This history-making legislative proposal, to be considered in February 2016, would make Oregon one of the cleanest energy states with 80% clean renewable energy by 2040. We’ll be one of the first states to get coal out of our electricity mix. See a fact sheet on the clean electricity and coal transition plan here.
Negotiating the deal with Oregon’s major utilities also proves that, when we work together, Oregonians have the will and the power to create a safe, clean, healthy future.
You’ll read in the press that it was “environmental groups” at the table with Oregon’s two largest utilities hashing out this legislative package.
It’s true: Oregon Environmental Council and our partners spent the last weeks of 2015 in intense negotiations with utilities.
But it’s not the whole story.
It was our partnership with a strong and growing coalition for action on clean energy and climate, Renew Oregon, that brought utilities to the negotiating table.
OEC is one of the founding members of Renew Oregon. But the coalition broadly represents business, health, labor, communities of color and faith leaders, all united in a common goal: to build a clean and just energy economy here in Oregon. Oregon’s utilities can sense the power of these voices united, and they don’t want a ballot fight.
So with this agreement in hand, we’re going to the legislature in February. OEC will advocate for this new bill, as well as other priorities, including capping and pricing pollution and defending Oregon’s clean air standard. We’ll be there—and we’ll need united voices and support from our members like you to ensure that it passes.
On March 8th, the Chetco Community Public Library and Friends of the Chetco Library in Brookings, OR, present “Climate Change Coming Home”, a presentation by Bill Bradbury.
The former Oregon Secretary of State and State Senator (and former OEC board member) will discuss climate change and its effects on our region. He’ll also be available to answer questions from community members.
Currently serving as one of Oregon’s two representatives to the Northwest Power and Conse
Water is life, and Oregonians consistently rank it as their top environmental priority. Oregon has more rivers designated as wild and scenic than any other state. People travel from across the nation to raft our wild waters and fish for salmon or trout. Our thriving agricultural industry depends on clean and plentiful water, as do our wildlife, cities, industries, and everyone who lives here. Yet our waterways (rivers, lakes, and wetlands) are at
Oregon’s transportation system is at a crossroads. While the state recently passed emergency funding to address an immediate budget shortfall, the larger challenge remains: climate change is fundamentally altering how we must think about transportation infrastructure. At the same time, a potential referendum threatens to suspend the very funding needed to maintain safe roads and bridges. As Oregon looks toward long-term solutions, the stakes have never
In the face of federal disinvestment and attacks on landmark climate protections, Governor Tina Kotek is ensuring that Oregon continues to build a healthier, more affordable, equitable, and resilient future. Over the last two months, Governor Kotek has rolled out three new executive orders aimed at accelerating clean energy
This month, I joined a Climate Action Campaign advocacy trip to DC—my first time participating in this critical work since the coalition began organizing these efforts 13 years ago. This “big green” coalition has real influence, having helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and brings together a
Effective groundwater quality management is crucial for ensuring clean, reliable water for millions of Oregonians, and countless ecosystems. But as things stand, our state lacks the means to manage it effectively. By making much-needed revisions to the 1989 Groundwater Quality Management Act, SB 1154 will improve the process of identifying and reducing groundwater contamination to keep this vital resource safe. Tell your legislators to support SB 1154, and
Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians.
**Please Note: We recommend you
Oregon is about to make some big transportation decisions that will affect us for decades. Unfortunately, lawmakers are starting from a framework that falls dramatically short on what we need. We need fair funding, accountability, and more robust investments in safety, transit, and pollution reduction.
Tell your legislators that the stakes are too high to settle for less.
**Please Note: We recommend
Today, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule was delayed by two years. Predictably, oil and gas interests orchestrated a multi-state campaign to derail similar policies in other states. Their successful attacks now include Oregon’s ACT rules.
Last week plans to build a natural gas powered generating plant in Troutdale were cancelled due to NIMBY opposition. Is this not bad and what can we do to stop this from happening?
admin
February 3, 2016 (5:35 am)
OEC doesn’t have the capacity to engage in individual project siting processes. What we do focus on is public policy that guides climate-smart, clean energy development. This year we’re supporting two bills that would limit climate pollution and double Oregon’s commitment to price-stable renewable energy. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these policies.
[…] get serious about renewable energy. This upcoming legislative session OEC will be working to pass the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill. It will lead Oregon to a coal-free energy-mix and double our commitment to renewable […]
Vernon Huffer
February 1, 2016 (9:13 pm)
Last week plans to build a natural gas powered generating plant in Troutdale were cancelled due to NIMBY opposition. Is this not bad and what can we do to stop this from happening?
admin
February 3, 2016 (5:35 am)
OEC doesn’t have the capacity to engage in individual project siting processes. What we do focus on is public policy that guides climate-smart, clean energy development. This year we’re supporting two bills that would limit climate pollution and double Oregon’s commitment to price-stable renewable energy. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these policies.
President stops development of coal leases | Oregon Environmental Council
January 17, 2019 (6:52 pm)
[…] get serious about renewable energy. This upcoming legislative session OEC will be working to pass the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill. It will lead Oregon to a coal-free energy-mix and double our commitment to renewable […]