Defending Oregon from Federal Attacks on Community Health

Pulling out of international climate agreements. Cutting funds for programs that keep our drinking water safe. It seems, every week there is a new announcement from Washington, D.C. that signals our country’s water, air, and public health are under attack.

To understand what’s at stake, Oregon Environmental Council has launched a new project focused on how federal actions will affect Oregon’s ability to protect the environment and how we can stand strong for Oregon’s environment and the health of our communities, particularly our state’s most vulnerable populations.

Cuts in federal agency budgets will put key state agencies at risk. If the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is enacted, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will lose critical resources needed to protect community health, especially clean air and water.

In addition to cutting federal agency budgets and programs, drastic policy changes are afoot. President Trump’s first 100 days was filled with actions to halt our country’s efforts to address climate change. Fortunately, Oregon leaders have signaled a desire to be vigilant, particularly when it comes to fighting climate change. Under Governor Kate Brown’s leadership, Oregon joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, an initiative to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum joined with 14 other states, threatening to sue the EPA for violating the Clean Air Act.

In the months ahead, OEC will need your help in standing up for the environment and preventing actions at the federal level that undermine the ability of the State of Oregon to provide basic services in the areas of clean air, clean water, and community health.

OEC Stories:

> STOP THE CLEAN WATER ROLL BACK

> EPA BUDGET = OR DEQ CUTS OF 45% 

> EPA CUTS: OREGON MUST STAND STRONG 

> OEC STATEMENT: NEWS OF PARIS AGREEMENT 

> GUEST BLOG: CLIMATE ACTION: “GOD HELP US!” 

> PRUITT CONFIRMED HEAD OF THE EPA – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

 

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Featured Water News Policy Water Conservation Water Action Climate Protection Air Quality OEC News/Updates/Events Transportation Solutions Toxics-Free Environments Environmental Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rural Partnerships Eco-Healthy Homes
Sort by
Nora Apter, senior program director for climate at the Oregon Environmental Council speaking at the pro-CPP Rally in Salem on September, 29, 2023.

Voices of Support: Defending Oregon’s Climate Protection Program

On September 29, 2023, OEC gathered with a growing coalition of community-based organizations, lawmakers, and business groups following oral arguments heard by the Oregon Court of Appeals to rally behind the Oregon Climate Protection Program (CPP), which is under attack from the fossil fuel industry. OREGON’S CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP) is a cornerstone in our st
October 23, 2023, 1:43 pm
mcadmin

9

oregon state capitol with "action alert: one-click" and a graphic of groundwater

Support Sustainable Groundwater Management in Oregon!

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
June 6, 2025, 2:51 pm
klew

0

The words Action Alert: One Click with an image of the Oregon state capitol and dollar bills with the earth as the center of the bill.

ACT! Fund a STRONG Climate Justice Budget for Oregon

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
May 16, 2025, 12:34 pm
robinr

0

Image of the Oregon Capitol with the words "Action Alert - one click" and a mouse cursor clicking near the words "Action Alert" and a graphic of a train, a bike and a dotted line indicating a trail with a dollar icon.

Tell Lawmakers to Fund a Transportation Package For ALL Oregonians

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
May 15, 2025, 3:05 pm
robinr

0

Image of a semi truck entering Oregon on the highway with the words "Breaking News. Clean Truck Rules Delayed. Read Our Joint Statement on the Impact to Oregon."

BREAKING: Polluters Push Oregon Backward on Clean Air, Public Health, and Climate Action

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.
May 15, 2025, 10:42 am
robinr

0

Bikes, Trains, Buses, and Walkable Streets: The Future Oregonians Want

Today, 100+ Oregonians are rallying in Salem to deliver a message shared by more than a thousand during a legislative listening tour last summer – public and active transportation is equally important no matter where you live in Oregon.
April 17, 2025, 5:30 am
kristopherf

0

"It

Forever Chemicals in Oregon? Not If We Stop Them.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for a reason: once they’re in the environment, they stick around – causing harm for generations. This group of synthetic chemicals are added to products to deflect heat, grease, and water. But, instead of helping, these toxic chemicals are cau
March 13, 2025, 4:45 pm
crystal2530

0

Move Oregon Forward: A Coalition and Vision for Our Transportation Future

There’s a big problem happening in our transportation system today, and it’s been decades in the making. The Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $1.8 billion deficit. If this is not met, ODOT staff have sai
January 21, 2025, 6:20 pm
kristopherf

0

image of high voltage transmission lines in front of a pretty blue sky and fluffy clouds.

The Clean Grid Explained: Key Terms for Understanding How Electricity Moves in Oregon

January 17, 2025, 11:15 am
robinr

0

Image of Smith Rock Sate Park in Oregon that transitions from black and white on the left to full color on the right.

Building on the Past: A Journey Into the Heart of Oregon’s Activism

by Meagan Golec, Major Gifts Officer When I was hired at OEC three years ago, I had a lot of nonprofit experience but had never worked in the environmental sphere. I came equipped with a deep love and appreciation for wild spaces, and a strong belief that we need a healthy environment to thrive. I knew that Oregon was considered an
November 27, 2024, 3:28 pm
mcadmin

0

No Replies to "Defending Oregon from Federal Attacks on Community Health"