The 2016 elections showed once again that Oregonians strongly value healthy, safe and sustainable lives. We’re willing to put our money where our values are and invest in our environment for today and into the future.
Voters in Oregon showed that they were aligned with OEC in support of four ballot measures (see details below). supporters. Now that elections are over and the 2017 legislative session is coming up fast, OEC staff are humbled and grateful to work on behalf of Oregonians across the state to build innovative, collaborative and equitable environmental solutions.
Across the State
66.5% YES: Outdoor School for All. Oregon students across the state will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor education with a week-long outdoor school program. Allowing every student the time and place to really connect with the land, water and wildlife is a value that Oregonians can stand behind.
In Portland
61% YES: “Affordable Homes:” Portland can now bring $258.4 million to bear on addressing our housing crisis. The City of Portland’s 20-year general bond will be applied to build or preserve rental units for low-income households. Safe and stable housing is an essential “environment” for health and well-being. What’s more, affordable housing options will help ensure that lower-income residents have better access to school and work as well as accessible transit, which will result in less driving leading to cleaner air and safer streets.
In the Portland Metro Region
73.5% YES The Protect Our Natural Areas ballot measure renews Metro’s current parks and natural areas levy. Portland voters spoke up loudly in favor of preserving and protecting air, water and wildlife in 17,000 acres of parks, trails, and natural areas—and to make those areas accessible to residents through improved public access, educational programming, and grant programs that focus on historically disenfranchised communities.
YES Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District Levy: Tualatin’s soil and water conservation district, the only district in the Portland metro area without a stable tax base, will now have a levy funding the district’s core programs: protecting clean and plentiful water and habitats, increasing soil health and controlling erosion and invasive weeds, and promoting forest health and urban conservation.
Effective groundwater quality management is crucial for ensuring clean, reliable water for millions of Oregonians, and countless ecosystems. But as things stand, our state lacks the means to manage it effectively. By making much-needed revisions to the 1989 Groundwater Quality Management Act, SB 1154 will improve the process of identifying and reducing groundwater contamination to keep this vital resource safe. Tell your legislators to support SB 1154, and
Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians.
**Please Note: We recommend you
Oregon is about to make some big transportation decisions that will affect us for decades. Unfortunately, lawmakers are starting from a framework that falls dramatically short on what we need. We need fair funding, accountability, and more robust investments in safety, transit, and pollution reduction.
Tell your legislators that the stakes are too high to settle for less.
**Please Note: We recommend
Today, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule was delayed by two years. Predictably, oil and gas interests orchestrated a multi-state campaign to derail similar policies in other states. Their successful attacks now include Oregon’s ACT rules.
Today, 100+ Oregonians are rallying in Salem to deliver a message shared by more than a thousand during a legislative listening tour last summer – public and active transportation is equally important no matter where you live in Oregon.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for a reason: once they’re in the environment, they stick around – causing harm for generations. This group of synthetic chemicals are added to products to deflect heat, grease, and water. But, instead of helping, these toxic chemicals are cau
There’s a big problem happening in our transportation system today, and it’s been decades in the making. The Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $1.8 billion deficit. If this is not met, ODOT staff have sai
by Meagan Golec, Major Gifts Officer
When I was hired at OEC three years ago, I had a lot of nonprofit experience but had never worked in the environmental sphere. I came equipped with a deep love and appreciation for wild spaces, and a strong belief that we need a healthy environment to thrive. I knew that Oregon was considered an
Oregon just scored a major environmental victory! In a unanimous vote, the Environmental Quality Commission (ECQ) adopted the newly revised Climate Protection Program, reinstating the landmark policy at a time when climate action is critical. This marks the most significant climate action taken in the wake of the federal election. Now, Oregon’s most influential climate policy is back on the bo
J Stufflebeam
November 19, 2016 (12:02 am)
Thank you so very much. I am so proud of Oregon and our government. Yes, government separates us from ghettos!