Tag Archives: environmental law

Breaching a Natural Contract

Save the salmon

As the war on climate change continues to heat up, some conservationists are perpetuating their opposition against the presence of dams and the seemingly negative effects these structures impose on natural wildlife and food sources. Those who are in favor of dams, however, are adamant that external factors serve as the likely causes of natural species shifts and value the important benefits offered by dams, including hydropower, river navigation, and irrigation. As part of a battle that has spanned the course of over 20 years, conservationists in the North West are now seeking to stay, or pause litigation, which would allow time for parties to develop adequate solutions to protect the local salmon. Continue reading →

Legal Matter Finally Extinguished

California fire stamped out

Wildfires may cause debilitating effects on the environmental landscape. Despite the deadly risks of playing with fire, homes may be burned to the ground, wildlife may lose its habitat, pollution may permeate clean air, and carbon dioxide may be released into the earth’s atmosphere. Given the negative consequences of large fires, the United States has routinely investigated the source of wildfires and has held certain individuals responsible for starting them. In this most recent wildfire settlement, a Mariposa County, California resident agreed to pay $950,000 to compensate for his part in initiating a 2016 blaze, known as the “Old Fire.” Continue reading →

Seeking Refuge in New Federal Lawsuit

Save Alaska!

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s key goal is to preserve the land of the arctic refuge.  Led by Ferguson, a federal lawsuit has been filed in the hopes of stopping the progression of plans to drill for oil and gas in this northeastern region of Alaska.  For anyone who has watched the television show, The Last Alaskans, it is easy to see and appreciate the desolate landscape of snow, trees, and wildlife.  Inhabited by seven or eight families, the current residents of the refuge may maintain cabin permits up until the death of their last-born child.  Continue reading →

Fighting Against Extinction

Save the wolverines!

Wolverines may soon join the list of extinct species, next to the passenger pigeon, the golden toad, and the Caspian tiger.  Despite efforts to push for a wolverine listing under the Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has not made any substantial moves.  In response to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s less than proactive approach in working to preserve the wolverine population, nine conservation groups have banded together in filing a lawsuit.  Filed on March 18, the conservation groups are hoping for a judge to institute a firm deadline by which the US Fish and Wildlife Service must make their decision in listing the animal as endangered. Continue reading →

Residents Receive Clean Water Resolution

Glass half empty or half full?

Flint, MI has gained national, negative recognition as the lead poisoned town with a contaminated water supply. A poor decision was made in 2014, to gather untreated river water as a source of the town’s potable water. This would serve as a temporary solution while a new pipeline to Lake Huron was constructed. The untreated river caused astronomically high levels of lead in Flint’s residents. Read More