Northwest Environmental News

The Year In News: 4 Major Northwest Narratives In 2016

By Bradley W. Parks

Published December 31, 2016 at 10:37 AM PST

OPB looks back at the stories that defined 2016 in Oregon, Southwest Washington and the United States.

When U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died in mid-February this year, Republicans in Washington, D.C., promptly announced they would not vote on any candidate to fill the vacancy until after the election. Meanwhile, Democrats urged those across the aisle to meet with Merrick Garland, outgoing President Barack Obama’s nominee for the bench.

The ensuing fight over Scalia’s seat symbolized a larger battle playing out in Oregon, Washington state and across the United States in 2016.

While politicians in the nation's capital fought for the right to name a justice on the Supreme Court, various groups fought for their own versions of justice.

The 41-day occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was a continuation of a longstanding lands battle in rural America. Brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy led a group in seizing the federal facility at the start of 2016.

They brought with them national attention to the city of Burns in eastern Oregon. Heavy presence of armed outsiders in town and at the refuge put the town on edge.

Eight months after the final occupier surrendered, a jury ruled the Bundys and five others not guilty. While the verdict sent shockwaves throughout the state, it also breathed new life into the so-called patriot movement. The verdict left other activists — namely those of color — further questioning the fairness of the American justice system.

Ammon and Ryan Bundy and their father, Cliven, await trial in Nevada for a 2014 standoff there. The result of that case, in which the charges are more severe, is likely to make sizable waves in the land-use debate in the American West amplified by the armed occupation in eastern Oregon.

Listen:"41 Days" — OPB's radio documentary on the occupation in eastern Oregon.

Listen:OPB's "This Land Is Our Land" podcast.

More On The Occupation In Eastern Oregon

The U.S. presidential election dominated headlines in 2016. The ascendance of real estate mogul Donald J. Trump to the presidency and the messaging he deployed in that rise colored conversations.

Portland was the face of the anti-Trump movement in the week after his election. Large-scale protests in the Rose City attracted international attention. Activists and politicians there are measuring their ability to box out the Trump Administration and his policies.

Bernie Sanders enjoyed immense popularity in Pacific Northwest cities and the end of his candidacy came as saddening news to many. Democrat Hillary Clinton won the general election in Oregon handily, but Trump garnered healthy support as well. A full 41 percent of Oregon voters chose Trump.

The phrase “ urban-rural divide” has thus re-entered the fore in Oregon and Washington — further fortified by the Oregon standoff verdict. Trump’s election and the year 2017 have the potential to pop the West Coast’s liberal bubble or further solidify it.

Listen:The "OPB Politics Now" podcast.

More On The 2016 Election

In June, a Union Pacific oil train derailed near the small city of Mosier, Oregon, sparking a large fire in the Columbia River Gorge. Union Pacific promptly tried to make amends for the crash, but not everyone bought it. The derailment contributed to growing furor among environmentalists over fossil fuel projects.

Wasco County blocked a Union Pacific railway expansion proposal for Mosier. A proposed oil terminal in the Port of Vancouver has been an object of public scrutiny and a liquid natural gas project near Coos Bay was also struck down this year, though the company there plans to try again.

But the most noted fossil fuel fight of 2016 happened in North Dakota. Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline galvanized Native American tribes and environmentalists in the Northwest. Demonstrators feared a portion of the pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota threatened the tribe’s water supply and sacred sites.

Tribes pried a reroute of the pipeline away from the area of concern out of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This came after months of occasionally brutal face offs with law enforcement. Despite the Army’s slight concession and bitter weather, protesters vowed to remain at the encampment near the construction site.

The attention could turn away from Standing Rock and toward the Pacific Northwest in the coming months. Northwest tribes are preparing to fight the Trans-Mountain Expansion Project approved by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

More On Oil Trains And Fossil Fuels

Portland Public Schools and other districts around Oregon faced a water quality battle of their own. Unsafe lead levels forced Oregon’s largest school district to shut off water districtwide and eventually pushed PPS Superintendent Carole Smith to resign.

More districts around the state soon came forward with lead testing data, highlighting a widespread problem with Oregon’s aging plumbing. The lead crisis even struck the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

Portland also faced another health hazard that went long unchecked: air quality.

A study of tree moss in Portland revealed high levels of arsenic, cadmium, nickel and lead in the air surrounding a pair of Portland glass companies. The toxic air problem even forced Uroboros — one of the glass makers at the center of the controversy — to shut its doors.

More On Lead And Toxic Air

The year 2016 was one of which many celebrated the end. Big news breaks every year, disrupting the relatively normal order of daily life. But 2016 was like a line of dominoes for news — one big story crashing into the other.

In Oregon, 2016 started with the Malheur Refuge takeover, which put an entire county on its toes. An air crisis and a water crisis, an oil train explosion and an eruption of protests followed soon after. A frenetic U.S. presidential election filled all the spaces in between.

In 2017, someone will most likely fill the late Justice Scalia's seat on the Supreme Court, and the U.S. will see how 2016 alters the nation's trajectory.

