OLCV e-bulletin: Breaking news from Salem and BPA Action Alert

Date: 
February 4, 2010

 
Priorities for a Healthy Oregon: Act Now to protect children's health

Monday was the first day of Oregon's 2010 Special Legislative Session. It's moving fast (see next paragraph). The Oregon Conservation Network, the coalition of more than 40 groups from around the state (coordinated by OLCV) is working on three environmental priorities this session. These priorities will protect Oregon’s children, build healthy communities and preserve Oregon’s coastal legacy.

Breaking news: One of OCN's priorities--a moratorium on offshore drilling--passed out of committee this morning and is headed to the House floor for a vote. Read more on the OLCV Blog.

All three of OCN's priorities will improve the lives of families around the state, and should enjoy support from legislators in both parties. Read more about the priorities.

ACT NOW! Protect our children from toxic Bisphenol-A. Studies show that BPA is harmful to our kids' health, even at low exposure levels. Tell your legislators that BPA should be banned in children's food containers (like baby bottles and sippy cups).

Read about a recent vote in Washington State to ban BPA on the OLCV Blog.

Read a story about environmental priorities for the session from last Saturday's Salem Statesman Journal.

The best way to stay up to date on session happenings is to sign up for SalemWatch. During the session, SalemWatch details important and timely environmental developments in the Legislature and lets you know when you need to contact your legislators.

How did your legislators vote on the environment in 2009? Check out OLCV's 2009 Environmental Scorecard for the Oregon Legislature.

 

 

Thank you! Measures 66 and 67 passed, and that would not have been possible without you.

As you know, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and the Oregon Conservation Network worked to get the word out about what was at stake. But the real work was done by the incredible outpouring of volunteers like you, who donated time and money to this important fight. Hundreds of Oregon Conservation Network volunteers rallied. Together with volunteers from across the state, you knocked on 300,000 doors (that's equal to walking around the world!) and called a million voters!

Last week's vote was historic, and the campaign was led by an unprecedented Oregon coalition. And because of the work of thousands of Oregonians around the state--like you--together we succeeded in protecting critical environmental and economic programs, as well as funding for schools, healthcare and senior services.

Some people say this was the work of "ordinary" citizens. But we think you are extraordinary.
 

Election 2010: OLCV endorses Stacey for Metro Prez

  

Earlier this month, OLCV announced its endorsement of Bob Stacey for Metro President. Stacey’s resume exemplifies a lifetime commitment to regional environmental issues in a variety of capacities. He led the campaign to pass Ballot Measure 49 in 2007 and served as policy adviser to Governor Roberts when the Western Bypass Freeway project was terminated. As the City of Portland’s planning director, he led the adoption of an environmental overlay for riparian and upland forest and habitat. Read more about the endorsement.

Check out the growing list of OLCV endorsements for the May 2010 primary.

Read more about OLCV's endorsement process.

Want to get involved in the election? Find out what's going on in your county.

  

 

Were you there? Many of you joined us at the Winterhawks game last Saturday night. (Pictured: OLCV Development Director Molly Kramer and OLCV Field Organizer Andy Maggi with Darth Vader and friends at the Winterhawks "Mascot Night.")

The event sold out and earned the Oregon Conservation Network $5,000! Thanks to all of you who helped make that happen. The game happened just days after the Portland Trailbazers announced that the Rose Garden had earned LEED Gold certification! We thank the Winterhawks and the Trailblazers for paving the way in the greeening of sports. Read more on the OLCV Blog.
 

  
Thanks to everyone who attended Washington County's Campaign Kickoff on Sunday. Thanks also to those who contributed to the auction. A good time was had by all.
 
Coming up:
 
Sunday, February 14: Be Marion County's Valentine! Join us for wine, cheese, chocolate and solar power.
 
Sunday, February 21: OLCV Education Fund (OLCV's sister organization) invites you to Campaigning to Win 2010. Experience a compelling, nonpartisan campaign training, designed to teach critical organizing skills to citizens who care about the environment and want to engage in effective, winning campaigns. Space is limited. Read more and register.
 
Save the date! Friday, April 23: OLCV's 13th Annual Dinner, the premier environmental event of the year.
 

OLCV welcomes new staff and board members
   
OLCV welcomes new staff and board members to our team this month.
 
Scott Stein (pictured) joined OLCV in January with an extensive background in development and fundraising for both political and nonprofit organizations. Scott worked for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Oregon and Illinois raising funds for cancer research. Read more about Scott and other OLCV staff.

  

OLCV has also recently added five new board members, who add to the depth of expertise and experience of our team. Read about OLCV's Board of Directors.

 
Connect with OLCV online

Use www.olcv.org as your online source for all the latest information on pro-environment candidates, legislation that protects Oregon's environmental legacy, and opportunities to get involved in your local OLCV chapter.

There are other ways to stay informed on OLCV and the Oregon Conservation Network's activities:

   
Subscribe to the OLCV Blog.
 
And in case you haven't heard, word on the street is that social media is the new, um, print newspaper! For up-to-the-minute updates on environmental news and action alerts, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Click on the icons below.
 

  
  
 

 

Oregon League of Conservation Voters | 133 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. 200 | Portland, OR 97204 |  Phone: 503-224-4011 | Fax: 503-224-1548