Joining Oregon’s Climate Advocates in Washington DC
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 advocates from across the country to push for federal climate action.
Together, our mission was clear:
Fully fund federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in upcoming budget appropriations
Push back against the Trump Administration’s repeal of the Endangerment Finding—the backbone of federal climate regulations since 2009 that requires EPA action on CO2, methane, and other heat-trapping pollutants under the Clean Air Act
OEC joined three other Oregon groups (Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, and the Environmental Center) to champion these issues and Oregon environmental justice values. We had productive conversations with lawmakers who truly understand climate impacts, and shared with them quotes from OEC members and staff about why climate impacts matter to them and their communities.
Representative Janelle Bynum shared a powerful story from her own district: when wildfires break out in a rural small town, volunteer firefighters work tirelessly to protect the forest canopy. If they lose the canopy, this has compounding impacts on the local water supply, such as triggering algae blooms that can shut down the entire town’s water filtration system. These aren’t abstract policy discussions—they’re about real communities losing basic services to climate chaos.
The message was unmistakable: state climate policy matters more than ever. In this moment, Oregon’s federal leaders look to state government and advocacy groups as partners on clean energy and grid development, building and transportation electrification, and environmental health or water issues. They’re eager for more collaboration, resource sharing, and defense of Oregon’s environmental justice values.
Most importantly, working in coalition makes all the difference. Multiple voices representing different Oregon constituencies creates lasting impact. Even as we face federal rollbacks, we’re stronger together.
The climate crisis won’t wait for political convenience. Neither will we.
A widespread transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is an important piece of Oregon’s long-term environmental goals. Our dominantly gas-dependent transportation system currently accounts for 35% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making it Oregon’s largest source of climate pollution and a major contributor to air pollution. With the continually rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance, we’re left wit
Oregon’s wildfire situation has gone from bad to worse.Just a few days into August, this year has officially set the record for most acres burned in a single Oregon wildfire season. We’re cur
Oregon’s wildfire season is off to an early and dangerous start. Already, dozens of wildfires have burned nearly 2 million acres – more than four times last year’s total. At least 24,000 Oregonians are currently under some level of evacuation notice. Families across the state a
Ten years ago, OEC championed a bold step toward a cleaner future. The Clean Fuels Program was built on an elegant, yet transformative idea: Reward cleaner transportation fuels, encourage industry innovation, and reduce climate pollution from the state’s biggest emissions sources.Despite significant hurdles, the program has been a resounding success at the ten-year m
Yesterday morning, the Climate Protection Program took an important step forward: The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) officially named CALSTART as the entity to carry out the program’s community climate investments (CCIs). These investments benefit Oregonians hit first and worst by climate change — including Tribal, rural, low-income, and BIPOC communities.
What do these CCIs look like in practice? Here are just a few examples:
Better access to efficient h
On May 18th, the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative (OCGC) hosted the Clean Grid Summit in Salem, bringing together more than 100 attendees, including representatives from 13 legislative offices, to discuss the future of Oregon’s electric grid and the policies needed to support a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future. Through three panels, speakers explored the competing priorities shaping energy policy, the r
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
On April 16, 2026, a new lawsuit led by Oregon Business & Industry was brought forward challenging the state’s authority to implement Oregon’s landmark Climate Protection Program.
OEC and our coalition partners stand in firm opposition of this latest attack, and in full support of the CPP. This critical program was designed (with careful legal oversight, and input from the business community) to benefit Oregon communities most affected by the mounting
Representative Janelle Bynum shared a powerful story from her own district: when wildfires break out in a rural small town, volunteer firefighters work tirelessly to protect the forest canopy. If they lose the canopy, this has compounding impacts on the local water supply, such as triggering algae blooms that can shut down the entire town’s water filtration system. These aren’t abstract policy discussions—they’re about real communities losing basic services to climate chaos.
