Governor Kotek Nominates Ivan Gall to Lead OWRD
OEC joins our partners in applauding Governor Tina Kotek’s nomination of Ivan Gall for the role of Director at the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). The exhaustive, nationwide search for this position took nearly a year. We appreciate that Gov. Kotek chose a candidate so deeply familiar with the intricacies of Oregon water.
Gall has been working at OWRD for a quarter-century. In his time there, he headed the department’s field services division, as well as its groundwater section. Gall brings technical expertise, on-the-ground knowledge, and extensive ...
Climate Change and Agriculture: How are they connected and what’s to be done?
What is climate change and how does it work?
We’ve all heard the phrase “climate change,” but what does that phrase mean? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines climate change as “a long-term (decades to centuries) change in any of a number of environmental conditions for a given place and time—such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, cloudiness, wind, and air circulation patterns.” So any shift in weather patterns lasting for a prolonged period of time can be called climate change. Today most people who say “climate change” ...
EVs Are Not Just for Urban Commuters
The transition from gas to electric vehicles is now well underway. From electric cars, trucks, and busses, to e-bikes, e-scooters, and personal wheeled devices of all kinds, there are more and more electric options for getting around town. This transition is exciting to see because it’s essential to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and battling climate change.
But what if “town” isn’t where you’re trying to get around? There are more electric vehicle (EV) models introduced all the time, but many people still have questions about whether an EV makes ...
Oregon Sets New Goals for Carbon Sequestration
Natural and Working Lands Proposal
Healthy forests, waters, and agricultural lands are vital to Oregon’s economy, culture, and way of life. These natural and working lands often come to mind as vital resources in need of protection from climate impacts, but they are also an essential part of the climate solution. The science is clear: in order to avoid climate catastrophe, we must radically transform the way we use our land — from how we grow our food to how we manage our forests.
Recognizing this need, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Global Warming Commis...
Top Ten Achievements of 2020-2021
Oregon Environmental Council works year-round to protect Oregon's water, air, land, and communities. This year was a special one. We made Oregon a better place through our participation in state-wide coalitions, tireless bird-dogging of rulemaking processes, deft strategy in the legislative session, and hosting welcoming educational programs. This work is is a reflection of our donors. Take a moment to revel with us in these outstanding accomplishments. Then consider supporting this work, so we can add to our accomplishments in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
1. Passed ...
Road-trips, Representatives and Adventures in Eastern Oregon
Summer is road-trip time, and recently, OEC staff Karen Lewotsky (Water Policy and Rural Partnerships Director) and Morgan Gratz-Weiser (Legislative Director) headed southeast across Oregon to Crane, with stops along the way in Tumalo and Prineville.
Why Crane? The gathering in Crane was organized by leading legislators and partner organizations Verde, Willamette Partnership and others, to celebrate recent state investment in water and water infrastructure. The celebration kicked off with a virtual Zoom event the preceding week, and culminated with a tour of Harney ...
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 ...
Make Your Voice Heard for the Future of Oregon Groundwater!
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