Marijuana industry could be in trouble, Oregon joins travel ban suit and Columbia Riverkeeper files first suit against new EPA head.
White House threatens ‘greater enforcement’ on marijuana industry
Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the Department of Justice is pursuing further enforcement on the recreational marijuana industry. When U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions — who is outwardly against marijuana — was sworn in, Oregon’s marijuana industry was hopeful state’s rights would rule. Spicer’s statement signals otherwise, the Statesman Journal reports. Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum said she will work to protect the growing industry.
Oregon formally joins Washington travel ban lawsuit
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a motion Wednesday to join Washington’s suit against Trump’s immigration ban, OPB reports. As a result of the suit, a temporary stay was issued Jan. 30. If the travel ban is reinstated, it could affect not only Oregon businesses, but the state’s investment portfolio as well. Treasurer Tobias Read said more than 19 million shares of Oregon’s $92 billion portfolio are held in tech companies that have expressed concern at the potential travel ban impacts on business. This could also diminish the state’s credit rating.
Columbia Riverkeeper files first suit against new EPA head
Scott Pruitt, the new EPA administrator, is known for filing multiple suits against the agency he now leads. To turn the tables, Columbia Riverkeeper filed suit against Pruitt and the EPA demanding the agency protect salmon from high temperatures in the Columbia and Snake rivers come summer, the Portland Business Journal reports. The suit calls for the EPA to issue a total maximum daily load for river temperature pollution.
Oregon Treasurer stands behind vote to sell Elliott Forest
Environmental groups opposed to the $221 million sale of 82,500 acres are putting the pressure on Tobias Read, who voted in favor of the sale. The groups view the Democrat’s vote as a betrayal. Read said he understands the opponents’ views but doesn’t intend to change his mind, the Oregonian reports. Gov. Kate Brown is still pushing for an alternative plan to keep the forest land publicly owned.
Boeing announces new production in Gresham plant
Boeing will manufacture wing flap actuation components for its NEXT Generation planes in East Multnomah County, the Gresham Outlook reports. The additional work in-house doesn’t create new jobs for the plant, but will secure those existing 1,600 jobs in the future.
Slideshow: Portland’s latest Insta-worthy hotel
A tour of the AC Hotel, a downtown Portland establishment targeting millennials.
