Oregon Archives

Jan 5, 2022

Glen’s Parallax Perspectives – Interview with Kai Huschke

Glen Anderson interviewed two experts — Kai Huschke and Elliott Moffett — who have savvy insights and practical experience working to protect environments and establish legal rights for nature.

Local Democracy Denied: Informational Session

It has been a long road for Lincoln County in their search for protection from the practice of aerial spraying of pesticides by big timber.

Read More | Events

Dec 6, 2021

Restoring Mother Earth Law

Restoring our relationship to nature means restoring our human systems, including the legal system, to function just as healthy ecosystems do. Learn and discuss how we’ve gotten to this point, what is happening now to transform deep structures, and how traditional ways and the efforts to include justice into law for humans and non-humans is moving more and more into reality.

Read More | Events

Nov 19, 2021

Newsletter: Oregon Update

Justice continues to be denied in Oregon. Community rights efforts in Lane and Lincoln counties have, quite wrongly, found themselves mired in the Oregon court system on issues that should’ve been considered and resolved by the people of their respective counties.

Community Rights Lane County Issues Values Statement

Community Rights Lane County educates and mobilizes citizens about their rights to local community self-governance. They believe decisions affecting communities must be made by community residents – the people directly impacted by these decisions and laws that authorize harmful corporate activities.

COMMUNITY RIGHTS AT THE OREGON SUPREME COURT

Community Rights at the Oregon Supreme Court: Understanding the Impacts of Denying Direct Democracy

Read More | Chemical Trespass, Community Rights, Events

Sep 27, 2021

Playing Demolition Derby with Our Democratic Rights

Please join us October 6th for a deep dive into 21st Century democracy with our presenters, Kai Huschke, Community Organizer and Terry Lodge, attorney for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund.

Read More | Events

Jun 3, 2021

Whose Constitution Is It?

Join CELDF attorney Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin for a presentation and discussion on the history and current significance of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution. The presentation’s content inspired by Eric Foner’s 2019 book “The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution.”

Rights of Nature, Rights of the People vs. State-Authorized Corporate Toxic Practice in Front of Oregon Courts

NEWPORT, OR: Arguments on the assertion of local democracy over state-sanctioned corporate public health violations and a Rights of Nature law will be presented on June 1. For over two years, the Freedom from Aerially Sprayed Pesticides Ordinance of Lincoln County successfully banned corporate aerial spraying of pesticides as a violation of natural ecosystems’ rights and people’s rights to clean air, water and soil.

Oregon: How Corporate Constitutional Rights Came to Be and How They Control Our Communities

Save the Date! Join the Oregon Community Rights Network in this upcoming event on corporate constitutional rights.

Observing Revolution: Oregon

Communities across Oregon are taking a stand against corporate claimed rights.

Jun 29, 2020

Thom Hartmann Program: State Law Benefits Corporations Against You – You Lose

Chad Nicholson joins Thom Hartmann to discuss how the 1% are effectively, suing the 99% for their own benefit, citing the findings of our June 2020 Report.

Read More | Corporate 'Rights', News from the Grassroots

Jun 11, 2020

Webinar: Expanding Rights-Based Organizing During a Crisis

A live Q&A with CELDF organizers on Expanding Rights-Based Organizing During a Crisis.

Read More | Events

Jun 11, 2020

Corporate Actors Challenged in Lincoln County, OR: Ecosystem, Petitioners Defend Ordinance

Press Release: Petitioners in Lincoln County, OR filed a detailed appeal to a court decision that overturned a local law banning aerially sprayed pesticides as a violation of people’s right to clean air, water, and soil and natural ecosystems’ rights. The Siletz River ecosystem was denied intervention in the case.

A Closer Look: Exploring the Rights of Nature on June 3

A Live Q&A Session with CELDF organizers taking a Closer Look at the Rights of Nature.

Read More | Events

Apr 22, 2020

Common Dreams: Abolish Earth Day

For 50 years, environmentalists have celebrated the illusion that the law is on their side. Earth Day’s laws have systematically failed to guard against mass species die-offs, the climate crisis, deadly air pollution, the corporatization of freshwater, and the largest loss of biodiversity in human history.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 20, 2020

50 Years of Earth Day – What Are We Celebrating?

This year CELDF will be hosting an online Q&A with organizers who have been engaging communities across the country in paradigm-shifting work for decades.

