Columbia Riverkeeper

Never Again: Art Speaks Where Words Fail
2025-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial, Japanese American Historical Plaza, NW Naito Parkway at NW Couch Street, Portland, OR, 97209, United States
Never Again: Art Speaks Where Words Fail – Art’s Enduring Protest 80 Years Later
Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial
Japanese American Historical Plaza,
NW Naito Parkway at NW Couch Street
Portland OR
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
6:00pm-7:00pm
This year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we invite you to join the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Planning Committee for our annual memorial event honoring the lives lost, the survivors (Hibakusha), and the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons.
Never Again: Art Speaks Where Words Fail — Art’s Enduring Protest 80 Years Later highlights the role of art as an enduring protest—telling stories, expressing grief, and inspiring action when words alone cannot.
The memorial will feature local speakers, artists, and performers including:
Performers:
Portland Taiko
BRAVO Youth Orchestra Quartet
Tsubaki Bayou Doukoukai
Todd Yuzuriha
Emily Washinescran

A Day of Reflection
2025-08-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Yakama Nation Agency Building, 401 Fort Rd, Toppenish, WA, 98948, United States
A Day of Reflection: Nuclear Remembrance in the Yakama Community
Traditional Lunch + Speaker Panel + Yakama Nation Tour
August 1 @ 12:00 – 4 pm PDT
Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center
Nchi Wana Room
100 Spiel-yi Loop, Toppenish, WA 98948
Join Columbia Riverkeeper and Yakama Nation’s Environmental Restoration Waste Management Program as we host the Fierce Nonviolence Pilgrimage on their journey to a nuclear-free world.
The Fierce Nonviolence Pilgrimage is an immersion training program in nonviolent social change for young adults. Traveling from the Midnight Mine in Spokane to the Hanford Nuclear Site near Richland, to the Trident Base in Seattle, participants will learn the history, strategies, and spirituality of nonviolent action, and leave with tools for social change they can bring home to their own communities.
Pilgrimage participants will hear powerful stories from communities impacted by the U.S. nuclear arsenal, including members of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Yakama Nation, the Marshallese community, and a hibakusha from Hiroshima. While exploring the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the group will reflect on its desecration by nuclear weapons, as well as how to chart a different course towards peace and healing.
Friday August 1, 2025 from 12- 4 p.m.
You are invited to join this event for a traditional lunch and speaker panel, as well as a tour of the Yakama Nation. Panel speakers will include: Norimitsu Tosu, an 83 year-old atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima; Fumi Tosu the founder of Dandelion House Catholic Worker community in Portland, OR. He is a second-generation hibakusha (atomic weapon survivor), and long-time nonviolent activist; Phil Rigdon, superintendent of Yakama Nation’s Department of Natural Resources, Brian Saluskin, Yakama Nation Tribal Council Member and fish passage biologist and Noah Contreras and Leilani Redheart, the next generation of Hanford advocates. The Tour will include a look at Yakama Nation’s Aviary, Bison, and Sturgeon Facilities, learn more about the Yakama Nation living culture and Tribal efforts to sustain and nurture that culture and the environment.
This event is free.
RSVP using the form below.

Event Schedule

12-2:45 p.m.
Traditional Lunch + Speaker panel
12 p.m. Yakama Nation Invocation
12-12:30 p.m. Traditional Lunch
12:30-12:40 p.m. Te Martin, song-keeper and ritual artist
12:40-12:45 p.m Welcome + speaker intros Columbia Riverkeeper
12:45-1:15 p.m. Norimitsu Tosu, an 83 year-old atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima; Fumi Tosu the founder of Dandelion House Catholic Worker community in Portland, OR. He is a second-generation hibakusha (atomic weapon survivor), and long-time nonviolent activist
1:15-1:45 p.m. Phil Rigdon, superintendent of Yakama Nation’s Department of Natural Resources, Brian Saluskin, Yakama Nation Tribal Council Member and fish passage biologist.
1:45-2 p.m. Noah Contreras and Leilani Redheart, the next generation of Hanford advocates
2-2:45 p.m. Story Facilitattion with Mark Yaconelli

2:45-4 p.m.
Tour by Yakama Nation- Learn more about the Yakama Nation living culture and Tribal efforts to sustain and nurture that culture and the environment.
Tour includes the YN Aviary and Bison Facility and YN Sturgeon facility.

