Oregon shows resiliency during, after solar eclipse

Overall, Monday’s solar eclipse lived up to the wonderful hype and not much of the fears. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flocked to Oregon to join millions of residents and bask in the glow of a beautiful August day. Many, including myself, stared up in awe, smiling from the memorable experience.

Our photographer Dave Palmer captured stunning photos of the celestial event from his vantage point in Salem at the L.B. Day Amphitheater at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) hosted the sold-out event at the amphitheater, which holds more than 8,000 people. (View his slideshow @oeconline – Instagram.)

Feel like giving back to Mother Nature? SOLVE Oregon has several post-eclipse cleanup events scheduled this week. A few cleanup events began Tuesday, but many volunteer opportunities will take place Saturday, Aug. 26. Most of the cleanups are along the coast with another taking place in the Columbia River Gorge.

It sounds like most eclipse-goers threw away their large trash, but there’s plenty of small items to pickup before trash reaches wildlife. Visit SOLVE’s website for locations, contact and signup information.

For months, state leaders and agencies have worked to prepare what they estimated to be 1 million visitors. Indeed, the eclipse has provided an opportunity to show how resilient our state can be, and thankfully the worst-case situations never panned out. State agencies and private groups now begin the environmental cleanup.

Post-eclipse traffic on Monday, as expected, delayed many commuters for hours but no serious crashes or fuel shortages were reported.

A spokesman with the Oregon Department of Transportation told the Bend Bulletin they didn’t estimate how many cars actually hit the road, but the congestion was less than anticipated. By 8 p.m. however, other people told The Oregonian/OregonLive they sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic near Madras, just north Bend not far from the Symbiosis Gathering festival, which drew about 28,000 cars and around 70,000 people, officials told the paper.

In the day leading up to the event, officials in Bend had also asked residents and business to conserve their water in the days leading up to the eclipse just in case the demand for H20 exceeded capacity, according to the Bend Bulletin. Thankfully, no media reports of water shortages have surfaced.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported utility companies in the state planned for the loss of solar power as the moon’s shadow crossed the state. Oregon maintains a capacity to generate 104 megawatts of power, which is not much compared to other areas, according to OPB. The U.S. Department of Energy reports the path of totality impacted 17 utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plants in Oregon out of 1,900 along the nationwide path of totality.

State officials have said in the days leading up to the event they were prepared for the worst, and thankfully Mother Nature provide optimal viewing conditions for her the celestial dance in the sky.

We like to think it’s also a good reminder that taking a resilient approach year-round is important, especially as Oregon grows. Creating policies and plans for clean and plentiful water and improving access to renewable resources is part of the work we strive for every day here at OEC. Be sure you’re plugged in to our work to protect Oregon’s land, air and water by signing up for our Grassroots Action and Information Network and becoming a member.

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Water News Policy Featured Air Quality Climate Protection Environmental Health Water Conservation Water Action OEC News/Updates/Events Transportation Solutions Toxics-Free Environments Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rural Partnerships
Sort by
kotek with oec staff and coalition partners at EO press conference in salem

What Governor Kotek’s Executive Order Rollout Means for Oregon

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
November 28, 2025, 1:16 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

"stop trump

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 a
September 18, 2025, 2:30 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

Illustration of pond with bushes and water seeping into the ground with circles in green, yellow and red under the words "Deep Fixes for Oregon

Deep Fixes for Oregon’s Groundwater (That Were Long Overdue)

The 2025 legislative session brought some major wins for Oregon water, most significantly: SB 1154 and HB
July 29, 2025, 6:12 pm
klew

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

9

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

9

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

9

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

9

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

9

"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

9

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

9

No Replies to "Oregon shows resiliency during, after solar eclipse"