Fossil Fuels
photo courtesy of Daniel Dancer
Fighting Fossil Fuels
The rapid development of fossil fuel resources in the Western United States and Canada has prompted many recent proposals for new export terminals in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2010, Crag has supported communities extending from North Slope, Alaska to the southern coast of Oregon to prevent the development of new fossil fuel infrastructure.
While those efforts have been successful, we continue to fight against new proposals for the development of large-scale natural gas, crude oil, and other fossil fuel infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest, including proposed construction of Jordan Cove, a large-scale natural gas export terminal and pipeline. We worked with a coalition of organizations to defend and implement Portland’s landmark Fossil Fuel Ordinance, which limits new development of fossil fuel infrastructure in the city, and are supporting similar efforts in other communities.
If we are to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets and address climate change within the timelines to be effective, our communities need to move away from all fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
What We’re Working On

Defending Portland’s policy restricting fossil fuels
For over seven years, the fossil fuel industry and their allies have tried, and failed, to overturn the Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning Amendments. This is an important climate policy and zoning amendment passed in accordance with local and statewide land use planning laws.

Coalition grows to defend Oregon Climate Policy
Fifteen organizations joined Crag’s clients in defending the state’s Climate Protection Program.

Zenith: Fighting Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
Crag and our clients stand in support of the City’s decision to deny Zenith’s LUCS and prevent further expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.

Supporting Portland’s Fossil Fuel Limitations
On December 18, 2019, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to re-adopt a city ordinance restricting fossil fuels. Portland’s Fossil Fuel Ordinance prohibits new bulk fossil fuel terminal development and restricts expansion of existing terminals within Portland....

Fighting Unlawful Construction of Perennial Windchaser Fracked Gas Power Plant
Crag is representing Columbia Riverkeeper and Friends of the Columbia Gorge to challenge ODOE’s unlawful decision to allow Perennial WindChaser to begin building their fracked gas power plant.

Port Westward: Protecting Farmland; Fighting Fossil Fuels
The Port of St. Helens has proposed rezoning 837 acres of farm land for industrial use to allow fossil fuel export. We are fighting to maintain the beautiful landscape, agricultural heritage, and economic livelihood this unique farmland provides.

Jordan Cove LNG Terminal
For nearly a decade, out-of-state energy speculators have attempted to construct a liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal and pipeline in Coos Bay, which would export fracked gas to Pacific countries. We are working to prevent this dangerous and environmentally-destructive project from being constructed.