This Earth Day, we celebrate Oregon’s continued commitment to a sustainable future. We uplift recent accomplishments in the fight for our planet’s future. We must also take a clear-eyed look at the challenges we face, and make an urgent call to action to meet them.
It’s hard to imagine a more anti-climate presidential administration and Congressional majority. Trump’s anti-environment Project 2025 is in full swing. Dismantling federal climate initiatives, attacking states’ right to manage their own environmental regulations, privatizing disaster management, and giving massive hand outs to Oil & Gas at the expense of the middle class are all key components to the MAGA agenda.
When it comes to Trump’s “flooding the zone” tactic, the environment is no exception. The answer to this tactic is action. Innovative policies and community-driven initiatives that protect our environment and promote clean energy are underway. It’s up to us to amplify those efforts, expose Republican attacks on the environment, and be ready to do all we can to lend our voices and our support for the fight for our planet’s future.
Oregon’s Recent Climate Actions:
🌎 Oregon Moving Forward Despite Federal Rollbacks: In response to the Trump administration’s rollback of EPA protections, Governor Kotek made it clear: “Climate action will continue in Oregon no matter who’s in charge in D.C.” Oregonian
🌏 Reinstated the Climate Protection Program: Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels by 90% by 2050, setting enforceable caps on emissions statewide. Oregonlive.com
🌍 Advanced Energy Efficiency: Ranked 9th nationally for energy-efficiency initiatives, offering incentives for heat pumps, rural energy audits, and grid resilience projects. Axios
🌏 Enhanced Wildfire Resilience: Implemented new building codes and vegetation management practices in high-risk areas to protect communities from increasing wildfire threats. AP News
🌍 Promoted Clean Energy Infrastructure: Passed legislation to streamline the development of battery energy storage systems, crucial for a reliable renewable energy grid. Clean Energy Transition Institute
🌎 Supported Environmental Justice: Governor Kotek reaffirmed commitments to the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, focusing on salmon recovery and honoring tribal treaty rights. Oregon Apps
These accomplishments reflect Oregon’s values of responsible environmental stewardship. Sustaining the momentum in the climate movement requires active participation from individuals like you.
🌍 Join the DPO Environmental Caucus today!
Your involvement is vital to continue advocating for progressive environmental policies and supporting leaders who prioritize our planet’s health. Together, we can ensure that Oregon remains a beacon of climate leadership and resilience. Let’s make this Earth Day a turning point for deeper engagement to create a lasting impact.
In solidarity,
Matt West
Chair, Environmental Caucus
Democratic Party of Oregon
