Media/PR/Statements
For all things related to news media, public relations, and OEC statements.
Governor Kotek signs two bills to reduce plastic pollution in Oregon
For Immediate Release:
Monday, May 8th, 2023
Contact:
Celeste Meiffren-Swango, celeste@environmentoregon.org, 323-580-8772
Tara Brock, tbrock@oceana.org, 248-670-8033
Charlie Plybon, cplybon@surfrider.org, 541-961-8143
Dr. Anja Brandon, abrandon@oceanconservancy.org, 206-240-1510
Charlie Fisher, cfisher@ospirg.org, 206-853-5725
Jamie Pang, jamiep@oeconline.org, 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 ...
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 ...
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, pablo.nieves@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-601-9730
Nickole Vargas, Office of Janeen Sollman, Nickole.Vargas@oregonlegislature.gov, 503-956-7736
Jamie Pang, Oregon Environmental Council, JamieP@OECOnline.org, 971-353-7963
Emily Matlock, Beyond Toxics, ematlock@beyondtoxics.org, 541-465-8860 ext. 820
Celeste Meiffren-Swango, Environment Oregon, celeste@environmentoregon.org, 323-580-8772
Lawmakers and Environmental ...
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 ...
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
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
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
Oregon House Votes to Curb Diesel Pollution
Old dirty diesel engines may soon be on their way out
SALEM -- Diesel exhaust from heavy-duty engines is one of Oregon’s biggest air toxic problems and can be solved by replacing old polluting engines with newer diesel engines or with trucks and equipment that run on cleaner fuels like electricity. In a 44 to 15 vote in favor of HB 2007, the Oregon House has chosen to accelerate this critical transition.
“We have known about diesel’s pernicious impacts on human health for decades,” said Morgan Gratz-Weiser, Legislative Director of Oregon Environmental Council. ...
