010, Crag has walked the local farmers through the process of organizing and challenging the proposal.
Unfair Settlement Over Toxic Waste Dump Stopped at Alkali Lake
In 2012, Crag represented local residents in the high desert of Oregon to object to a settlement between the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Bayer Cropscience, the company that made and profited from the sale of the toxic chemical Agent Orange.