This product is funded through a Public Participation Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Ecology reviewed the content for grant consistency but does not necessarily endorse it.

Hanford Public Meeting
2025-06-30 17:30 | Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA, 99352, United States
Hanford Public Meeting
Tell Energy that leaked high level waste is still high level waste
About the public meeting:
The Department of Energy has issued a 30-day public comment period from June 9 through August 18, 2025. This extension came after requests from Columbia Riverkeeper, Heart of America Northwest, and Hanford Challenge. Energy is holding a hybrid public meeting June 30, at 5:30 p.m. PT, at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA 99352. It will include a presentation on the proposed plan along with a question-and-answer session.
During the hybrid meeting, you can view the presentation, hear the speakers, and ask questions. To participate via Microsoft Teams, please follow the instructions below:
Join on your computer or Teams mobile app or call in (audio only) (509) 931-1284 United States (833) 633-0875 United States (Toll-free) Phone Conference ID: 156 530 249#
All comments must be submitted by July 9, in writing:

Sign Our Petition Online (preferred)
Email: Dana Cowley at 324_ProposedPlan@rl.gov (preferred)
Mail to: U.S. Department of Energy P.O. Box 450, H5-20 Richland, WA 99352

At the conclusion of the 30-day public comment period, DOE and EPA will address public comments and publish a responsiveness summary in the amended record of decision.
What: Public Meeting on Energy’s Proposed Plan for Amending the Record of Decision for the 300 Area
When: Monday, June 30, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: Hybrid Meeting
In-person: The Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA 9352.
Microsoft Teams: Join on your computer or Teams mobile app: bit.ly/4kQGgfQ
Or call in (audio only) (509) 931-1284 United States (833) 633-0875
United States (Toll-free) Phone Conference ID: 156 530 249#
Remember, this is your chance to ask Energy questions and advocate for people, the environment, and the Columbia River.

Atomic Bamboozle Film Screening
2025-06-24 16:30 - 19:00 | Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
What do the Trojan Nuclear Plant and today’s so-called “small modular reactors” have in common? A lot more than you think.
Join us on June 24 for a screening of the powerful film, Atomic Bamboozle—a documentary that unpacks the legacy of nuclear resistance in the Northwest and the dangerous myths surrounding a new wave of nuclear proposals.
Featuring voices from Tribal leaders, scientists, attorneys, and longtime activists. Stick around for a post-film panel with local leaders, including Columbia Riverkeeper’s Kelly Campbell.
Learn more about the film and watch a trailer here.
We anticipate this event filling up, register here to ensure your spot at this event.
When: Tuesday, June 24th from 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Organized by the Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington.

No Nuclear Day of Action
2025-05-19 09:00 - 16:00 | State Capital building in Salem, 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
May 19: Day of Action to Keep Oregon Nuclear-Free

Mark your calendar for the Keep Oregon Nuclear-Free Day of Action on May 19. Whether you can make it to Salem to meet with your legislators in person, or join a virtual meeting, we need your help to ensure that the Oregon legislature hears loud and clear that Oregonians do not want costly and dirty nuclear reactors in our state.

Of the whopping 13 pro-nuclear bills that were introduced this session, only two bills (HB 2410 and HB 2038) are still moving forward. We know that new nuclear power is not the answer: it is too costly, too dirty, and too late to be part of Oregon’s clean energy future. Unfortunately, big tech companies like Amazon are bankrolling this nuclear fantasy. Let’s make sure our legislators know that these bills should not pass.
HB 2410, would exempt Umatilla County from the statewide moratorium on building new nuclear reactors, allowing small modular nuclear reactors to be built in the county.
HB 2038 would require the Oregon Department of Energy to study nuclear power. This is an unnecessary distraction from the real challenge of meeting Oregon’s clean energy goals.
These bills divert funding from energy efficiency, renewable energy, and storage technologies that are safer, less expensive, and faster to deploy.
For those of you who can make it to Salem: We’ll kick off the day by connecting with fellow advocates over coffee, followed by a brief lobby training session to help you feel confident and prepared. Then, we’ll head to the Capitol together for scheduled meetings with your legislators.
For those joining virtually: we’ll provide training and talking points for your meetings with legislators.
What: Day of Action to Keep Oregon Nuclear-Free
When: Monday, May 19, 2025 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: State Capital building in Salem, or virtually
Who: Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, Rogue Climate, coalition partners, and you!
Once you sign up for the Day of Action, we’ll be in touch about all the logistics: setting up meetings with your legislators, talking points to use, carpooling, food, etc.