<p>A third night of protests took place in Portland on Nov. 10, 2016, as crowds demonstrated against the election of Donald Trump as well as other issues.</p> — A third night of protests took place in Portland on Nov. 10, 2016, as crowds demonstrated against the election of Donald Trump as well as other issues.

<p>Protesters in Portland sat in a moment of silence honoring Michael Brown, an unarmed black man shot by police in Ferguson, Missouri.</p> — Protesters in Portland sat in a moment of silence honoring Michael Brown, an unarmed black man shot by police in Ferguson, Missouri.

<p>A protester spray paints a storefront during a third night of post-election demonstrations in Portland on Nov. 10, 2016.</p> — A protester spray paints a storefront during a third night of post-election demonstrations in Portland on Nov. 10, 2016.

<p>Duane Ehmer patrols the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge complex with his horse "HellBoy."</p> — Duane Ehmer patrols the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge complex with his horse "HellBoy."

<p>Ammon Bundy, one of the leaders of the armed occupation in Harney County, Oregon, talks tactics with occupiers at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.</p> — Ammon Bundy, one of the former leaders of the armed occupation in Harney County, Oregon, talks with occupiers at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in January 2016.

<p>Robert "LaVoy" Finicum was the occupation's de facto spokesperson. After he was killed Jan. 26, Finicum became an even more critical figure in the splintered movement.</p> — Robert "LaVoy" Finicum was the occupation's de facto spokesperson. After he was killed Jan. 26, Finicum became an even more critical figure in the splintered movement.

<p>More than 300 people gathered in Burns to march through town, across the packed snow, in protest of the Hammond’s five-year sentence.</p> — More than 300 people gathered in Burns to march through town, across the packed snow, in protest of the Hammond’s five-year sentence on Jan. 2.

<p>Brandon Curtiss, president of 3% of Idaho, at the Harney County Committee of Safety meeting Friday in Burns.</p> — Brandon Curtiss, president of 3% of Idaho, at the Harney County Committee of Safety meeting Friday, Jan. 8, in Burns.

<p>Those who want the armed militants to leave Eastern Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, keep ripping down a sign the occupiers keeps putting back up.</p> — Those who wanted the armed militants to leave Eastern Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, kept ripping down a sign the occupiers put up, in January.

<p>A new militant from Arkansas guards the entrance to the occupied refuge on Jan. 14.</p> — A new militant from Arkansas guards the entrance to the occupied refuge on Jan. 14.

<p>Ryan Bundy told OPB that he and the other armed men occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters will leave if Harney County residents want them to. The self-proclaimed militiamen have been occupying the buildings since Saturday, Jan. 2.</p> — Ryan Bundy told OPB that he and the other armed men occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters will leave if Harney County residents want them to. The self-proclaimed militiamen took over the buildings since Saturday, Jan. 2.

<p>Ammon Bundy removes a fence separating the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge from ranching land.</p> — Ammon Bundy removes a fence separating the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge from ranching land.

Amanda Peacher

One of the protesters, Dylan Anderson, who gave the name "Captain Moroni," guards the entrance to the refuge. "Moroni" said he was disappointed that more protesters did not arrive after a widespread call on social media.

<p>An armed man with a group called the Pacific Patriots Network. The network arrived in Harney County Saturday, Jan. 9, claiming to secure the scene of the occupation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.</p> — An armed man with a group called the Pacific Patriots Network. The network arrived in Harney County Saturday, Jan. 9, claiming to secure the scene of the occupation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

<p>An FBI guard guides a truck out of the compound near the Burns Airport.</p> — An FBI guard guides a truck out of the compound near the Burns Airport.

<p>David Fry, a 27-year-old from Ohio, is one of the last remaining occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.</p> — David Fry, a 27-year-old from Ohio, was one of the last remaining occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. He surrendered Feb. 11.

<p>Harney County Judge Steve Grasty at a community meeting in Burns on Tuesday, Jan. 19.</p> — Harney County Judge Steve Grasty at a community meeting in Burns on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

<p>A meeting in Burns grew tense on Tuesday, Jan. 19, as community members discussed the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.</p> — A meeting in Burns grew tense on Tuesday, Jan. 19, as community members discussed the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

<p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that this road within the refuge complex is new construction.</p> — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that this road within the refuge complex is new construction.

<p>Outdoor enthusiasts gather at The Narrows on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to protest its occupation by armed militants.</p> — Outdoor enthusiasts gather at The Narrows on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to protest its occupation by armed militants in January.

<p>FBI officials say any vehicles approaching the checkpoints outside the refuge will be stopped and searched, and all occupants of the vehicles must present identification.</p> — FBI officials said any vehicles approaching the checkpoints outside the refuge would be stopped and searched, and all occupants of the vehicles were to present identification.

<p>Burns Paiute Tribal Chair Charlotte Roderique watches as the FBI releases video of the traffic stop, which led to the arrest of militant leaders and death of LaVoy Finicum.</p> — Burns Paiute Tribal Chair Charlotte Roderique watches as the FBI releases video of the traffic stop, which led to the arrest of militant leaders and death of LaVoy Finicum.

