Weekday Wrap: Judge rules PacifiCorp can face punitive damages in Labor Day fires lawsuit

By OPB staff (OPB)
March 24, 2023 6:19 p.m.

Stories you may have missed from news briefs and our partners across the region.

Jury could award more to Oregon fire victims if utility is at fault

Victims in four of Oregon’s Labor Day fires could get additional compensation from PacifiCorp following a ruling Thursday by a Multnomah County judge. The ruling means PacifiCorp can face punitive damages in a class action lawsuit that blames the utility for igniting wildfires that burned 2,500 properties. That’s on top of money the utility may have to pay for damages. The trial is scheduled for April 24. Plaintiffs in the case allege PacifiCorp failed to maintain its power lines and shut down power during a historic wind event over Labor Day weekend in 2020. (Zach Urness/Salem Statesman Journal)

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Referendum on Eugene natural gas ordinance qualifies for ballot

A Eugene ordinance banning natural gas infrastructure in some new residential construction won’t take effect in June as originally scheduled. A group of opponents, funded primarily by gas utility NW Natural, gathered enough signatures to put the ordinance to a public vote in November. If Eugene voters approve the measure this fall, it will go into effect then. If not, the city will have to throw it out. (Chris M Lehman/KLCC)

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Douglas fir trees in ‘decline spiral’ in Klamath Mountains ecoregion

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Douglas fir trees in southwest Oregon are suffering. Amid a yearslong drought, atmospheric aridity and insect infestation, Douglas firs have entered what scientists are calling a “decline spiral,” which is the relatively quick decline of a species, in southwest Oregon. A study by Oregon State University faculty published in the Journal of Forestry found that the mortality rate of the species has soared in the Klamath Mountains ecoregion since about 2015. For the past few years, most tree deaths have occurred on about 10% of the forested area in southwest Oregon, according to a rough estimate from Max Bennett, the forestry agent who led the study at the university’s Extension Service. (Erick Bengel/Rogue Valley Times)

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2 popular Oregon Coast campgrounds to temporarily close for fall and winter

Campgrounds at Beverly Beach State Park, 7 miles north of Newport, will close from Sept. 5 to late May 2024 for upgrades to the park and campground power and water lines, department officials said. All facilities will be closed. Campgrounds at Bullards Beach State Park, 2 miles north of Bandon, also will close from Oct. 15 to mid-March 2024 for a main sewer line upgrade. The campgrounds will be closed, but the day-use areas, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp will remain open. (Makenzie Elliott/Eugene Register-Guard)

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Washington, Oregon drivers must remove studded tires by March 31

Studded tires must be removed by Washington and Oregon drivers before March 31 or else drivers risk a fine of $137. Studded tires cause millions of dollars in damage to state-owned roads on both sides of the border each winter, according to Washington State Department of Transportation Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. There is no individual exception or out-of-state waiver to the studded tire dates. (William Seekamp/The Columbian)

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