Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute


PCEI began as a reaction to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on the other side of the globe. The group, like others showed concern about Washington State's own nuclear power plant at Hanford. When Hanford shut down the group shifted its focus.

“PCEI shifted its focus to the transportation of nuclear and other toxic waste, and then to local concern about pesticide use, which ultimately led to a change in the way the organization approached environmental issues…

…Although the organization's focus has continued to evolve, the underlying purpose has been consistent. "We've had the same mission statement for quite a while, which is to increase citizen involvement in decisions that affect the region's environment." The Institute has grown into one of the most successful organizations in the region. In addition to Community Agriculture, they have programs in Watershed Restoration, Environmental Education, and Transportation,” (information taken from PCEI's Website)

PCEI is a great resource for those interested in environmental issues around the Palouse and their website is a good place to start if you're interested in the organization.

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