Climate action: We need your voice on the record!

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.

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Featured Policy Climate Protection Environmental Health Eco-Healthy Homes Transportation Solutions OCAP News OCAP-Page Media/PR/Statements
Sort by
Nora Apter, senior program director for climate at the Oregon Environmental Council speaking at the pro-CPP Rally in Salem on September, 29, 2023.

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

Windmills over green terrain

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

A farmworker carries berries in a field

The Right to Refuse Dangerous Work: Another Victory for Worker Safety in a Warming Climate

Oregon has taken resolute action in protecting workers from dangerous conditions caused by the worsening climate crisis. On June 7, 2023, Governor Tina Kotek signed into law Senate Bill 907, the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work. This law builds a past victory for worker safety achieved by the OEC and coalition partners in implementing permanent heat and smoke rules, fortifying our state’s commitment to shielding workers from the dangers of an increasingly volatile  cl
June 27, 2023, 2:32 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

View over a pacific northwest valley with grass and trees in the background under blue sky

Natural Lands, Natural Climate Solutions

Oregon’s farms, forests, urban parks, wetlands, and other natural lands shape our state’s landscape and economy and are an essential source of life-sustaining resources. OEC is part of a coalition working to protect these lands from climate extremes and harness their potential as a climate solution.
February 15, 2023, 9:19 pm
noraaoeconline-org

9

Governor Brown signing Climate Change Executive Order

Climate Champion: Governor Brown’s Legacy and the Path Ahead

A few years ago, the prospect of Oregon taking meaningful action on climate was dim. Republicans had just fled the capital to prevent the elected majority of state leaders from moving forward with a vote (a tactic now widely condemned by Oregon voters via Measure 113), effectively
February 14, 2023, 7:04 pm
noraaoeconline-org

9

architect in hardhat working on wiring

New Initiatives for Safe, Affordable, Climate-Friendly Homes and Buildings

The 2023 legislative session presents a vital opportunity to make progress in achieving our climate goals and protect families and communities from ever-worsening climate impacts. OEC is excited to support a “Building Resilience” policy package this session that will cut pollution and increase the climate resilience of our homes and buildings  
January 23, 2023, 9:13 pm
noraaoeconline-org

9

A farmworker carries berries in a field

Climate Protection Win for Oregon Workers

Industry plaintiffs brought two claims against rules to protect workers in Oregon from the harmful and dangerous impacts of exposure to heat and smoke. Both suits were dismissed “with prejudice” which means they were dismissed permanently and cannot be brought to Court again.   On December 20, 2022, the U.S. District Court in Medford dismissed
January 23, 2023, 8:03 pm
jamie-pang

9

Climate Victory! Oregon Clean Fuels Standard Now Strongest in the Nation

Oregon just took a huge step toward reducing climate and air pollution from our top emitting sector. The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) today adopted an expanded Clean Fuels Program, more than tripling our existing standard to make it the strongest in the nation. See our joint press release here.
September 23, 2022, 7:44 pm
noraaoeconline-org

9

Coalition of State and National Groups Files Intervention to Defend Oregon’s Climate Protection Program Against Oil and Gas Industry Attack

For Immediate Release September 7, 2022 Salem, OR – A coalition of environmental justice, climate, and business organizations today filed a legal intervention
September 7, 2022, 9:01 pm
mcadmin

9


No Replies to "Climate action: We need your voice on the record!"