News Stories Tue., Jan. 30, 2018

Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Monday rejected the largest oil shipping terminal proposed in North America as not in the best interests of the state and its people.  Governor Inslee cited the comprehensive review and recommendation of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, which found unavoidable catastrophic risks from earthquakes, oil spills in the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, and the threat of fire or explosion at the facility. Jaime Pinkham, Executive Director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) said in a news release that the decision “showed that the health of the Columbia River and the safety of its citizens matters most.”
“Throughout the application process, the Yakama Nation, Umatilla Tribe and CRITFC vigorously asserted the interests of the Columbia River and those who depend on it,” Pinkham said.

The 23rd annual Eagle Watch celebration will return Feb. 24-25 at Round Butte Overlook Park. The event will feature activities that explore the natural and cultural significance of the eagles and other raptors that inhabit the Lake Billy Chinook area. Eagle Watch is coordinated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) in conjunction with Portland General Electric (PGE), Crooked River Grassland and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS).  Festivities will be held in “Eagle Village” at the Round Butte Overlook Park’s visitor center, 10 miles west of Madras. On Saturday, visitors can meet OPRD and PGE mascots, build a bluebird house and view wild eagles. Sunday’s activities include bird feeder building, wild eagle watching and a special tribal drumming and dancing presentation by the Quartz Creek Drummers and Dancers. A free hot dog lunch will be served both days, with donations supporting the Madras High School JROTC program.  Without a doubt, Saturday’s highlight will be the final appearance of Aquila, a rehabilitated 30-year-old golden eagle that has been delighting Eagle Watch visitors since 2010. After this year, she will assume a comfortable life in retirement from public events. Visitors can meet Aquila during Saturday’s lunch. Admission and parking are free.

While President Donald Trump addresses Congress tonight, women will be holding their own State of the Union. Women representing sexual-assault survivors, mothers, communities of color and many more are gathering at the National Press Club in Washington D-C for the State of Our Union to address gender inequality and offer an alternate vision of the future from Trump. Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, says the president’s policies on immigration hurt domestic workers, many of whom are immigrants. She says domestic workers are coming together with women across the country tonight. Poo adds that the majority of domestic workers are women of color and frequently are subject to abuse. Oregon is one of eight states that have passed a domestic worker’s bill of rights, which provides overtime pay, periods of rest, and protection from harassment. The event will be livestreamed at ‘thestateofourunion.org’ at 5 p-m Pacific time.