Read More | Community Wires, Events, News from the Grassroots

Apr 9, 2020

Rights of Nature Interview on KB00 Radio!

Pacific Northwest organizer, Kai Huschke, details how COVID-19 has opens timely conversation about the Rights of Nature as a legal framework for protecting Nature.

Apr 6, 2020

People Power in a Time of Pandemic

In this interview, Kai speaks on the current state of community rights, gives an explanation of the events taking place in Grant Township, and talks about how we must take this time during Covid-19 to progress forward in the movement.

Mar 17, 2020

Community Stories: Claiming the Law

Bryan Twitchell shares a guest blog about the Wet’suwet’en First Nation’s ongoing resistance to the Coastal GasLink pipeline in British Columbia, Canada.

Read More | Blogs, Community Wires, News

Feb 6, 2020

Rights of Nature Podcast: Kai Huschke

Check out this interview with CELDF’s Hawaii and Northwest organizer, Kai Huschke, on CELDF’s partnerships with communities across the U.S. who have spearheaded the Rights of Nature movement.

Feb 5, 2020

VIDEO: ‘The Transformation from Reformist to Revolutionary’

This 6 minute short explains how, across numerous social issues—from housing, worker rights, environmental protection to gentrification—“the people in the community lack the legal authority to determine their own future, a basic tenet of democracy.”

Oct 23, 2019

High Country News: In Oregon, the fight for local control upends Western norms

Lincoln County residents continue their fight to protect themselves and ecosystems from aerial sprayed pesticides, and spark not only hope, but tangible strategies for advancing rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Oct 2, 2019

Media Statement: Court Issues Decision on Two Year Aerial Pesticides Ban in Lincoln County, Oregon

Lincoln County, Oregon, community members prepare to appeal judge’s denial of their right to protect themselves from aerial sprayed pesticides.

Read More | Community Wires, Press Releases & Blogs

May 29, 2019

Jefferson Public Radio: Yuroks Grant Rights To The Klamath River

The Yurok Tribal Council adopts law recognizing the rights of the Klamath River, which is central to the culture and life of the Yurok.

Oct 26, 2018

Eugene Weekly: Alarmed Into Action

Following author Chris Hedges’ visit to Lane County, OR, earlier this month as part of a Community Rights tour, community members rally to continue challenging corporate power, state preemption, and to create the communities they envision.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Sep 15, 2018

The Intercept: How a Ragtag Group of Oregon Locals Took On the Biggest Chemical Companies in World — and Won

The chemical industry is doing all it can to shut down communities from banning toxic chemical use. But in Oregon, CELDF partners in Lincoln and Lane Counties refuse to fold. This is their fight for their lives and their communities – and it’s growing.

Apr 19, 2018

Tell Me a Story: Michelle Holman, activist

Michelle Holman is a Community Rights activist in Lane County, OR, where she is fighting aerial-sprayed pesticides with residents and allies. Here, a short video story on her activism and why Community Rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 28, 2018

The Register-Guard: Judge’s ruling on spraying initiative thwarts people’s will

A circuit court judge renders meaningless the right to citizen initiative in Lane County, OR. Here’s how, why, and a call for the people to change our legal structure.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 20, 2018

Jefferson Public Radio: Oregonian Wins Award For Opposition To Pesticides

Carol Van Strum has dedicated her life to fighting pesticides. Here an interview with Van Strum and CELDF’s Kai Huschke on pesticides, Community Rights, and protecting our communities from corporate harms.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 14, 2018

Mongabay: Carol Van Strum, crusader against Agent Orange, wins prestigious environmental award

Carol Van Strum, Community Rights advocate and long time activist, receives the international David Brower Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding environmental and social justice work.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 9, 2018

Lane County, OR, residents vow to appeal decision blocking their rights-based initiative

See this story in The Register-Guard on Lane County, OR, residents fighting to protect themselves from aerially sprayed herbicides.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 28, 2018

Press Release: International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Oregon Community Rights, Rights of Nature Advocate

Community Rights supporter Carol Van Strum receives the International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in Eugene, OR.

