Date: 03/30/2016 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/286
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s decision last year to remove the gray wolf from the state’s endangered species list was upheld in state law when Gov. Kate Brown signed House Bill 4040 two weeks ago. As of this week, the bill is now being used as a tool in the courtroom to block a lawsuit filed by environmentalists, who want to challenge the delisting decision. This is exactly what conservative lawmakers intended the bill to do, and while the judge will have the final say, environmentalists say the situation is looking gloomy.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon zoo officials say a rare leopard was euthanized at the zoo in Portland after a decline due to her advanced age. Zoo officials said the Amur leopard named Kia has died. Officials say the 20-year-old leopard was the oldest in any facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and may have been the oldest anywhere.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Ice Cream Co. has agreed to pay $55,000 for violating federal safety rules at its Eugene plant. In 2011, Environmental Protection Agency inspectors found that the company failed to meet industry safety standards for its ammonia refrigeration equipment and neglected to install a leak detection system or emergency ventilation. As part of the settlement, the company will improve emergency plans, upgrade its refrigeration equipment and install a proper ventilation system.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Google has acquired more land to expand its data-center campus in The Dalles. The Oregonian reports that Google bought 74 acres from Northwest Aluminum, which operated a smelter along the Columbia River until 2000. The sale price has yet to be recorded with the assessor’s office in Wasco County.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