Second Zenith Public Hearing - Virtual
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
This is our second chance to show up and give virtual testimony in opposition to Zenith’s proposal. DEQ will share information about the draft air quality permit, answer questions, and accept verbal comments.

WHEN: Thursday May 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

WHEN: Register to join online via Zoom

Join via phone by calling 253-215-8782 WHERE:
Webinar ID: 839 0464 8181
Passcode: [REDACTED]

First Zenith Public Hearing and Rally - In Person
2025-05-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Buckley Center Auditorium, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, portland, OR, 97203, United States
URGENT UPDATE as of 2p.m. on May 12, 2025

Because of an unsubstantiated anonymous tip about potential disruptions at tonight’s Zenith hearing, University of Portland’s security has threatened to involve the police if any “rally” occurs outside the hearing venue. This could include holding signs, chanting, or other unspecified behavior.
We hope that you will still attend this important public hearing on Zenith—but we want you to understand the risks. This is our one chance to show up in person and let DEQ see the strength of the opposition to Zenith’s proposal. DEQ will share information about the draft air quality permit, answer questions, and accept verbal comments.
Monday, May 12, Public Hearing from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Attend in person: Buckley Center Auditorium, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland
Can’t make it in person? Register to join online via Zoom
Join via phone by calling 253-215-8782
Webinar ID: 863 5360 2272
Passcode: [REDACTED] when prompted.

Rumble on the River #23
2025-05-07 17:30 | Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele, portland, OR, 97202, United States
Rumble #23 – Care and Courage: Building Community and Fighting Back in Uncertain Times will be held on Wednesday, May 7.
Doors open for info tables at 5:30 p.m. Panel starts at 6:30 p.m.
The Rumble will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Panel:
– Francisco Aguirre: Executive Director: VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network
– Candace Avalos: Portland City Councilor, District 1
– Joel Beinin: Professor of Middle East History, Emeritus, Stanford University
– Russell Lum: Political Organizer
– Damon Motz-Storey: Director, Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club

PDX Film Screening
2025-04-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR, 97209, United States
Come watch Barbara Bernstein’s latest film, “Chasing Chimeras: The Lure of Deceptive Climate Solutions.”
Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st Ave, Portland
Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 4 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

“Chasing Chimeras: The Lure of Deceptive Climate Solutions” tells stories of people living in the crosshairs of fossil fuel industry proposals, working to expose the dangers that these projects pose to their lives, homes, communities, and the planet.
The documentary shows how city, state and federal governments and regulatory agencies are swayed by the fossil fuel industry’s self-promotion as purveyors of clean, low-carbon energy, and scrutinizes how state and federal programs promote and fund renewable diesel, biogas and hydrogen development, while disincentivizing the adoption of proven climate solutions.
After the screening there will be a panel discussion with the filmmaker and people featured in the film.

Celebrate Earth Day at Northlake Garden & Food Forest
2025-04-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Northlake Garden & Food Forest, 2210 Olympia Way, Longview, WA, 98632, United States
A community celebration of stewardship, sustainability, and springtime!
Join Lower Columbia School Gardens and partners for a hands-on, family-friendly Earth Day celebration. Tour the Northlake Garden & Food Forest, connect with local organizations, and learn how to care for the earth through activities, education, and community building. Be sure to stop by the Columbia Riverkeeper booth to play our fish identification game.

