Reclaiming the Promise of Home Rule to Protect the Environment
A panel that is part of the 2015 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC). This will be on Saturday, March 7, at 3:45 pm in room 141 of the Law School at the University of Oregon (1515 Agate St., Eugene).(Organizer: Melissa Wischerath) – with help from We the People-Eugene
Though weaker than many would prefer, Oregon’s Home Rule laws are among the strongest in the US. Paul Diller of Willamette University Law School, whose writings were cited in the successful, community-based New York fracking ban decision, will explore with local activists the unrealized potential of this law for empowering Oregon communities to stop environmentally destructive projects like the Astoria and Coos Bay LNG facility and pipeline proposals. Attorney Melissa Wischerath will facilitate and describe the NY ban.
Panelists: Helen Slottje, Managing Attorney, Community Environmental Defense Counci; Melissa Wischerath, Center for Sustainability Law: New York Fracking Ban; Paul Diller, faculty Willamette University Law School: “Local environmental ordinances and Home Rule;” Mary Geddry, Coos County Sustainable Energy Future: “Bringing the decision back home, how local communities are saying no to unsustainable development;” Mary Middleton, Director, Oregonians for Safe Farms and Families