Policy
Oregon Environmental Council advances effective public policies that safeguard our future. Here are the latest updates on actions from the Oregon Legislature, Governor’s Office and state agencies:
OEC and partners call on ODOT to consider climate and equity
July 14, 2021
Oregon Transportation Commission
355 Capitol Street, NE MS 11
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Chair Van Brocklin and members of the Oregon Transportation Commission:
Our organizations write this letter as communities around the state are reporting dozens of deaths in the wake of a record-breaking heatwave while preparing for another summer and fall of destructive wildfires. Climate change is already bringing enormous human suffering to Oregon. Transportation systems have been disrupted. The consensus among experts is that the chaos and ...
SB 289: Addressing a safety disparity in the outdoors
OEC was excited to see that the Oregon Legislature passed, with broad support from both republicans and democrats, SB 289, the Safety in the Outdoors bill. This bill is an important step to make public spaces safer for everyone, and to ensure more equitable access to Oregon state parks and resources that are critical to health and well-being.
A Climate Conversation with Congresswoman Bonamici
Congresswoman Bonamici left OEC members feeling optimistic after learning about how federal initiatives can support climate progress here at home and how smart infrastructure investments can set us up for a clean, thriving economy in the years to come.
A Natural Vision for Water Part 4: Investing in Our Future
The fourth part of our Natural Vision for Water series outlines HOW to invest in natural infrastructure as the foundation for thriving Oregon communities.
A Natural Vision for Water Part 3: Advancing Health and Environmental Justice
Inclusive natural infrastructure planning can advance health, justice, and community power. But how do we get there?
A Natural Vision for Water Part 2: Co-Benefits of Natural Infrastructure
In collaboration with Willamette Partnership and the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, OEC recently published a report demonstrating the benefits and opportunities associated with investing our state’s water infrastructure dollars in nature-based solutions. This post is the second of a four part series on the benefits and opportunities of natural infrastructure. OEC, Willamette Partnership, and our partners are working to shift policy to prioritize natural infrastructure solutions in community projects around the state. Read our full Natural Infrastructure ...
Federal climate action paves the way for progress
OEC’s climate team breaks down the ins and outs of what Biden’s “Climate Day” means for Oregon
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
2021 Water Outlook
OEC’s water program sets its eyes on natural infrastructure and water justice in 2021
Advocates hold commissioners’ feet to the fire
Oregon Transportation Commission decision advances climate-friendly projects but fails to meet the urgency of the climate crisis