2025 Earth Day Cleanup
2025-04-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Nichols Natural Area
Gather your friends and family and join us to celebrate Earth Day and give back to the Columbia River!
Please join Columbia Riverkeeper for a river cleanup and invasive weed pull at the Nichols Natural Area near the Hood River Waterfront. Help beautify the river and create room for healthy and diverse riparian habitat. We hope you can join us!
Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Nichols Natural Area, in front of the Hampton Inn, near the Hood River pedestrian bridge.
From Downtown Hood River, go north on Second Street and cross over I-84. Turn right on Riverside Drive followed by a right on N First St. Nichols Natural Area is in front of the Hampton Inn (1 Nichols Pkwy).
RSVP using the form below.
Read the Volunteer Registration and Liability Release and Waiver Form and click agree below.
We will provide bags, gloves, and snacks. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Please register using this link.

Raise your voice!
2025-04-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Uprise Brewing Company, 617 N Ash St, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Spokane Hanford Community Forum
Spokane, we want to hear from you!
Who: Columbia Riverkeeper and Hanford Challenge
What: Spokane Hanford Community Forum
When: April 10, 2025 5:30-7:30 p.m. – forum starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Uprise Brewing Company, the Mezzanine, 617 N Ash St, Spokane, WA 99201
Why: We want to hear from you, Spokane! Join Columbia Riverkeeper and Hanford Challenge on Thursday, April 10th in Spokane for an opportunity to voice input on Hanford cleanup. How are you feeling about the Hanford cleanup? What are your priorities and concerns? What do you want the Hanford site to look like when cleanup is “done?”
How: This event is in-person. Please RSVP below to let us know you’re coming.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
This event is partially funded through a Public Participation Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Sugarpine x Lardo sandwich collab
2025-04-01 00:00 - 2025-04-30 00:00 | Lardo Sandwiches, 1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
Collaboration sandwich benefits Columbia Riverkeeper
Throughout the month of April you can purchase Sugarpine Drive-In Big Island Blue Plate mochiko chicken fried steak chefwich at Lardo with a portion of proceeds benefiting Columbia Riverkeeper.

https://www.lardosandwiches.com/
https://sugarpinedrivein.com/

Columbia River Canoe Project
2025-03-20 18:15 - 20:00 | OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
An Adventure from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean
The Columbia River Canoe Project film follows a 1,300-mile canoe expedition from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Followed by panel discussion about the health of the Columbia River with Robert Lester, Columbia River Canoe Project leader, and Miles Johnson, Legal Director for Columbia Riverkeeper.

$8 Adults, $7 Seniors, $6 Youth; OMSI members receive 15% off

Buy Tickets Here

Columbia Riverkeeper at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC)
2025-02-28 - 2025-03-02 | University of Oregon campus, Eugene, OR, 1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR, 97403, United States
Columbia Riverkeeper is headed to PIELC! Find us at the following panels:
Greenwashing on the Columbia River: Stopping the NEXT Refinery

A company called NEXT wants to build a massive “renewable” diesel refinery on the Columbia River. It’s a dirty deal for climate, salmon, and local farmers. Come learn from 4 attorneys about the legal and grassroots tactics used to fight the refinery’s development at the local, state, and federal levels.

Nukes across the Columbia? Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in Washington to Power Oregon’s Data Centers

This panel will address the Big Tech surge to develop small modular nuclear reactors to meet the voracious energy demands of data centers, AI, crypto-currencies and cloud computing. The plan: build SMNRs in the Hanford vicinity of Washington to power data centers in Oregon. This would handily circumvent the 1980 voter-mandated law which bars new nuclear plant construction within Oregon without a voter reversal and the establishment of a federally licensed waste repository. Discussion will delve into the plan, treaty rights, economic and safety issues associated with SMNRs and rationality of feeding AI’s extreme energy appetite.

Conference: February 28-March 2, 2025
University of Oregon campus, Eugene, OR
For more information, please visit https://www.pielc.org/

RUMBLE ON THE RIVER #20: The Rumble Run-Down
2025-02-20 17:30 - 20:00 | St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4595 SW California Street, Portland, OR, 97219, United States
Join the 20th Rumble on the River community forum, featuring two Columbia Riverkeeper staff members! This panel will give a run-down of four important local issues:

Zenith Energy’s Expansion Schemes
PGE’s Proposed Intrusion Into Forest Park
Port Westward Plans: Massive Refinery & Rail Yard in the Columbia River Estuary
Surge of Artificial Intelligence & Data Centers: Threats To Oregon’s 45 Year-Old Anti-Nuke Law.