Feb 11, 2018

The Register-Guard: Rural residents in Lane County fight spraying of herbicides by helicopters

Community members advance community rights in Lane County, OR, fighting for their health and safety against the timber industry’s use of pesticides.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 1, 2018

The Register-Guard: Don’t delay aerial spray ballot issue discussion

Lane County, OR, residents urge their county commissioners to place Community Rights measures on the ballot for a vote by the people. Residents are taking action to protect themselves from aerial spraying of herbicides.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Nov 13, 2017

Press Release: Coos Bay Estuary Speaks Out Against FERC

Coos Bay Estuary on the coast of Oregon files to intervene in FERC proceedings. Coos Bay is threatened by a massive LNG export terminal and a pipeline.

KBOO Radio: Coos River Estuary Intervenes in Jordan Cove FERC Proceedings

As part of the growing movement for the Rights of Nature, Coos River Estuary in Oregon recently filed to intervene in a FERC hearing on the Jordan Cove project.

Read More | Community Wires, Events, News from the Grassroots

Sep 30, 2017

The Register-Guard: Supporters of Lane County aerial herbicide spraying ban say they have enough signatures to put measure on May 15 election ballot

Lane County, OR, residents submit signatures to place a rights-based initiative banning aerially sprayed pesticides on the May 2018 ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Sep 11, 2017

Public News Service: Does Nature Have the Right to Defend Itself in Court?

The Siletz River in Oregon files to intervene in a lawsuit brought to overturn a community rights ban on aerially sprayed pesticides.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 26, 2017

Truthout: Oregon Ecosystem Files Lawsuit to Defend Its Rights

As the Siletz River Ecosystem is being destroyed by aerial sprayed pesticides, the river is taking legal action to protect itself, using a community rights ordinance adopted by Linconl Co, OR, voters.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 25, 2017

Public News Service: OR River Could Take Legal Action in Aerial Pesticide Ban Case

Nature’s rights are necessary to protect local ecosystems, and the Siletz River in Lincoln County, OR, is filing to intervene in a lawsuit to make that argument.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 24, 2017

Press Release: Oregon River Stands Up for its Rights

The Siletz River watershed in Lincoln County, OR, files to intervene in a case to protect itself against aerially sprayed pesticides. The practice was banned by county residents in May.

Read More | Community Wires, Press Releases & Blogs

Jul 10, 2017

Immense Possibilities: The True Rights of Communities

Immense Possibilities interviews CELDF’s Thomas Linzey and Coos County, OR, community rights activist Mary Geddry.

The News Guard: Aerial Spraying: Lawsuit reaction

Community rights advocates in Lincoln County stand firm on their right to be free from aerially sprayed pesticides. They are fighting to protect Lincoln residents’ rights-based ban of the practice, adopted in May.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 15, 2017

EugeneWeekly.com: Aerial Spray Ban

Lincoln County, OR, residents recently adopted the nation’s first countywide ban on aerially-sprayed pesticides. They’re celebrating their win – and preparing to defend their law as it is challenged by industry.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

May 31, 2017

Press Release: Lincoln County, OR, Adopts First-in-Nation Ban of Aerial Pesticide Spray

Lincoln County, OR, residents, facing decades of pesticide use by the timber industry, adopt the first ban of the practice as a violation of environmental and democratic rights.

May 31, 2017

KBOO: Lincoln County Aerial Spray Ban Passes

Aerial spraying of pesticides is banned by Lincoln County, OR, voters. Residents elevate the rights of communities over corporate “rights” as they protect themselves from the timber industry.

