Category Environment & Agriculture
West Coast gray whale population still declining, but signs of recovery begin to show
The North Pacific gray whale population is down 46% in the last seven years, but healthier mothers and more calves could be signs of a rebound.
No compliance issues with farmworker overtime law yet, but reporting could be delayed
Oregon authorities haven't received wage complaints about overtime pay from farmworkers this summer, but advocates say many delay reporting for fear of retaliation
Key vote on expanding gas pipeline in Oregon delayed after public, political pressure
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission delayed a vote on the GTN Express pipeline following letters from environmentalists and Oregon senators.
Willamette Slough restoration project reaches final year
Crews will spray one last round of herbicide at the Willamette Slough, near Riverfront Park, to combat the Ludwigia weed that chokes out native plants and wildlife. It’s the fourth and final year of treatment in a project that has largely cleared the issue.
Oregon gas company criticized for using ratepayer money to fight state climate program
Avista, Oregon’s second largest natural gas provider, spent ratepayer funds fighting state climate change regulations while simultaneously attempting to raise rates for customers.
Oregon will require marijuana dispensaries to prove they paid taxes
New rules requested by Gov. Tina Kotek will take effect later this summer.
Prepare for more extreme weather, report warns
A study by Oregon State University predicts continued warming, more wildfires and more drought.
Decades after lobbying for Oregon Farm Bureau, Greg Addington returns to lead it
The new executive director of Oregon’s largest agricultural advocacy and lobbying group wants to grow membership and shrink regulations.
2022 brought Oregon less wildfire, more drought and major clean energy investments
A combination of federal and state funding this year helped to promote electric vehicles, renewable energy projects and environmental protections.