Time/Date: February 20 Info tables at 5:30 p.m., panel at 6:30 p.m.
Location: St. Luke Lutheran Church 4595 SW California Street, Portland, OR 97219
Cost: Rumbles are always FREE
Speakers:

Karly Chin: Advocacy Program Coordinator with Bird Alliance Of Oregon
Audrey Leonard: Staff Attorney with Columbia Riverkeeper
Kate Murphy: Senior Community Organizer with Columbia Riverkeeper
Barbara Bernstein: KBOO Radio’s Locus Focus Host & Media Gadfly

*Rumble on the River community forums bring expert voices together to discuss a range of environmental topics. Rumbles are co-sponsored by 45 local organizations.

Migration to Community: Latinos/as at Hanford and the Tri-Cities
2025-02-07 17:30 - 19:00 | 1943 Columbia Park Trail Richland, WA 99353, 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA, 99353, United States
You are invited!
Opening reception of the Migration to Community: Latinos/as at Hanford and the Tri-Cities
Exhibit is held at the REACH Museum on February 7th from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

REACH Museum
1943 Columbia Park Trail
Richland, WA 99353

Curated by Drew Gamboa, Latino Community Outreach Intern with Manhattan Project NHP, this exhibit draws from Drew’s research into the under-told history of the contributions of Latinos/as to the Manhattan Project at Hanford.

Big River Gathering
2024-11-21 18:30 - 21:00 | OR
Join Columbia Riverkeeper for a fun, inspiring community event. The Big River Gathering will elevate your spirits and ground you in the enormous beauty, longevity, and power that is the Columbia River as we navigate trying times, together!
What: Big River Gathering
When: Thursday, November 21, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Ruins, 13 Railroad St., Hood River, Oregon
Featuring:

David Moskowitz and his extraordinary photography. Big River, David’s newest book, will be available for purchase!
Simone Anter, Staff Attorney & Hanford Program Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
Lorri Epstein, Water Quality Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
Lauren Goldberg, Executive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper
Miles Johnson, Legal Director, Columbia Riverkeeper

Cost: Free! The event is free and open to the public. Come enjoy free snacks and desserts. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Donations for Columbia Riverkeeper are welcome and encouraged.
RSVP: Due to space limitations, RSVP is required.

Come Celebrate! DEQ Cancels Zenith Hearings!
2024-11-19 18:00 - 21:00 | 350PDX Workspace, 3639 N Mississippi Avenue, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR
Big news: you spoke up and it worked! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just paused the air permitting process for Zenith Energy and canceled two public hearings scheduled for Nov. 19 and Dec. 4.

The change in plans is due to findings from DEQ’s unannounced inspection of Zenith’s facility on Nov. 13. The DEQ’s inspection focused on the McCall Oil dock, which Zenith illegally incorporated in 2021 to expand its operations—one of Zenith’s Legacy of Violations and Lies. According to an Oregonian article, the DEQ’s Air Quality Permit Manager Lisa Ball explained the inspection was prompted by questions from community members about Zenith’s operations that the DEQ couldn’t answer. Ball stated, “This is a complete result of the public process. We’re very proud of our community for bringing questions up that pushed us to investigate further.”

In the News:
Advocates “Cautiously Optimistic” About DEQ Decision to Delay Zenith Air Quality Permit, Portland Mercury, November 14, 2024
State puts hold on Zenith Energy’s controversial air permit process in surprise move, Oregonian, November 14, 2024

This is not the end of the Zenith saga, but is a clear sign that we have the attention of regulators.

Come Celebrate
Think you have nothing to do on 11/19 since the hearing was canceled? Think again! Join us for “Zenith On The Ropes,” a moment to come together, take a deep breath, and celebrate.
Tuesday, November 19th AT 6:00 p.m.
350PDX Workspace, 3639 N Mississippi Avenue MAP
Music. Speakers. Pizza. People. Learn about what this cancellation may mean for our region and Zenith.

Zenith Public Info Session with DEQ
2024-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Public information meeting with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
This is an opportunity for folks to ask DEQ questions about the Zenith proposal.
Please read the Question and Answer document ahead of time.