Bradley W. Parks

State police at a roadblock near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

<p>State troopers monitoring the situation.</p> — State troopers monitoring a roadblock near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

<p>FBI footage showing the joint FBI and Oregon State Police traffic stop and OSP officer-involved shooting of Robert “LaVoy” Finicum.</p> — FBI footage showing the joint FBI and Oregon State Police traffic stop and OSP officer-involved shooting of Robert “LaVoy” Finicum.

<p>Mourners wore ribbons, and some pinned squares cut from a blue tarp to their coats, a reference to a nickname some gave Finicum during the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.</p> — Mourners wore ribbons, and some pinned squares cut from a blue tarp to their coats, a reference to a nickname some gave Finicum during the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

<p>A law enforcement helicopter takes off from the Burns airport. The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.</p> — A law enforcement helicopter takes off from the Burns airport. The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.

<p>A Washington County Sheriff's vehicle blocks the road leading to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The 41-day armed occupation of the refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.</p> — A Washington County Sheriff's vehicle blocks the road leading to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The 41-day armed occupation of the refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.

<p>Law enforcement vehicles leave the Burns airport. The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.</p> — Law enforcement vehicles leave the Burns airport. The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.

<p>Harney County Sheriff David Ward expressed his thankfulness for the patience and persistence of law enforcement and the community of Burns. The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.</p> — Harney County Sheriff David Ward expressed his thankfulness for the patience and persistence of law enforcement and the community of Burns. The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ended Thursday, Feb. 11.

<p>Chris Hooper, right, of White Salmon watches the fire caused by a derailed oil train in Mosier, Oregon, near Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — Chris Hooper, right, of White Salmon watches the fire caused by a derailed oil train in Mosier, Oregon, near Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>A helicopter flies through the smoke emitted by the oil train fire in Mosier on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — A helicopter flies through the smoke emitted by the oil train fire in Mosier on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>An oil train fire rages on near the bank of the Columbia River on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — An oil train fire rages on near the bank of the Columbia River on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>A helicopter flies above the smoke emitted by the oil train fire in Mosier on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — A helicopter flies above the smoke emitted by the oil train fire in Mosier on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>Smoke from an oil train fire is seen beyond the Hood River Bridge in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — Smoke from an oil train fire is seen beyond the Hood River Bridge in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>Smoke and fire at the derailment in Mosier, Oregon. </p> — Smoke and fire at the derailment in Mosier, Oregon.

<p>In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, a train towing cars full of oil sends up a plume of smoke after derailing Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved eight cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile. </p> — In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, a train towing cars full of oil sends up a plume of smoke after derailing Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved eight cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile.

<p>In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, tank cars, carrying oil, are derailed Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved numerous cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile.</p> — In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, tank cars, carrying oil, are derailed Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved numerous cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile.

<p>Traffic backed up on I-84 in Hood River due to oil train derailment in Mosier.</p> — Traffic backed up on I-84 in Hood River due to oil train derailment in Mosier.

<p>Traffic backed up on I-84 in Hood River, Oregon after a train derailment near Mosier.</p> — Traffic backed up on I-84 in Hood River, Oregon after a train derailment near Mosier.

<p>In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, a closed sign is seen outside a store as a train towing cars full of oil sends up a plume of smoke after derailing Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved eight cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile. </p> — In this photo provided by Silas Bleakley, a closed sign is seen outside a store as a train towing cars full of oil sends up a plume of smoke after derailing Friday, June 3, 2016, near Mosier, Ore. The accident happened just after noon about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved eight cars filled with oil, and one was burning. Highway 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile.

<p>A train carrying crude oil derailed near the city of Mosier, sparking a fire on Friday, June 3, 2016.</p> — A train carrying crude oil derailed near the city of Mosier, sparking a fire on Friday, June 3, 2016.

<p>A plume of smoke rises from where a train carrying crude oil derailed in Mosier, near Hood River, on Friday afternoon.</p> — A plume of smoke rises from where a train carrying crude oil derailed in Mosier, near Hood River, on Friday afternoon.

<p>ODOT reported the train fire shut down Interstate 84 westbound in The Dalles at mile post 87 and eastbound in Mosier at mile post 64.</p> — ODOT reported the train fire shut down Interstate 84 westbound in The Dalles at mile post 87 and eastbound in Mosier at mile post 64.

<p>Train derailment fire as seen from Coyote Wall area on Washington state Route 14.</p> — Train derailment fire as seen from Coyote Wall area on Washington state Route 14.

<p>Smoke rises from an oil train that derailed near Hood River Friday.</p> — Smoke rises from an oil train that derailed near Hood River Friday.

<p>A view of the fire from state Route 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River.</p> — A view of the fire from state Route 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

<p>Smoke rises from the train derailment near Mosier, Oregon, as seen from Washington state Route 14 between Bingen and Lyle.</p> — Smoke rises from the train derailment near Mosier, Oregon, as seen from Washington state Route 14 between Bingen and Lyle.

<p>Smoke from a trail derailment fire as seen from Washington state Route 14.</p> — Smoke from a trail derailment fire as seen from Washington state Route 14.

<p>Smoke rises from an oil train that derailed in Mosier, near Hood River, Friday.</p> — Smoke rises from an oil train that derailed in Mosier, near Hood River, Friday.