New Staff Q&A: Crystal Weston

environmental health program director crystal weston standing in front of large mansion with hedge maze in front of it
OEC is excited to introduce our new Environmental Health Program Director, Crystal Weston! Crystal hails from California originally, but has been a proud Oregonian since 2003. Throughout her time here, she has worked in all corners of the public health sphere – from the Oregon Health Authority, where she addressed nitrate contamination, to the University of Oregon, where she focused on substance abuse prevention and harm reduction. Her wide-ranging experience in identifying solutions to environmental health concerns in our state make her the perfect person for the ...

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PFAS AKA “Forever Chemicals”

Photo of firefighter using foam to put out a car fire
The Story of PFAS PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) or ‘forever chemicals’ are a class of over 15,000 toxic chemicals. Members of this chemical class feature the strongest chemical bond known to organic chemistry- the carbon fluorine bond. This incredible chemical bond leads to properties like not reacting with other substances- including an ability to repel grease, oil, and water. In this story, chemical manufacturers wanted to give their products these properties, such as jackets that didn’t get wet, refrigerants that didn’t corrode copper pipes, and ...

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2024 Legislative Debrief Video – Right to Repair Becomes Law

text reads "2024 legislative debrief -- featured guest: Senator Sollman" thumbnail image is of thomas baker and senator sollman
On May 6, we hosted our 2024 Virtual Legislative Debrief. The conversation featured Oregon Senator Janeen Sollmon. With her insights, we covered a wide range of topics — from last session’s environmental victories (like Right to Repair and Healthy Homes), to big picture conversations about the trajectory of Oregon’s climate future. On the Right to Repair legislation, Senator Sollman spoke in detail on what it took to pass the historic consumer electronics policy – now the strongest in the nation. She also outlined what the new law does. (Full video below....

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2024 Legislative Wrap-Up: 5 Key Environmental Wins

oregon capitol in salem on a spring day with the sun out surrounded by cherry blossom trees
The doors are now closed on this year’s “short,” 35-day legislative session in Oregon. Traditionally, the short session is used to re-balance the budget, tweak existing statutes and wrap-up unfinished business from the long session. However, in recent years the legislature has shifted to taking up one or two major issues, as well. This presents a huge opportunity for advocacy groups like OEC where there are no off years for climate and environmental justice. This session, the Governor and lawmakers made it clear that their primary focus was housing (see SB 1537) ...

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It’s Time for Oregon to Lead in Clean Tech with HB 4112!

close up of solar panels with purple flowers in the foreground
Right now, Oregon has an opportunity to invest in our state’s clean energy future and drive economic prosperity through the Clean Technology Leadership bill (HB 4112).

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Could Oregon be the 5th state to pass a ‘right to repair’ law? Here is how you can help!

Oregon’s Right to Repair (SB 1596) will reduce Oregon’s electronic waste footprint by requiring technology companies to make parts that allow small businesses to repair electronics like smartphones.

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Update: OR OSHA publishes final rules governing the right to refuse dangerous work

A farmworker carries berries in a field
Earlier this year, OEC and partners helped win a bill to give workers the right to refuse hazardous work (SB 907). We stayed at the table and provided information on how Oregon OSHA should carry out the intent of the law. While we are disappointed that the rules are missing some key points of clarity around extreme heat, smoke, and other environmental threats, OEC and our partners plan to ramp up education and outreach to ensure workers understand their rights.

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Summer Heat, OR OSHA’s Heat and Smoke Rules, and the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work

A farmworker carries berries in a field
OEC is advocating for the strong rollout of Oregon’s new Right to Refuse Dangerous Work law which was signed by the Governor in May of 2023.

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Huge Wins for Public Health! Oregon Lawmakers Act to Keep Toxic Chemicals Out of Cosmetics and Kids’ Products

In a resounding victory for the health and well-being of Oregonians, Oregon Environmental Council and coalition partners successfully advocated for the passage of two crucial environmental health bills in the 2023 legislative session.

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The Right to Refuse Dangerous Work: Another Victory for Worker Safety in a Warming Climate

A farmworker carries berries in a field
As advocates for farmworkers, who endure intense manual labor in hazardous conditions such as pesticides, extreme heat, and smoke, PCUN recognizes SB 907 as a crucial stride towards safeguarding their well-being.

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