Toxics-Free Environments
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 ...
It’s National Public Health Week. Let’s tackle toxic chemicals!
This post was co-authored by Lisa Arkin, Executive Director, Beyond Toxics
It’s National Public Health Week. Let’s tackle toxic chemicals!
Every child deserves a safe environment to grow in that allows them to become strong and healthy and develop to their full potential. During National Public Health Week, it's important to draw attention to the health impacts and risks from toxic chemicals in products and the places where children live, learn and play. It is now estimated that 10 million synthetic chemicals are added to the marketplace every year. They range from ...
Prioritizing Children’s Health in Kid’s Products
Toxic chemicals that harm health should not be in our kids' products. But they are.
Thousands of chemicals lurk in products our kids use every day and children are far more vulnerable to toxics than adults due to their smaller size and developing organs. Even worse, the most recent studies show that new chemical compounds are produced at a rate of 10 million per year, which translates to nearly 1,000 new chemicals synthesized every hour. In 2015, OEC led the advocacy work to pass the historic Toxic Free Kids Act (TFKA), requiring manufacturers of children’s products to ...
Tell outdoor retailer REI to take toxic ‘forever chemicals’ out of their apparel!
From waterproof jackets to boots, outdoor gear sold at REI and other retailers like Columbia Sportswear contains ‘forever chemicals’ called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Recent science shows us that the production, use, and disposal of these products pollute people and the planet. These chemicals also make their way into our waterways through the washing and laundry process.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to harmful health impacts, including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system problems. Many of OEC’s staff and members love to recreate ...
UPDATE: Victory! Judge dismisses Oregon Toxic Free Kids Act Litigation
As we reported at the start of the new year (see below), American Apparel, the Toy Association, and its member coalition- Safe to Play, had filed a lawsuit during the week of Christmas, claiming that Oregon’s Toxic Free Kids Act (TFKA) is preempted based on the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) and Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).
Thankfully earlier this summer, the federal district court in Portland, Oregon dismissed the toy industry's lawsuit. Specifically, Judge Simon held that at least 69 chemicals regulated in Oregon’s Toxic Free Kids Act are not even ...
Building for a Better Future
Right now, there is an important conversation happening in Oregon, and around the country, about buildings. The buildings in which we live and work are a critical piece of the climate puzzle. They are both vital to reducing climate change causing fossil fuels and our first line of defense against climate harms like extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and air pollution.
Buildings are the second largest–and growing–source of climate pollution in Oregon, responsible for 34 percent of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to the fossil fuels used for ...
2022 Oregon legislative victories!
With a flurry of action in just five short weeks, the 2022 Legislative Session concluded on March 4th. This year’s session started with extreme uncertainty as a result of major changes in leadership and a new COVID variant. It also began with good news: an unexpectedly large state budget surplus. In the end, Oregon Environmental Council is thrilled that most of our major priorities made it across the finish line and that we helped win crucial investments in environmental and community benefits.
We did this work, like always, in collaboration with a wide array of ...
2022 Oregon Legislature: Mid-Session Update
The 2022 Legislative Session is well underway. OEC staff have jumped in with both feet, analyzing bills and recommending improvements, writing and delivering strong testimony, organizing partnered groups, and defending against harmful proposals. So far we have testified on over 20 unique bills and inspired nearly 300 citizen contacts to legislators and committees from OEC activists like you. We have focused our efforts on four key areas.
Efficient and resilient buildings and communities,
Clean and equitable transportation,
Jobs, Justice, and Health
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