What's the Deal with New Nuclear?
2024-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 | OR
Save the date: Webinar on Tuesday, October 22, 12 to 1 p.m. Pacific Time
Columbia Riverkeeper invites you to explore the problems with “new” nuclear power, why it is not part of a just transition to a clean energy future, and why siting more nuclear power plants on the Columbia River should be a non-starter.
Our panelists include:

Leona Morgan (Diné), an Indigenous organizer who has been fighting nuclear colonialism since 2007.
M.V. Ramana, author of the new book Nuclear is not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change.
Joshua Frank, author of Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America.

Moderated by Kelly Campbell, Policy Director, Columbia Riverkeeper

Rumble on the River
2024-10-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OR
There is a Rumble on the River, and it’s coming from the Columbia River Estuary. Join us on October 16 at 7 p.m. for a virtual webinar to learn more about a major, generational error in the works that could impact the Columbia River that sustains all of us. Join Columbia Riverkeeper’s Dan Serres and Audrey Leonard, local farmers, and Barbara Bernstein as moderator to learn more about this issue and how you can engage.
At Port Westward, near Clatskanie, a Houston-based company called NEXT Renewables LLC Oregon is proposing to construct a major new refinery that would immediately become one of Oregon’s top greenhouse gas polluters. The refinery would be one of the largest of its kind in North America.
Sign Up to Attend the Rumble on the River
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 7pm
Prefer not to RSVP? Join here at 7pm

Tell DEQ to Reject Refinery in Estuary
2024-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
Oregon just opened a public comment period on NEXT Renewable Fuels’ proposal to build a massive diesel refinery in the Columbia River Estuary. The refinery would be among the largest of its kind in America and one of the top greenhouse gas polluters in Oregon.
Many local residents and farmers who rely on clean water oppose the project. Oregon should listen to their concerns, but it has ignored them so far.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
RSVP via Columbia Riverkeeper’s site to get reminders about the hearing.

Don’t want to RSVP? Use this link to attend the virtual public hearing.

Toppling Fossil Fuel Giants
2024-09-27 18:00 - 21:00 | OR
Stories of Community Triumph,
A night with Tennessee Rep. Justin J. Pearson

Join PNW activists and organizations as we host Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson to learn about his community’s triumph against the Byhalia Connection Pipeline project in Southwest Memphis. Hear from local environmental justice advocates about past victories in our region and the fight against Zenith Energy currently underway in Portland right now.
Toppling Fossil Fuel Giants: Stories of Community Triumph
An Evening with Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson
September 27th – Doors open at 6 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97212
Register Here: bit.ly/topplingFFgiants
Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson will be joined on stage by Oregon State Rep. Khanh Pham, Allie Rosenbluth from Oil Change International, Karlen Yallup and Elijah Cetas from the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission, Kate Murphy from Columbia Riverkeeper, and Nick Caleb from Breach Collective.
Get your free tickets here. Registration is encouraged; there will be overflow room but unregistered guests cannot be guaranteed a seat. Registration will be available at the door if seats remain.
We hope you will join us in gathering with community to celebrate the power we can wield when we come together. And shoutout to the PDX NAACP for bringing Representative Pearson out to Portland! This will be a weekend that we remember.

Cleanup at Nichols Natural Area
2024-09-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Nichols Natural Area
Community River Cleanup at Nichols Natural Area
Gather your friends and family and give back to the Columbia River. Please join Columbia Riverkeeper for a river cleanup at the Nichols Natural Area near the Hood River Waterfront.

After a busy summer by the water, now is the perfect time to join together and take action towards creating a cleaner and healthier river. This is a family friendly event but children should be accompanied by an adult. We hope you can join us!

WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Nichols Natural Area, in front of the Hampton Inn, near the Hood River pedestrian bridge.

DIRECTIONS: From Downtown Hood River, go north on Second Street and cross over I-84. Turn right on Riverside Drive followed by a right on N First St. Nichols Natural Area is in front of the Hampton Inn (1 Nichols Pkwy).

This event is free and open to the public.

Before you Register:
Please click here to read our Liability Waiver – You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.

