Oregon Climate Action Plan gives the good news we all need

With the world as we know it seemingly crashing down around us, it’s not difficult to become completely bogged down with bad news–but that’s even more reason to try to focus on the positive.

Earlier in March (the month that felt more like a year),Governor Kate Brown made history by taking sweeping executive action to address the climate crisis. Touted by advocates as the “Oregon Climate Action Plan (OCAP),” the executive order establishes a bold new goal for the state: reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon by at least 45% below 1990 levels by the year 2035, and by 80% by 2050.

With climate impacts weighing on Oregon, the executive order makes a critical down payment on reducing climate pollution. Citing a scientific, economic and moral imperative, OCAP directs 16 different state agencies to take action to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

By taking action to reduce pollution, protect our health, and give our children the chance for a better future, the Beaver State solidifies its role as a national environmental leader. Oregon’s governor joins her counterparts in North Carolina, Maine, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Pennsylvania who have also taken climate action through executive orders. We are not acting alone, but rather are creating pathways for other states to take strong action.

Some highlights of how the OCAP aims to achieve that goal

OEC is incredibly thankful for the tireless support of our community–our members, the Renew Oregon coalition, and the thousands of individuals who showed up, signed petitions, organized community events, talked to neighbors, and kept faith in a better tomorrow. Thank you.

State agencies are working toward their first major deadline—May 15th, 2020—to lay out their proposed actions for reducing emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.

OEC and our partners will continue to engage at every step of the OCAP implementation process, working to ensure the strongest possible outcomes for our climate, our communities and our economy. Over the next few months, we’ll be digging into the CAP’s major themes—from food waste to forestry, energy efficiency to equity—and providing updates on the agency rulemaking process and how OEC members and activists can make their voices heard. Click on our factsheet for more information and stay tuned and subscribe for updates!

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