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Stepping Up Efforts to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Oregon
By Belinda McFadgen, OEC Volunteer.“Nothing we use for a few minutes should be allowed to pollute our oceans and rivers and threaten wildlife for centuries.” That’s how our friends at Environment Oregon describe the problem of pollution from straws, bags, take-out containers and other single-use plastics. And now, after 14 communities across Oregon have adopted ways to limit single-use plastics, Environment Oregon and Surfrider Foundation are leading an effort to apply solutions statewide.THE 2019 BILLSSB90 and HB2670 would require restaurants to provide plastic drinking straws only upon customer request.The Surfrider Foundation ...
5 things to know about Clean Energy Jobs in 2019 (Updated)
As Oregonians get energized for clean energy legislation, we’re asking you to contact your legislators (more info below) to urge support for passing the Clean Energy Jobs.
CLEAN ENERGY JOBS BILL SHOWS GOOD PROGRESS TOWARD HISTORIC ACTION
Oregon Environmental Council applauds the Clean Energy Jobs bill released by the Gov. Kate Brown and legislative leaders this week."We deeply appreciate the hard work that has gone into the Clean Energy Jobs bill and look forward to working with state leaders to strengthen and pass a cap-and-invest program," said Andrea Durbin, Oregon Environmental Council Executive Director. The bill will cap greenhouse gas levels from the state’s largest polluters and makes those companies accountable for every ton of pollution they emit.“The Clean Energy Jobs draft includes strong annual caps that decline over time, no longer making it free to pollute. ...
Oregon’s Future Depends on You!
Did you know that Oregon Environmental Council launched its biggest and boldest fundraising campaign in 2017 to accelerate our progress to protect clean air, clean water and act on climate change? Our goal is to raise $15 million over three years and thanks to our foundation partners and generous Oregonians like you, we’re more than halfway there.Oregon is a national leader in environmental protection. Over our 50-year history, Oregon Environmental Council has delivered big, bold solutions – from the early years of the Bottle Bill, Bike Bill, and Beach Bill – to becoming the first state to go coal-free and protecting Oregon’s children ...
Contaminated Drinking Water: A Hidden Problem
The Problem:More than 70% of Oregonians get some of their drinking water from wells, and 23% of Oregonians rely on privately owned wells as their primary source of water. Yet in many parts of the state, this water is polluted. Thousands of Oregonians may be unknowingly drinking water that could lead to cancer, miscarriage and other serious health risks.The most common contaminants in well water are nitrate, bacteria, arsenic and pesticides. This contamination can come from failing septic tanks, fertilizers, livestock waste, and poorly constructed or maintained wells on a homeowner’s property or property nearby.Well water contamination is ...
Latinos Unidos Siempre: The power to create change
To Sandra Hernández- Lomelí, the future of environmental protection lies in empowering people to advocate for themselves.For too long, the Latinx community in Oregon has been disconnected from the environmental community, she explains. “I think there are a lot of people who would love to work on these issues. It’s about providing access.”Sandra is program director at Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS), founded in 1996 by youth in Salem to defend immigrant rights. Even deeper
than any advocacy issue is the organization’s dedication to youth and their families.“We believe in empowering people to advocate for change in their communities, ...
22 milestones for Oregon in 2018
Oregon Environmental Council has a bold agenda for 2019, but before we jump ahead we pause to reflect and to express our gratitude to the extraordinary community partners, civic leaders, board members and donors who stood up for a better Oregon for all. We celebrate and share these important milestones in creating a healthier environment for all Oregonians.January: Home Energy Score ordinance takes effect. Portland home buyers are informed buyers via a home energy report, including energy costs, usage and recommendations for greater efficiencies. City of Portland is leading the way!
January: Multnomah County adopts wood smoke ordinance to reduce ...
New state agency could meet urgent need for climate action
Without a doubt, climate change is one of Oregon’s most urgent issues of 2018. The Oregon Climate Authority would help the state better prepare for the ever-changing impacts across our land and water
We’re looking for a Transportation Program Director!
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITYOregon Environmental Council (OEC) seeks a skilled and motivated transportation program director to lead our work to transform Oregon’s transportation system into a non-polluting transportation system that supports clean air, climate stability, and healthy families living in economically vibrant neighborhoods. Transportation emissions are the single largest source of carbon emissions in Oregon and a major contributor of air pollution that harms Oregonians’ health. The transportation program director will focus on expediting transportation electrification and promoting shared use of and equitable access to emerging ...
Salem Diesel Awareness Project
“There’s nothing better than seeing people come together for a cause,” says Antonio. He and a fellow student, Casandra (Cassie), practiced their leadership skills for a cause as interns with Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS) in 2018. Their challenge: uniting neighbors to understand air quality issues in Salem and to seek solutions.