El Grito
2024-09-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Rhinegarden Park, White Salmon, WA, 98672, United States
Celebrate El Grito in White Salmon (Mexican Independence and Hispanic Heritage Month) on September 15 from 3pm to 6pm at Rhinegarden Park in White Salmon, Washington.
El Grito represents one of the most emblematic Mexican civic celebrations. It remembers the moment Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, priest of the town of Dolores, rang the parish bell on the morning of September 16, 1810, and called on Mexicans to rise up against the Spanish crown and fight for independence.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States at this fun event, and be sure to stop by the Columbia Riverkeeper table to play our fish identification game and learn about the nearby Superfund site at Bradford Island.

Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Project
2024-09-15 - 2024-09-16 | Riverplace Marina Public Dock, 1500 S Harbor Way, Portland, OR, 97201, United States
Join us in welcoming the Golden Rule! See the Golden Rule as it sails into Portland accompanied by “Mosquito Fleet” and more! This is a great chance to see the Golden Rule and greet the crew as they arrive. After, at 2 p.m. there will be a Peace Party and picnic in Tom McCall Park (98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204) with music, dancing, and speeches.

The Golden Rule is coming to Portland and Columbia Riverkeeper is joining them along the Columbia!
The Golden Rule is a project of Veterans For Peace, aiming to advance opposition to nuclear weapons and war, and to do so in a dramatic fashion. The Golden Rule, is the original peace ship that set sail in 1958 to stop nuclear weapons tests in the Marshall Islands. Today, the ship sails to show that nuclear abolition is possible and that bravery and tenacity can overcome militarism.
In support of a nuclear-free future, we will be joining the Golden Rule to highlight our opposition to Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and our advocacy for a clean up of the Hanford Nuclear Site that is thorough and just. Watch the ship sail into Portland on Sunday 9/15 @ 12pm and come to the closing potluck on Monday 9/16 @ 6pm and listen to speakers including Columbia Riverkeeper’s Policy Director, Kelly Campbell.
Monday September 16, 6 p.m. Multnomah Friends Meeting Social Hall / Kitchen: 4312 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
The Hanford site, located in Richland, WA is one of the most polluted sites in the Western hemisphere. Hanford was part of the “Manhattan Project,” where plutonium was produced for most of the sixty thousand weapons built for the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
For a full list of Golden Rule activities check out the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility event calendar.

Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair
2024-09-14 02:00 - 08:00 | Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join Columbia Riverkeeper at the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair on September 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fair builds community among grassroots peace and justice groups in Southwest Washington and explores the social justice issues facing our community. Be sure to stop by the Columbia Riverkeeper table to learn more about pollution at Bradford Island in the Bonneville Dam area and play our fish identification game!

Columbia Riverkeeper Benefit Concert
2024-09-10 12:00 | Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
Album Release Party & Benefit Concert!

Thrice Burned Forest – album release party, benefit concert and livestream

A live performance of works from the much-anticipated new portrait album by Columbia Riverkeeper composer-in-residence Deena T. Grossman. This concert & live stream event includes the World Premiere of Davening, featuring members of the Oregon Symphony, alongside the “brilliant, haunting, and beautiful” (Oregon ArtsWatch) work for six flutes (including piccolo, alto and bass) Thrice Burned Forest. All proceeds benefit Columbia Riverkeeper.
Grossman showcases her signature balance of cultural and natural references to resplendent effect in this lush and melodic music, touching on themes of cyclical connection, deep time, death and renewal, intergenerational sharing, and sense of place.
This event is free and open to the public.
Suggested donations and any other proceeds benefit Columbia Riverkeeper.
This event will also be available via LIVE STREAM:
bethisrael-pdx.org/worship/watch-services-live/

Atomic Bamboozle Online Film Showing and Webinar
2024-09-01 - 2024-09-30 | OR
Atomic Bamboozle
Sierra Club Nuclear Free Film Series
Atomic Bamboozle online film showing and webinar: Don’t miss the free online showing of the film, “Atomic Bamboozle: The False Promise of a Nuclear Renaissance” featuring Columbia Riverkeeper’s Executive Director, Lauren Goldberg.
The film is available free online, thanks to the Sierra Club Grassroots Network Nuclear Free Team, from September 1 through September 30, and concludes with a webinar on Monday, September 30, 5-7 pm PST.