May 26, 2017

Street Roots News: Victory, defeat and alternative facts in two coastal county elections

Using citizen initiative, two Oregon communities fight to protect themselves from the timber and oil/gas industry, and secure their democratic and environmental rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

May 17, 2017

KUOW: Oregon Voters Could See More Community Rights Measures Going Forward

Two community rights measures were on the Oregon ballot this week to stop corporate harms, and more coming down the pipe. Growing numbers of Oregon residents are using community rights to protect themselves and assert democratic rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

May 17, 2017

Press Release: Lincoln Co., OR: On Verge of First in Nation Citizen Initiative to Ban Aerial Spray Pesticides

A Community Bill of Rights by the people of Lincoln Co, OR, is just ahead at the polls. Residents are fighting for their democratic and environmental rights to protect themselves from toxic aerial spraying of pesticides.

Announcing CELDF's Proposed Rights of Nature Principles

Sneak Peek! -- End of Year Newsletter 2022: We are Nature

Book: ‘Death by Democracy’

Glen’s Parallax Perspectives – Interview with Kai Huschke

Local Democracy Denied: Informational Session

Restoring Mother Earth Law

Newsletter: Oregon Update

Community Rights Lane County Issues Values Statement

COMMUNITY RIGHTS AT THE OREGON SUPREME COURT

Playing Demolition Derby with Our Democratic Rights

Whose Constitution Is It?

Rights of Nature, Rights of the People vs. State-Authorized Corporate Toxic Practice in Front of Oregon Courts

Oregon: How Corporate Constitutional Rights Came to Be and How They Control Our Communities

Observing Revolution: Oregon

Thom Hartmann Program: State Law Benefits Corporations Against You – You Lose

Webinar: Expanding Rights-Based Organizing During a Crisis

Corporate Actors Challenged in Lincoln County, OR: Ecosystem, Petitioners Defend Ordinance

A Closer Look: Exploring the Rights of Nature on June 3

Common Dreams: Abolish Earth Day

50 Years of Earth Day – What Are We Celebrating?

Rights of Nature Interview on KB00 Radio!

People Power in a Time of Pandemic

Community Stories: Claiming the Law

Rights of Nature Podcast: Kai Huschke

VIDEO: ‘The Transformation from Reformist to Revolutionary’

High Country News: In Oregon, the fight for local control upends Western norms

Media Statement: Court Issues Decision on Two Year Aerial Pesticides Ban in Lincoln County, Oregon

Jefferson Public Radio: Yuroks Grant Rights To The Klamath River

Eugene Weekly: Alarmed Into Action

The Intercept: How a Ragtag Group of Oregon Locals Took On the Biggest Chemical Companies in World — and Won

Tell Me a Story: Michelle Holman, activist

The Register-Guard: Judge’s ruling on spraying initiative thwarts people’s will

Jefferson Public Radio: Oregonian Wins Award For Opposition To Pesticides

Mongabay: Carol Van Strum, crusader against Agent Orange, wins prestigious environmental award

Lane County, OR, residents vow to appeal decision blocking their rights-based initiative

Press Release: International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Oregon Community Rights, Rights of Nature Advocate

The Register-Guard: Rural residents in Lane County fight spraying of herbicides by helicopters

The Register-Guard: Don’t delay aerial spray ballot issue discussion

Press Release: Coos Bay Estuary Speaks Out Against FERC

KBOO Radio: Coos River Estuary Intervenes in Jordan Cove FERC Proceedings

The Register-Guard: Supporters of Lane County aerial herbicide spraying ban say they have enough signatures to put measure on May 15 election ballot

Public News Service: Does Nature Have the Right to Defend Itself in Court?

Truthout: Oregon Ecosystem Files Lawsuit to Defend Its Rights

Public News Service: OR River Could Take Legal Action in Aerial Pesticide Ban Case

Press Release: Oregon River Stands Up for its Rights

Immense Possibilities: The True Rights of Communities

The News Guard: Aerial Spraying: Lawsuit reaction

EugeneWeekly.com: Aerial Spray Ban

Press Release: Lincoln County, OR, Adopts First-in-Nation Ban of Aerial Pesticide Spray

KBOO: Lincoln County Aerial Spray Ban Passes

Street Roots News: Victory, defeat and alternative facts in two coastal county elections

KUOW: Oregon Voters Could See More Community Rights Measures Going Forward

Press Release: Lincoln Co., OR: On Verge of First in Nation Citizen Initiative to Ban Aerial Spray Pesticides

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