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.
Last month, OEC, Renewable Northwest, and our partners in the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative (OCGC) joined in person with a diverse group of clean energy stakeholders from across Oregon for the first annual
Oregon’s future depends on a clean, resilient power grid – one that meets increasing demand, supports thriving local economies and fosters resilient communities.
This vision for a clean-energy future is within reach.
There are countless allies across Oregon – in environmental circles, community justice, academia, government and business – who share this vision for our future. Almost one year ago to the day, OEC brought these partners together to form the Oregon Clean Grid
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just released draft rules to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program (CPP), kicking off a short public comment period. Help us restore the CPP and hold polluters accountable!
QUICK LINKS TO TAKE ACTION:
-> Send this Letter to DEQ to Restore the C
In Texas, our summers were always hot. But not this hot. It was 81° the day I left Austin for Portland in late February of this year – what would have been a normal summer day, but in the midst of winter.Just a
When you think about water in Oregon, you might think about the Rogue River, Pacific Coast or Malheur Lake. However, some of the most important bodies of water in our state aren’t visible to the naked eye: they’re under our feet.
Known as “forever chemicals,” harmful PFAS chemicals can be found in the air, water, and soil of virtually every ecosystem on Earth. Distribution of PFAS varies widely – from high concentrations in states like Michigan and North Carolina to very low levels here in Oregon. Our state’s water utilities and water quality agencies are already studying the sources and level of PFAS in our local water systems. But there is still much to learn about how these chemica
Right now, Oregon has a historic opportunity to lead in the manufacturing of in-demand clean energy technologies. By leveraging federal funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Clean Technology Leadership bill (HB 4112) will boost Oregon’s competitiveness to help land billions of dollars in investments in this strategic sector.Oregon’s opportunity to lead
As a state with a green reputation, the way Oregon interacts with and manages waste materials must continue to evolve in ways that preserve ecosystems, protect human health and waterways, and reduce climate pollution. For decades, Oregon has been a leader in sustainability – with our historic passing of the nation’s first bottle
Where it started: Curbside Recycling in OregonOur Bottle Bill was one of OEC’s first big policy wins. Enacted in 1971, the Bottle Bill put into place an incentive for people to return glass and aluminum which began to change the way that Oregonians thought about the downstream impacts of the p
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!