You Can’t Put a Price on Saving Lives

4 images side-by-side. and elderly woman overheated in her home, a little boy sweating while drinking from a water fountain, a scene from an Oregon wildfire, a man wiping sweat off his brow.
Oregon state lawmakers are entering the final weeks of the legislative session. As our elected officials make tough decisions about what bills will pass or die this session, one thing is clear: there’s not enough money to go around. Against this budget-constrained backdrop, already this month Oregon has already faced a heatwave, wildfires, and a smog warning. People across our state need home cooling, clean air, and energy security. These aren’t luxuries. They’re life-saving essentials in the face of extreme climate events. Only four years ago, a heat dome ...

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Governor Kotek signs two bills to reduce plastic pollution in Oregon

For Immediate Release:      Monday, May 8th, 2023 Contact:  Celeste Meiffren-Swango, [email protected], 323-580-8772 Tara Brock, [email protected], 248-670-8033 Charlie Plybon, [email protected], 541-961-8143 Dr. Anja Brandon, [email protected], 206-240-1510 Charlie Fisher, [email protected], 206-853-5725 Jamie Pang, [email protected], 858-699-4153 SALEM, Ore.-- Governor Tina Kotek signed two bills into law to address the growing environmental and public health impacts of single-use plastics Monday, positioning Oregon as a ...

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Two Bills Aimed at Reducing Plastic Pollution Clear Final Legislative Hurdle, Head to Governor’s Desk

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 SALEM, Ore.-- The Oregon state House passed two bills with bipartisan support on Tuesday to address the growing environmental and public health impacts of single-use plastics. Both bills now head to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk for her signature. Senate Bill 543 will phase out polystyrene foam foodware, packing peanuts and coolers and prohibit the use of PFAS, the toxic substances nicknamed "forever chemicals" because of their longevity, in food packaging starting January 1, 2025. The legislation passed the House by a vote of ...

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PRESS RELEASE: Lawmakers and Environmental Health Advocates Call for the Passage of a Suite of Toxics Bills During National Public Health Week

For Immediate Release April 4, 2023 Downloadable PDF Media Contacts: Pablo Nieves-Valenzuela, Office of Courtney Neron, [email protected], 503-601-9730   Nickole Vargas, Office of Janeen Sollman, [email protected], 503-956-7736 Jamie Pang, Oregon Environmental Council, [email protected], 971-353-7963  Emily Matlock, Beyond Toxics, [email protected], 541-465-8860 ext. 820 Celeste Meiffren-Swango, Environment Oregon, [email protected], 323-580-8772   Lawmakers and Environmental ...

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Coalition of State and National Groups Files Intervention to Defend Oregon’s Climate Protection Program Against Oil and Gas Industry Attack

For Immediate Release September 7, 2022 Salem, OR - A coalition of environmental justice, climate, and business organizations today filed a legal intervention to defend Oregon’s landmark Climate Protection Program (CPP) against attempted oil and gas industry rollbacks.  The CPP is a cornerstone Oregon climate protection policy and essential to achieving the state’s climate pollution reduction goals, according to recent modeling led by the Oregon Department of Energy. The program will also: Improve public health and resiliency for Oregon communities most ...

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In Solidarity

We cannot move toward a healthy and safe environment without first ensuring that our country is healthy and safe for all people. #StopAsianHate

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Statement on Protecting Oregon’s Democratic Process

OEC's Executive Director calls for accountability and ensured safety to protect the rights of Oregonians as the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session begins

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Governor Brown Signs Executive Order to Combat Climate Change in Oregon

Executive Order Reaffirms Oregon's Commitment to Reducing Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Supporting the Expansion of a Clean Energy Economy Governor Kate Brown has issued an Executive Order solidifying Oregon’s commitment to fight climate change, expand clean energy technologies (clean fuels program), and invest in the protection of youth and frontline communities. It comes after years of public demand for bold climate action, years of public hearings and input, and years of rallies across the state. This remarkable climate action will expand the already ...

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OEC Announces New Executive Director, Diana Nuñez

Nuñez brings two decades of leadership expertise and strong commitment to equity and engagement  PORTLAND, OR—Oregon Environmental Council is pleased to announce that Diana Nuñez has been selected to serve as the organization’s new executive director. Nuñez, who has served as OEC’s Interim Executive Director since April, was selected as the result of a rigorous, seven-month national search. Nuñez distinguished herself from all other candidates through her passion for the environment; leadership expertise; dedication to building a culture of diversity, ...

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Oregon Legislature Passes Bill To Curb Toxic Diesel Exhaust

Senate Passes Bill to Protect Oregonians from Diesel Pollution SALEM -- In a 16-to-11 vote in favor of HB 2007, after a 44-to-15 vote in favor by the Oregon House, the Oregon Senate has passed a bill to protect the health of Oregonians from harmful diesel pollution. . HB 2007 requires the clean-up of old dirty diesel engines in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, where 44% of the state’s population lives.When diesel is burned, it emits fine particulate matter, NOx (a smog-forming pollutant), and 44 air toxics, such as benzene and acetaldehyde. This ...

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