“Our work in Oregon is now more urgent than ever before. We are so fortunate to live in a place where many levels of leadership have repeatedly collaborated on bipartisan policies to protect our climate and promote healthy places to live here in Oregon. As we have for nearly fifty years, we will continue this important work of bringing people together to protect what we love so that generations may benefit from our efforts,”saidAndrea Durbin, Executive Director, Oregon Environmental Council.
“When it comes to addressing climate change here in Oregon we are working tirelessly on policies right now with legislators in our state’s capitol, from reducing air pollution on our roads to advocating for resilient water systems, to reinvesting in clean energy jobs that support our economy. The framework that supports solutions to our climate crisis may be challenged on the national level, but here in Oregon, we will stay strong as a beacon of what is possible,” saidJana Gastellum, Program Director on Climate, Oregon Environmental Council.
Last year Oregon passed the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Act — a bipartisan, historic bill that made Oregon the first state to ever take legislative action to end coal power use. Oregon also recently enacted a Clean Fuels Standard, a law to reduce climate pollution from the transportation sector. Both of these pioneering moves highlight not only Oregon’s commitment to acting on climate change, but also to our state’s ability to serve as a leader in inspiring others to do the same.
“While our sincere hope is that the United States will remain part of the Paris Agreement, we also know that Oregon is committed to doing its part – no matter what happens on the federal level,” said Andrea Durbin.
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By Belinda McFadgen
Guest author
If you’re tired of the exhaust fumes, noise, and climate-damaging emissions from your typical gasoline car, the electric vehicle is a great option for your future ride.
Good reasons exist for going electric. Switching from gas reduces air pollution and carbon emissions so electric vehicle engines run cleaner and quieter than gas cars. Electric cars also
Sick of election news coverage yet? Does the negative banter make your brain go bonkers? Well, there’s over three months left – and the news cycle (election coverage aside) is enough to drive even the most optimistic souls into a mental funk. Yet quietly, alongside headlines fraught with dire predictions for humanity’s fate, there are amazing developments taking place to make our world a better place, for us and for future generations —in c
It’s been a hard month. While there is good news, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge that sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the realities of climate change. And so, the continual challenge is to STAY INSPIRED: Inspired amidst the headlines, which often focus on the doom and gloom, and amidst the climate impacts, which are hitting close to home, and often more intensely than anticipated.
Thankfully, just as the world is changing, so is our collective consciousness evolving. T
BREAKING NEWS! The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill (HB 4036) has passed the House of Representatives! The bipartisan vote was 39-20. This is a BIG deal for our climate!
This exciting step happened because people like you took the time to share your priorities with lawmakers. Thank you for helping Oregon lead the way toward our clean energy future. Your voice matters!
What’s next? The Senate floor vote could happen as
By: Devon Downeysmith, Climate Communications & Outreach Manager
In light of recent current events, the desire to celebrate climate victories may feel a bit muted. However, despite all the negative news that seems to swirl around us, it’s that very negativity that makes it all the more important to pause and acknowledge the good. I don’t know about you, but my brain is programmed to either tune out all current events when I feel emotionally overwhelmed by bad
My day started by standing in line for coffee behind a man singing perfectly in tune to the Tony Bennett song playing in the background. His delightful energy inspired this post, as if to say “today’s the day we focus on the good!” So let’s celebrate some climate victories that make us want to fill our hearts with song!Arctic drilling prospects
July marked the end of the 2015 legislative session. For OEC, this was a year of long-awaited progress. The Oregon Legislature passed landmark legislation that will reduce pollution in the air we breathe and the toys we give our children.
This legislation is the result of years of advocacy, session after session, and speaks to Oregon Environmental Council’s founding purpose. Back in 1968, a group of ordinary citizens came together to form a collaborative voice in the state’s capitol. T
It’s that time again – when we take a break from the downer stories and turn our attention to a monthly roundup of good news. Climate change presents the most pressing challenge of our time, but it also represents a major opportunity – economically, societally and even spiritually. It’s a topic that forces us to harness our inner resiliency and learn how to adapt and evolve, both collectively and individually. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the good
Defending Oregon from Federal Attacks on Community Health | Oregon Environmental Council
January 4, 2019 (5:37 pm)
[…] out of international climate agreements. Cutting funds for programs that keep our drinking water safe. It seems, every week there is a new […]