Oregon’s transportation plan supports a healthier state

Safer roads, more options, cleaner air 

(UPDATED: 7/6/17) Oregon Environmental Council commends Oregon leaders for finding common ground and moving forward on a bipartisan, ten-year transportation plan.

Our hats off to Governor Kate Brown, House Speaker Tina Kotek, Senate President Peter Courtney, Senator Lee Beyer, Senator Brian Boquist, Representative Caddy McKeown, and Representative Cliff Bentz for their willingness to collaborate these final days of legislative session.

Passed Thursday, July 6 with standing ovation on the Oregon State Senate floor, House Bill 2017A (HB 2017A) will increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers; invest in more affordable transportation options for working families; and ensure that Oregon’s signature clean air protection, the Clean Fuels Standard, continues to reduce pollution.

“This landmark piece of legislation addresses critical needs across the state,” said Andrea Durbin, Executive Director, Oregon Environmental Council. “We thank our state leaders for bringing everyone to the table to draft a solution that will benefit all Oregonians, building healthier communities and a stronger economy.”

“While no package will ever be perfect, this plan reflects core Oregon values,” said Chris Hagerbaumer, Deputy Director, Oregon Environmental Council. “Urban and rural Oregonians deserve modern, connected transportation systems with safe, affordable, healthy options for everyone and this package supports them.”

As proposed, HB 2017-10 will:

• Make a first-time, statewide, long-term investment in public transit that will get people to work and important community services, focusing on low-income communities in particular.
• Reaffirm and support Oregon’s Clean Fuels Standard, ensuring Oregon will continue to diversify fuel choices offered to Oregonians, create jobs and clean up our air. In its first year alone, this program has slashed 775,000 tons of carbon–the equivalent of taking 164,000 cars off the road.
• Build safer communities through expanded walking and biking connections, especially Safe Routes to School.
• Fund much-needed repairs to our ailing roads and bridges.
• Accelerate greater adoption of clean electric cars and buses, especially in low-income communities.
• Improve the quality of life for Oregonians by managing our roads better, reducing congestion and air pollution.

ABOUT #Transport4OR

Oregon Environmental Council is a member of Transportation for Oregon’s Future, a statewide coalition working together for diverse transportation options for Oregon.

For a full list of coalition priorities & partners visit: oeconline.org/transport4OR #transport4OR.

Related Posts

Filter by

Post type

Post Page

Category

Featured

Sort by

Title Relevance

Electrifying Oregon’s Local Economies

The transition to electric vehicles – which dramatically cut air and climate pollution – is clearly underway. Global and national automakers are planning to phase out gas and diesel engines, spurred by national and state mandates to convert all new car sales to 100% electric as soon as 2035. The federal government and private sector companies are making huge investments in a national EV charging network. To ensure small local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve also benefit fro

November 20, 2023, 10:43 am

kevink

9

Voices of Support: Defending Oregon’s Climate Protection Program

On September 29, 2023, OEC gathered with a growing coalition of community-based organizations, lawmakers, and business groups following oral arguments heard by the Oregon Court of Appeals to rally behind the Oregon Climate Protection Program (CPP), which is under attack from the fossil fuel industry. OREGON’S CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP) is a cornerstone in our st

October 23, 2023, 1:43 pm

mcadmin

9

Oregon’s Report Card: The Urgent Need for Transportation Investment

Everyone deserves the right to safe, accessible, climate-friendly transportation options. And everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely, regardless of their transportation choice. Yet the need for investments in transportation safety could not be more urgent as this year’s back-to-school season is met with a 40-year peak in pedestrian deaths, nationwide. 

September 21, 2023, 11:42 am

jacqui

9

Celebrating the launch of the “Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative”

Authors: Nora Apter, Senior Program Director for Climate, OEC; Nicole Hughes, Executive Director, Renewable Northwest

September 11, 2023, 4:15 pm

noraaoeconline-org

9

Oregon Advocates Celebrate First Anniversary of the Federal Inflation Reduction Act: A Year of Achievements and Future Opportunities for Progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 16, 2023 Media Contact: Patty Wentz, patty@wentzjackson.com 503-970-7929 As Oregon experiences record breaking heat driven by climate change, it is important to note the one-year anniversary of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which will invest at least $370 billion–and potentially upwards of $1 trillion–nationwide to a

August 16, 2023, 11:51 am

mcadmin

9

Sweeping Environmental Wins in Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session

At the end of the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session, OEC is proud to have secured several major policy victories that will benefit Oregonians and our shared environment. Thanks to our coalition partners, supporters, and legislative champions, the Oregon legislature delivered critical action to reduce climate and air pollution, support healthy, affordable, resilient communities, and leverage once-in-a-lifetime federal funding for clean energy and clean water infrastructure. Healthy

June 29, 2023, 11:40 am

janag

9

Climate Win! Oregon Lawmakers Take Powerful Action Passing the ‘Climate Resilience Package’

Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session ended with a momentous victory in the fight against climate change with the passage of the bipartisan Climate Resilience Package (HB 3409 & HB 3630). With over $90 million in funding and strategic leveraging of federal investments, this victory represents significant progress in our relentless pursuit of a climate-resilient future for Oregon.

June 29, 2023, 11:13 am

noraaoeconline-org

9

Huge Wins for Public Health! Oregon Lawmakers Act to Keep Toxic Chemicals Out of Cosmetics and Kids’ Products

In a resounding victory for the health and well-being of Oregonians, Oregon Environmental Council and coalition partners successfully advocated for the passage of two crucial environmental health bills in the 2023 legislative session.  Despite facing staunch opposition from the chemical industry, our coalition’s unwavering commitment and tenacity paid off, as we se

June 27, 2023, 2:46 pm

jamie-pang

9

Oregon Health Authority Report Finds Devastating Public Health Impacts from Climate Change in Oregon, Underscoring Urgent Need for Legislative Action to Pass the Climate Resilience Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2023 Media Contact Kat Driessen, kat@empirical.media PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority today released a comprehensive report on the public health impacts of climate change in Oregon. The “2021-2022 Climate and Health in Oregon Rep

June 22, 2023, 11:00 am

mcadmin

9

OREGON ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL CALLS FOR LEGISLATORS TO RETURN TO WORK TO VOTE ON CRITICAL WATER, HEALTH AND CLEAN ENERGY LEGISLATION

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 25, 2023 Contact: Jana Gastellum, janag@oeconline.org, (360) 618-2722 SALEM, Ore.– Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) called on State Senators who have walked out of the Capitol to return to work and vote on critical environmental legislation.

May 25, 2023, 11:26 am

mcadmin

9