Northwest Environmental Defense Center

The Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC) was established by a group of professors, law students and attorney alumni at Lewis & Clark Law School in 1969. NEDC is an independent non-profit organization working to protect the environment and natural resources of the Pacific Northwest.

NEDC enforces environmental laws to hold regulators and companies accountable and to preserve and protect the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest.

NEDC envisions a future in which the Pacific Northwest leads the nation in developing, implementing, and enforcing strong laws and regulations that protect the environment and human health, and where our governments and communities value fostering and maintaining healthy and productive ecosystems. We prioritize diversity and inclusion, and recognize that environmental burdens and benefits are not distributed equitably. NEDC is committed to expanding our work and partnerships with communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution. We work to address the historic and current disparities these communities face so that each of us can realize and enjoy a healthy and inspiring world.