It’s Your Oregon member profile: Joseph Santos-Lyons
This profile is on Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) and community minister. He talks about why he loves Oregon, the importance of environmental justice, and why climate change needs to be addressed on a state level.
In a landmark moment for Oregon ratepayers, last week the Oregon Public Utility Commission enacted new rules protecting Portland General Electric (PGE) customers from rate increases stemming from data centers. Represented by Green Energy Institute, OEC joined other consumer advocates to influence this decision.
By creating a new customer category for data centers, PGE can now more accurately track their energy usage and charge them accordingly. The new rules put guardrails in place
When we filed a federal lawsuit against the IRS in December, we knew we weren’t alone in the fight for clean, affordable energy. And now, states across the country voiced their support, with Oregon leading the way. On February 20, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led a coalition of 16 state attorneys general in filing an
At an early March Senate hearing, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley asked the tough questions that get to the heart of serious concerns about proposed changes to the Toxic Substances Control Acts (TSCA). In recent discussions, Senator Merkley has emerged as a critical voice pushing back against industry-backed proposals t
Last week marked an important step forward for healthy, affordable, resilient housing in Oregon.The Oregon Building Code Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) voted to approve much-needed updates to the state’s residential energy code. Thanks to the foundation laid by
On February 12, 2026, the Trump Administration irresponsibly and cynically sidelined federal climate protections. Standing alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the Roosevelt Room podium, Trump formally repealed the endangerment finding – the scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health. The endangerment finding is the legal basis for the Clean Air Act, and for the U.S. government t
The 2026 legislative session is underway, and transportation is front and center. Right now, legislators are making decisions that will shape how Oregonians get around for years to come – whether that’s driving on safe roads and bridges, riding transit to get to work or school, or walking and biking around neighborhoods. OEC is a founder and steering committee member of
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
