AG's Top Environmental Crimes Attorney "Resigns"

Reported Foul-up as Environmental Group Acts at Behest of Law Enforcement

Yesterday, Attorney General John Kroger announced the “resignation” of Brent Foster, Kroger’s handpicked top environmental crimes prosecutor. Foster formerly headed Columbia Riverkeeper, an environmental activist group known for being very litigious. He has also been active in opposing new Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facilities. AOI had expressed concern over the initial hiring of Foster.

Although details are sketchy, press reports in The Oregonian and Willamette Week indicate recent serious problems with Columbia Riverkeeper, in conjunction with Foster, acting on behalf of the Hood River District Attorney gathering evidence in a possible criminal case. Attorney General Kroger indicated the he has “referred the matter to Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau for any necessary investigation.”

How often environmental activist groups may be acting as enforcement or investigatory agents at the behest of Oregon law enforcement is not known. The Willamette Week quoted the head of Columbia Riverkeeper as saying Riverkeeper is “pleased that the DA requested Riverkeeper’s assistance.”