Policy
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2019 Legislative Wrap Up
Oregon’s 2019 legislative session proved to be the most divisive in recent memory, with a walkout by Senate Republicans preventing a vote on our major priority–Clean Energy Jobs. Despite this setback, Oregon Environmental Council made strides to protect the health of Oregonians and our environment. Here’s a short recap of our progress.
For Us, Climate Action Never Dies
Oregon Environmental Council remains more determined than ever to work on behalf of children and families from all communities in Oregon who face an uncertain climate future.
Oregon Legislature Passes Bill To Curb Toxic Diesel Exhaust
Senate Passes Bill to Protect Oregonians from Diesel PollutionSALEM -- 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 ...
Ways and Means members adopt HB 2020, moves forward historic climate action
Thousands of Oregonians, hundreds of businesses and dozens of statewide organizations have waited long enough, and Oregon Environmental Council applauds lawmakers for bringing HB 2020 to a vote in the House and Senate floors.
Oregon Lawmakers Take Action Against White House Attacks on Environmental Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2019PORTLAND, OR - The Environmental Protection Act (HB 2250) has passed the Senate and is headed to the desk of Gov. Kate Brown. HB 2250 ensures that Oregon’s standards for clean air and clean water remain high even as the Trump Administration continues to roll back environmental laws at the federal level.We are in an unprecedented era where we cannot take environmental protections for granted. Clean air and clean water are the building blocks of a thriving society and strong economy.These protections are fundamental to ...
Who cares about diesel pollution?
Dozens of Oregonians turned out to testify on the dirty diesel bill (HB 2007) in March. The crowd prompted lawmakers to extend the public hearing over two days. The bill’s sponsors and other champions made it clear: old engines pose a big health threat, and it’s time to get serious about replacing them with far cleaner solutions.Legislators also heard from people arguing against a deadline to retire old, dirty engines.The health, justice and environmental arguments for cutting diesel pollution are impossible to ignore—but will legislators agree that ...
5 things 2 know about #CEJ: March edition
There will be a few dozen elderly Oregonians, several decades from now, who will tell their grandchildren about the great debate of 2019.
Know what’s in your well
Nearly one in four people living in Oregon get their drinking water from a well.If you are one of them, you have the right to know what’s in your water. Domestic well water can be contaminated by bacteria, nitrates, and arsenic, among other things—all of which can have serious health impacts.Why should you be concerned?
These contaminants can cause serious health problems such as cancer, miscarriage and thyroid disorders. Pregnant women and small children are particularly at risk from nitrate exposure, especially infants because their digestive and enzyme ...
Oregon Environmental Council: Andrea Durbin to transition to City of Portland leadership
Oregon Environmental Council: Andrea Durbin to transition to City of Portland leadership
CLEAN ENERGY JOBS BILL SHOWS GOOD PROGRESS TOWARD HISTORIC ACTION
Oregon Environmental Council applauds the Clean Energy Jobs bill released by the Gov. Kate Brown and legislative leaders this week."We deeply appreciate the hard work that has gone into the Clean Energy Jobs bill and look forward to working with state leaders to strengthen and pass a cap-and-invest program," said Andrea Durbin, Oregon Environmental Council Executive Director. The bill will cap greenhouse gas levels from the state’s largest polluters and makes those companies accountable for every ton of pollution they emit.“The Clean Energy Jobs draft includes ...
