Oregon lawmakers returned to Salem this week for a preview of the upcoming legislative session. One of the first orders of business, was a three-hour hearing on the Clean Energy Jobs bill. Supporters and detractors alike turned out. Now we need your help showing more people support strong climate action.
Oregon Environmental Council is there every day the legislature meets to ensure there is a voice for the environment and vulnerable communities. I met with legislators and we submitted testimony saying, “We can’t afford business as usual – just ask our ski resorts, our shellfish growers and our friends in Southern Oregon coping with months of wildfire smoke.”
Our partner, Martha Sonato, (Legislative Director with PCUN, Oregon’s farmworker union) testified that climate pollution is making us sick. Low-income and people of color are more likely to suffer the health effects of climate change. Farmworkers, and their children, live in rural Oregon and feel the impacts of climate change first hand.
“Imagine working, covered head to toe to reduce exposure to pesticides, while temperatures grow hotter each year,” she said. “Our communities feel the direct impact of climate change, and they are also exposed to other chemical toxins, that are aggravated by extreme heat.”
As we head into the 2020 Legislative Session beginning Feb. 3, we face continued opposition from fossil fuel and industry interests that want to water down the bill. Take action today to stand up for a healthy future.
Oregon’s transportation system is at a crossroads. While the state recently passed emergency funding to address an immediate budget shortfall, the larger challenge remains: climate change is fundamentally altering how we must think about transportation infrastructure. At the same time, a potential referendum threatens to suspend the very funding needed to maintain safe roads and bridges. As Oregon looks toward long-term solutions, the stakes have never
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
The 2025 Oregon Legislative session delivered a tale of two climate stories. While lawmakers made meaningful progress on energy affordability and grid modernization, they failed to advance policies that would actually cut climate pollution—and worse, abandoned funding for p
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
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.
Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control – other times they’re right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience, highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
Oregon just scored a major environmental victory! In a unanimous vote, the Environmental Quality Commission (ECQ) adopted the newly revised Climate Protection Program, reinstating the landmark policy at a time when climate action is critical. This marks the most significant climate action taken in the wake of the federal election. Now, Oregon’s most influential climate policy is back on the bo
As we eagerly await the release of the final rules for Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP), OEC and our partners in the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice extend a sincere “Thank YOU” to everyone who took the time to submit public comments to help restore this vital program.
Together, we’ve taken critical, local action in the glo
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just released draft rules to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program (CPP), kicking off a short public comment period. Help us restore the CPP and hold polluters accountable!
QUICK LINKS TO TAKE ACTION:
-> Send this Letter to DEQ to Restore the C
