Oregonians across the state participate in Summer Conversation Series

The Summer Conversation Series is now wrapping up. Over the last six weeks, Oregonians like yourself have attended forums around the state to discuss environmental issues your communities have identified as top-tier concerns: energy, jobs, balanced growth and toxics.

The conversations--twelve all together--have been interesting and productive, with elected lawmakers listening to and engaging with citizens. Here are some of the recurring themes we heard from you over the summer:

• You want more investment in renewable energy that will create local jobs, decrease Oregon's dependence on foreign fossil fuels, and protect our state from disasters like the BP spill.
• You want more information about and access to how to make your homes energy efficient.
• You want more transportation options that would make your communities healthier and more livable, as well as better options for traveling between cities.
• You want to keep your children safe from toxic chemicals found both in our drinking water and in household products we use every day.

To read more about what we've been hearing, check out a blog by OLCV Executive Director Jon Isaacs, who facilitated several conversations.

So, what's next?

First, any comments you contributed will be collected into a single report that will be shared with lawmakers, advocates and the media in the next few months.

Second, the Oregon Conservation Network, the coalition of more that 50 Oregon groups that works to pass pro-environment laws in the legislature (coordinated by OLCV Education Fund) is now working on a list of priorities for the 2011 Legislative Session. Your input will be considered in that work, and you'll be hearing from us about how you can help.

If you haven't yet, please take the OLCV Education Fund's two-question survey online. Tell us what your top environmental issue is, and what you think we, as a community, should do about it. We are also looking for personal stories to share to help other Oregonians motivate on the collective commitment we share to preserve the unique natural legacy we have here. Once you take the survey, you will have the opportunity to share your story.