Jared Kahn

This past summer, I had the pleasure of working for Nina Bell, the Executive Director for the Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA), in conjunction with PEAC as the representing attorneys. The main aspect of the project was working on Oregon Water Quality Standards litigation. The case stems from a prior lawsuit that NWEA brought against the EPA and the State of Oregon for implementing inadequate water quality standards that were not protective, specifically for salmonids. The current lawsuit basically argues that the new water quality standards are still not protective enough for endangered salmonids throughout Oregon. My work involved extensive legal and scientific research, drafting memorandum that would be used for summary judgment motions, and my favorite, simply discussing and brainstorming ideas with the attorneys for new ideas for arguments to be made for our claims.

The experience was fantastic. I got to learn a great deal of Clean Water Act issues beyond what the classroom will ever teach. I was exposed to the actual processes involved and the Oregon Administrative Rules and procedures for water quality standards. Thank you PILP for providing me the opportunity to work with such a wonderful environmental organization.