OLCV e-bulletin: State of the session
The state of the session
It’s been a busy five months at the Capitol, and as the session enters its final weeks, we still have a lot of work to do.
Hundreds of environmental bills were introduced this session, an even dozen of which the Oregon Conservation Network prioritized, on six key issues. As of today, only two priority bills have made it to the Governor. In short, the session hasn’t exactly gone swimmingly.
Read more about the environmental victories and remaining battles of the session, including climate change legislation and LNG, on the OLCV Blog.
For an easy way to track bills in the legislature and see related press coverage, check out the Oregonian's bill tracker.
And for a story posted on the Oregonian website yesterday about how Oregon leads in green job creation, click here.
In 2007, the Oregon Legislature passed one of the most forward-thinking renewable energy standards in the nation. That standard, known as the RES, requires Oregon's major utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from new renewable sources by 2025.
That standard now faces a major threat. House Bill 2940 threatens to water down the RES significantly by including existing biomass and hydro sources in the mix. This would drastically reduce the total amount of new renewable development.
The Senate will soon be considering this bill, and the session is almost over.
Please let Senate President Peter Courtney know that you care about energy independence and the environment, and that you don't want to see the progress of the 2007 session undone.
Protect Oregon's water
The Oregon Legislature is currently considering two bills that would each, in different ways, ensure adequate funding for the Water Resources Department. Funding the WRD is critical to the proper management of our rivers, streams and underground aquifers.
Senate Bill 740 would charge a modest fee to holders of water rights to help recoup part of the expense of managing the system of water rights in Oregon.
Senate Bill 788 would establish a $250 recording fee for certain exempt groundwater wells. That money would fund groundwater studies and monitoring, as well as administration and enforcement of relevant laws.
Please tell your legislators to support these important bills.
Protect the Metolius from destination resorts
The Metolius River Basin is being threatened by several large-scale destination resorts. Legislation is needed to protect this special place.
Click here for more information and to tell your legislators to support House Bill 3298.
Still time to fight corporate polluters!
Thanks to all of you who gave in response to the appeal that OLCV's Lobbyist, Evan Manvel, sent out earlier this week. Eight of you have contributed nearly $500 - thank you! We are hoping to raise $1,000 more THIS WEEK to hit our goal of $1,500.
As Evan wrote, oil industry lobbyists are working to weaken House Bill 2186 before it goes to the Senate floor for a vote. HB 2186 is a key climate bill, critical to helping Oregon fight the serious consequences of global warming pollution and preserve what we love about this beautiful state.
Scientists predict that if we don’t act NOW to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon would see more forest fires, water shortages in some areas and flooding in others, rising sea levels and heat-related illnesses.
Passing a strong version of this bill won’t be easy. Despite Oregon’s pro-environment majority, HB 2186 passed the House with only a two-vote margin, and the Senate vote is expected to be just as nail-bitingly close.
Please help OLCV keep the environmental voice in Salem full-time working on important bills like HB 2186.
A story in Monday's Oregonian about potential legislation around liquefied natural gas (LNG) highlighted the battle between Oregon's grassroots conservation groups with deep-pocketed out-of-state fossil fuels corporations.
Food not lawns!
Multnomah County steering committee member Alice Lasher made the news last week. She and the garden she shares with her neighbor in North Portland were the centerpiece of a feature story on garden-sharing in The Oregonian.
The story includes a short video with great footage of the beautiful garden spread over two yards and a parking strip, and an inspiring interview with Alice.
Summer events statewide
OLCV's county chapters have many summer events planned. Look below for an event near you, and check your OLCV county chapter website for updates.
OLCV Marion County Chapter
Progressive Happy Hour in Salem
Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Go here for more information.
OLCV Multnomah County Chapter
Wine, bourbon and beer tasting in North Portland
Thursday, June 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Go here for more information and tickets.
OLCV Lincoln County Chapter
Sustainable Seafood Bake and Silent Auction in Newport
Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Get more info and purchase tickets here.
OLCV Washington County Chapter
Washington County OLCV's 4th Annual Ice Cream Social, with special guest Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown
Sunday, July 12, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Click here for details.
OLCV Lane County Chapter
"Backyard Farmyard" Summer House Party in Eugene
Sunday, July 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Click here for more information.
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.
Protection of remaining intact wilderness for its intrinsic value to all living inhabitants is as noble and worthy a goal as any development could possibly be. That's why we support organizations such as OLCV and our political representatives who work hard to protect Oregon's natural legacy.