Environmental Law Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Environmental law serves as the foundation for sustainable development and environmental stewardship, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of nature. From local policies to federal regulations, the law protects land, water, and resources from certain forms of damage. However, even if you have the best intentions, the complexity of environmental and natural resource law can present various challenges. 

At The Law Office of Frank Hammond LLC, we are experienced in representing corporations, solid waste companies, and large developers. We share your passion for positive development, and we will work to harmonize your interests with the applicable environmental requirements. 

Why Is Environmental Law Important? 

Environmental law encompasses a broad array of regulations, treaties, conventions, and statutes that govern human interaction with the natural environment. These laws are aimed at protecting the planet and safeguarding the environment for current and future generations. Plus, they address critical issues such as preserving natural resources and the impact of climate change.  

By regulating pollution, ensuring proper waste management, and conserving wildlife and natural habitats, environmental law helps maintain the planet's biodiversity and promotes a sustainable balance between development and conservation efforts.

This, in turn, aims to empower governments, organizations, and individuals to take necessary actions against environmental degradation, thereby fostering a healthier planet and society. 

Types of Environmental Law Cases We Handle 

At The Law Office of Frank Hammond, LLC, we work one-on-one with our clients to understand how their goals and needs overlap with Oregon's environmental regulations. Some of the types of cases we handle include: 

• Solid and hazardous waste disposal and storage. 

• Clean water permits. 

• Building and land use. 

• Property disputes. 

• Compliance and permitting. 

• Environmental litigation. 

• Prospective purchaser agreements. 

• Environmental impact assessments. 

Spanning numerous areas of environmental law in Oregon, our team is committed to devising innovative solutions that align with your objectives.   

Understanding Oregon's Environmental Policies

Oregon has numerous environmental laws laid out by Oregon's 2008 environmental justice law. This law aims to protect all community members from pollution and environmental hazards. It also requires state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), to ensure that communities are not disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. 

The state's environmental policy mirrors that of the federal government in recognizing the importance of protecting air, land, and water quality, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable land use planning, and conserve natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and waterways. 

Air Quality 

Oregon has comprehensive regulatory programs aimed at minimizing air pollution and promoting clean air for its residents. The key components of Oregon's air quality laws and programs focus on reducing emissions from various sources, including vehicles, industrial activities, and utilities. 

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is one such initiative, designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by offering rebates to individuals and businesses for the purchase or lease of qualified EVs. This program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from the transportation sector. 

Additionally, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) enforces air quality standards that align with federal guidelines set by the Clean Air Act. These standards are intended to control pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory health issues.  

The DEQ’s Air Quality Permitting Program also requires industrial and commercial facilities to obtain permits that limit the amount of pollutants they can emit. 

Land Quality 

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing land use planning throughout the state, implementing a framework that is designed to protect agricultural lands, conserve forested areas, and manage urban growth.  

Additionally, the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines are aimed at protecting farmland from being converted into non-agricultural uses, conserving forest lands, and encouraging development within urban boundaries. The guidelines make sure that any development on land is done thoughtfully and with consideration to the long-term environmental impact, preserving the state's natural beauty and resources for future generations. 

The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) offers tools and funding to local governments to assist with planning and conservation efforts. The Oregon Conservation Strategy provides a set of regulations for maintaining water quality in rivers and streams, protecting wetlands, and preserving wildlife corridors. 

Water Quality 

Oregon's environmental water quality initiatives are spearheaded by rigorous laws and regulations aimed at preserving the state's aquatic ecosystems and ensuring that water sources remain clean and safe for both people and wildlife.  

Central to these efforts is the Clean Water Act (CWA), which is implemented by the Oregon DEQ. The CWA addresses pollution in Oregon's rivers, lakes, and streams. It provides regulations for water quality standards and defines acceptable levels of pollutants in water bodies to protect aquatic life and human health.  

The DEQ regularly monitors water quality, identifies impaired waters, and develops Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to limit the amount of specific pollutants in these waters. Additionally, the DEQ enforces permits for discharges into state waters through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.  

This program regulates discharges from point sources, such as industrial facilities, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and other operations, requiring them to treat their wastewater to meet specific standards before releasing it into the environment. 

How We Help

At the Law Office of Frank Hammond, LLC, we have provided guidance for regulatory compliance and environmental law issues for nearly 37 years. We believe in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, and this principle guides our approach to every case we handle.  

We offer various legal services to help our clients with their environmental objectives. Some of the services we offer include: 

• Litigation and dispute resolution: Representing clients in environmental litigation, including disputes over land use, water rights, and pollution. 

• Permitting and compliance: Assisting with the acquisition of necessary environmental permits and ensuring ongoing compliance with environmental laws. 

• Policy advocacy and development: Advocating for sensible environmental policies at the state and federal level and assisting businesses in developing sustainable practices. 

• Environmental impact assessments: Preparing and reviewing environmental impact assessments for development projects to ensure compliance and mitigate potential legal issues. 

• Negotiation of agreements: Negotiating prospective purchaser agreements and other contracts related to environmental liability and cleanup. 

• Public hearings and meetings: Representing clients at public hearings and meetings with regulatory agencies.