OLCV e-bulletin: Act on LNG, good news from Salem, and county updates

Stop the LNG Fast-Track Bill: No on HB 3058!
 

Three weeks ago, OLCV alerted you to House Bill 3058, which would fast-track the building of dirty, damaging fossil fuel facilities in Oregon. Unfortunately, that bill passed out of committee last Friday and is headed to the House floor for a vote, so we need you to speak out against the bill more than ever!
 
Why? Oregon is threatened by three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) proposals that will emit 30% more global warming pollution than domestic gas, destroy critical salmon nurseries, and create 600 miles of pipelines across hundreds of rivers, including the Wild and Scenic Clackamas and Deschutes.
 
House Bill 3058 would fast-track the permitting of LNG-related pipelines through rivers and wetlands and threaten the rights of Oregon landowners.
 
Please contact your legislator and tell them to vote NO on HB 3058.
 
Read a column about HB 3058 published in the Salem Statesman Journal.

Still time to help OLCV fight a major threat

Thanks to all of you who gave in response to the appeal that OLCV's Lobbyist, Evan Manvel, sent out last week. Nineteen of you have contributed nearly $1,000 - thank you! There's still time to help us make our $2,000 goal.

As Evan wrote, House Bill 3072 threatens the health of the Tillamook, Santiam and Clatsop state forests. It is an extreme change from current law that would leave behind thousands of acres of clearcuts, damage water quality, harm salmon fisheries and reduce recreation, hunting and fishing opportunities by requiring that public lands in Tillamook, Santiam and Clatsop State Forests be managed primarily for timber production.
OLCV is working to pass the Oregon Conservation Network's Priorities for a Healthy Oregon, while also working to stop major threats like HB 3072. And the truth is: The more resources we have, the more good we can do before the session ends this summer. Help OLCV do that work today by making a gift to OLCV.
Thank you!

VICTORY: Invasive species legislation will preserve Oregon's natural legacy

Invasive species are a real environmental problem with a hefty price tag. A few years ago, the state spent more than $5 million to eradicate an invasive fish species from Diamond Lake in Southern Oregon. That’s one reason the Oregon Conservation Network has been working to pass sensible legislation that will protect our state—and taxpayers' cash—from a variety of damaging invasives.
And now, SB 571 is the first OCN Priority bill to pass both houses and head to the Governor for his signature!
 
SB 571 increases the penalty for any intentional release of non-native fish into any of Oregon's bodies of water without a permit. If signed by the Governor, the penalty would increase to a maximum fine of $125,000, maximum imprisonment of five years, or both.
 
Read more on the OLCV Blog.
 

Bill to curb global warming pollution now in Senate

The first climate bill to pass the House is now awaiting movement in the Senate. House Bill 2186, introduced as part of the governor’s healthy climate package, authorizes the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to adopt common-sense, cost-effective strategies that will not only reduce the state’s global warming emissions but also will spur local innovation and business opportunities, and save Oregonians money.
 
Let your senators know that you want sensible strategies to help Oregon combat global warming.
 
Check out this op-ed published in Tuesday's Statesman Journal about how HB 2186 benefits Oregonians.
 
Read the Oregonian story.
 
Read more about the bill on the OLCV blog.
 

OLCV-endorsed candidates win around the state May 19

For the May 19th Election, OLCV endorsed candidates in four counties for their environmental records and their commitment to preserve Oregon's environmental legacy. See a full list of OLCV endorsements and election results, visit the OLCV Endorsements and Elections page.

In Clackamas County, OLCV's work to get Jeremy Ferguson elected as Milwaukie Mayor paid off, and Ferguson says that OLCV helped tip the scales. He won by just a couple dozen votes! Read the story in the Clackamas Review.
 

 
The Lord God Bird: A Multnomah County success!

 
Multnomah County OLCV would like to thank everyone who helped make the first Portland screening of the film The Lord God Bird a huge success. More than 200 people attended one of the three screenings in mid-May.

Thank you to the Hollywood and Academy theaters and to Portland Community College for hosting this remarkable film that explores the mystery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and why the bird's survival--and mythology--matters. Viewers laughed, some even cried, but everyone left with a lesson about conservation.

The event raised more than $4000, which will support the OLCV Multnomah County chapter's work to elect pro-environment leaders.
 

Wine, beer and bourbon in Mult Co: Save the date

Choose from some great sustainable wines, a fine selection of bourbons or some terrific beers while you support the Multnomah County OLCV Chapter.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2009

WHERE: Yetti’s Beer and Wine, 1914 N. Killingsworth (Map and directions)
 
Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Sustainable Seafood Bake and Silent Auction in Newport

Join the OLCV Lincoln County Chapter for drinks, dinner, music and a silent auction.
 
WHEN: Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Cafe Mundo, 711 NW 2nd Ct, Newport

TICKETS: $30 online/$35 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the OLCV Lincoln County chapter.
 
Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
 
 

Marion County wants you!

 
 
OLCV’s Marion County Chapter is rebuilding. Our steering committee is looking for dynamic new members. We have big plans for the 2010 Election and we want you to be a part of it. We need folks on the front lines of our work: electing pro-environment leaders to office and holding them accountable once they’re elected – making sure they are doing what is right to protect Oregon’s environmental legacy.
 
If you’re interested in campaigning for local candidates who share your values, talking to your local leaders about environmental priorities and helping generate the resources needed to bring about clean air and water victories, email tresa@olcv.org.

What's happening in Salem?

 
Sign up for SalemWatch, your best source for news on significant environmental decisions being considered right now by the Oregon Legislature.
 
During the Legislative Session, SalemWatch is published every Friday. It includes details on important bills and special action alerts on how you can influence the votes of your elected representatives.