Salem-News.com Environment articles

Oregon Sees More Newcomers Than Any Other State

This population growth helps fuel the Oregon economy.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A recent report from the Oregon Employment Department found that more people are moving to Oregon than are leaving. The difference between people moving in and out is called the “in-migration” number.

On average, nearly 40,000 residents from California relocate to the state, compared to the 20,000 Oregonians that headed to California, creating a net gain of 20,000 people from a single state.

Shame and Blame As Oregon Climate Bill Collapses

The runaway Senators are also preventing the Senate from attending to important issues, like the state budget.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Senate found itself at the center of national and international news on Thursday June 25th, as a landmark climate bill failed to pass during farcical scenes, and blame was passed everywhere by the furious senators who attempted to pass the bill.

Eleven Republican senators walked out of the Senate, thus denying their Democratic colleagues the chance to vote on the issue.

Oregon Passes Most Comprehensive Plastic Bag Ban in the Country

Oregon's most common litter includes cigarette butts, plastic bottles and caps, food wrappers, and plastic bags.

(SALEM, Ore.) - On June 11th, the Oregon Senate passed the most comprehensive plastic bag ban in the U.S.

Starting on January 1, 2020, single-use plastic bags will be eliminated from local retail stores and restaurants, preventing billions of non-biodegradable plastic bags from entering landfills, waterways and the environment. As the first state in the nation to successfully include restaurants in the legislation, Oregon is leading the way in reducing plastic pollution for the future.

Salem`s Blue-Green Algae Fears Put to Rest by City

After last summer's outbreak of blue-green algae, Salemites are worried.

(SALEM, Ore.) - "Earlier this afternoon, some social media sites were falsely stating the City of Salem has drinking water test results it is not releasing that shows cyanotoxins in the drinking water and that the water is unsafe. This is false.

"The treatment systems are working and the water leaving the water treatment facility is clean and safe to drink."

National Animal Rights Day

Each state has enacted laws to punish those who engage in cruelty to animals.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - The 9th National Animal Rights Day was celebrated on Sunday June 2, 2019. Let’s salute our non-human friends and companions.

Anyone whose family includes a pet knows that animals think and feel. In fact, a number of scientific studies has shown that animals are far closer to us than recently believed. The Cambridge Declaration of Consciousness in Human and Nonhuman Animals, signed by a group of leading animal researchers, asserts that mammals, birds and other creatures posses consciousness and, in all likelihood, emotions and self-awareness.

Missing 83-Year Old Oregon Man Rescued

"Steadfast dedication from our Search and Rescue volunteers and strong community partnerships are what saved this individual's life." - Sheriff Curtis Landers.

(SOUTH BEACH, Ore.) - Darkness, close proximity to trees, and updrafts from the steep terrain made the hoisting operating difficult. The Coast Guard helicopter burned significant fuel while expertly hovering above the responders.

After hoisting the man, the aircrew advised SAR personnel they did not have enough fuel for another hoisting operation for the rescue swimmer. The rescue swimmer hiked out with the SAR personnel

Federal Gray Wolf Delisting Brings Oregon Contrary Responses

"Ranchers, landowners, environmental groups, and government agencies all want and depend upon a healthy ecosystem."

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife Service’s proposal to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list.

The recovery of the gray wolf in Oregon and other states is a conservation success story by any measure. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife reports that there are at least 124 known wolves in the state today.

Elk Herd Makes a Grand Showing in Grand Ronde

Oregon’s big game are managed by wildlife management

(GRAND RONDE VALLEY, Ore.) - An estimated 700 elk crossing Red Pepper Road in the Grande Ronde Valley on Sunday, March 3.

March is always the most challenging month for big game trying to survive the winter—even more so this year due to the prolonged winter and heavy snow last month (with even more snow and freezing temperatures forecast!).

Of Introspect and Retrospect

Words from one who knows may shine a light on how to cope.

(SALEM, Ore.) - At the venerable age of 77, looking back occasionally is natural. After the expected death of my longtime spouse Carmela from dementia, the meaning of life itself came into sharp focus.

Yes indeed! Life is replete with lots of change and challenge. There is both setback and comeback. The serendipity factor spreads its omnipresent influence.

DEQ Opens Public Comment on Hells Canyon Complex Hydroelectric Project

There is a public hearing on the certification at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 9 at the Portland State Office Building, Room 1E, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Hells Canyon Complex Hydroelectric Project is located on the Snake River in the southern part of the Hells Canyon along the border between Oregon and Idaho, encompassing the Brownlee, Oxbow and Hells Canyon dams.