Oregon’s proposed law shields the state from federal rollbacks

Gov. Brown proposes to enshrine Clean Air and Clean Water Act protections into law

PORTLAND, OR – Oregon Environmental Council applauds Governor Kate Brown for proposing the Environmental Protection Act, an important piece of legislation that, if approved in 2019, would maintain the existing federal standards for clean air and water and protect against any efforts by the Trump Administration to reverse these foundational environmental laws.

Oregonians deserve clean air and clean water, no matter who serves as President of the United States. Governor Brown’s announcement today signals to federal policymakers that states have the ability to step up and do what is necessary to protect the health of our own communities. Oregon Environmental Council’s Climate Program Director Jana Gastellum, who spoke at a press conference with Governor Brown on Wednesday, expressed concern for the roughly 46 environmental regulations that are being eliminated or rolled back.

“We are in an unprecedented era where we cannot take these protections for granted,” said Oregon Environmental Council Climate Program Director Jana Gastellum. “Clean air and clean water are the building blocks of what we need for a thriving society and strong economy. And make no mistake, they are under threat.”

Oregon Environmental Council joins Governor Brown in calling other state elected leaders across the country to propose and adopt similar legislation to protection bedrock environmental laws.

What’s at stake? The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, for example, that protects pregnant women and children from the most harmful power plant emissions. Millions of tons of greenhouse gases that will be pumped into our air after withdrawing the Clean Power Plan, one of the most ambitious global commitments to reduce climate pollution.

“Basic common sense tell us not to make problems worse,” Gastellum said. “Governor Brown’s proposal to maintain these bedrock environmental laws while still enabling Oregon to adopt stronger protections is critical. With enough states working together, we can create our own protective shield for our communities.”

Watch the full event with remarks from Gov. Brown, Gastellum, OLCV’s Oregon Conservation Network Director Paige Spence and an Oregonian mom who spoke from the heart.

I will not stand idly by as the Trump administration reverses course on environmental safeguards that keep our communities healthy and vibrant. Today I announced my plan to adopt the standards of the Clean Air Act & Clean Water Act into state law. #orpol https://t.co/cmSoW6zpG1

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) October 3, 2018

Gov. Kate Brown announces Oregon EPAhttps://t.co/TkvMuoQr7C

— KOIN News (@KOINNews) October 3, 2018

Related Posts

Filter by

Post type

Post Page

Category

Featured Air Quality Climate Protection Environmental Health Policy Job Opportunities Living Green

Sort by

Title Relevance

Smoke and Heat: A Deadly Climate Combo Unfolding in Oregon

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

August 4, 2026, 2:29 pm

samp

9

How To Stay Safe During Oregon’s Wildfire Season

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

July 29, 2026, 1:16 pm

ben230983240923480923

9

Celebrating 10 Years of Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program

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

July 22, 2026, 12:42 pm

mcadmin

9

Let Science Lead: Protecting Oregon’s Air Quality Standards

Federal air quality standards are being rolled back left and right. Since Trump took office, federal agencies have stripped regulations that protect us from mercury and

June 25, 2026, 3:04 pm

mcadmin

9

2026 Oregon Clean Grid Summit Recap

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

June 17, 2026, 12:53 pm

mcadmin

9

New Rules Protect Oregonians From Data Center-Caused Rate Increases

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

May 12, 2026, 2:07 pm

ben230983240923480923

9

Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) Request For Proposal (RFP) for a Strategic Planning Consultant

May 7, 2026, 5:05 pm

mcadmin

9

OEC v. IRS Update: Oregon-Led Coalition Backs our Challenge to Trump’s Attacks on Wind and Solar

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

March 18, 2026, 2:58 pm

mcadmin

9

Senator Merkley Speaks Up for Chemical Safety — and Oregon Families

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

March 5, 2026, 10:00 am

crystal2530

9

Oregon’s New Building Codes Are a Win for Home Energy Resilience

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

February 25, 2026, 9:51 am

mcadmin

9