Mission
The Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) leverages legal advocacy to protect the environment in the western United States. With offices spread across Oregon, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, WELC collaborates with over 185 partner groups to implement region-specific, smart solutions. Acting as a public interest law firm, they provide free legal services to their clients, supported by charitable donations from individuals and foundations.
Basic Information
Tax-Exempt
Founded in
Not Reported
EIN
93-1010269
Total Assets
$6.825 million
UN Sustainable Development Goals Supported
This organization contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. See the SDG page for more information.
Showing 2 of 2 goals
At a Glance
Defending Wildlands
WELC has a strong focus on preserving the wildlands, rivers, forests, and wildlife of the western U.S. Their work includes defending foundational environmental laws and challenging large-scale developments that threaten ecological integrity.
Protecting Wildlife
Committed to protecting the iconic wildlife of the western U.S., WELC works to preserve the ecosystems critical for species like grizzly bears, Mexican wolves, and wolverines, ensuring that these creatures continue to thrive.
Safeguarding Climate
In response to the climate crisis, WELC uses legal tools to challenge harmful practices like fracking and coal mining. They push for policy changes and protective measures that combat climate change and promote renewable energy.
Impact Stats
Nationwide
Wolf Protections
Restoring Gray Wolf Protections Nationwide
WELC successfully restored protections for gray wolves across the country, reversing a previous delisting decision. This victory ensures continued federal protection for this iconic species.
Victory
Youth Climate Trial
Montana Youth Climate Challenge
Achieved a groundbreaking victory in the Montana Youth Climate Trial, addressing the state's duty to consider climate impacts in its policies. This case sets a precedent for climate action driven by youth advocacy.
Reduction
Methane Pollution
Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Challenge
Challenged and successfully reformed federal oil and gas leasing policies in key western states, reducing methane pollution on public lands.
Past Events
Pressing Montana Public Service Commission
06/06/2024
A subset of petitioners who requested that the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) comply with its statutory and constitutional duty to consider the impacts of climate change in its regulation of gas and electric utilities has filed a writ of mandamus.
BLM Safeguards Sonoran Desert
06/05/2024
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the closure of 480,496 acres (98.9%) of Sonoran Desert National Monument to recreational shooting to protect its eclectic flora and fauna.
Restoration of Grizzly Bears
06/03/2024
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule to restore grizzly bears in Washington’s North Cascades went into effect, marking a significant step in species recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
