OLCV e-bulletin: YES to cutting carbon emissions, NO to LNG, plus county endorsements, and more

Cut carbon emissions in Oregon – Tell your legislator to support HB 2186!
 
The Oregon House of Representatives will soon vote on one of the Oregon Conservation Network's Priorities, one which would help Oregon reduce greenhouse gas pollution from a variety of sources.
 
House Bill 2186 would give the Environmental Quality Commission, which governs the Department of Environmental Quality, the authority to develop strategies to fight global warming, including:
 

• A reduction in the amount of pollution emitted by fuel
• Limiting unnecessary idling of trucks and ships
• ensuring stores sell efficient tires that have lower rolling resistance and save consumers money
• Restrictions on the use of high-impact gases for refrigerants and propellants in commercial products when cost-effective alternatives are available

 
These steps are low-hanging fruit in fighting global warming – they have all been studied for years and have benefits to the economy and consumers beyond their benefits to the environment.
 
Please take a moment to tell your legislators to support House Bill 2186!
 
Major Threat – Tell your legislator to vote no on HB 3058
 
Legislators are also considering House Bill 3058, which would change permitting laws to make it possible for agencies or private corporations to apply for permits to remove materials from Oregon’s wetlands and waterways on land they don’t own.
 
But what is this bill really about? Out-of-state energy speculators support this bill because it would mean a faster process to install pipelines for Liquefied Natural Gas facilities that Oregonians don’t want or need. LNG emits 26% more global warming than domestic natural gas.
 
Tell your legislator to vote NO on HB 3058!
 
For more information about HB 3058 or LNG, visit the Columbia Riverkeeper website.
Vote for pro-environment candidates on May 19
Voters in many Oregon counties will be electing candidates for a variety of positions on May 19. Many of these positions have a direct impact on the environment at both the state and local level.
OLCV has endorsed candidates in four counties based on a process that includes both a questionnaire and an interview. These candidates have earned the OLCV seal of approval for their past environmental records and for their commitment to preserve Oregon’s environmental legacy. (See below for volunteer opportunities that run from now until the election.)
 
Clackamas County

• Milwaukie Mayor - Jeremy Ferguson

 
Deschutes County
Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District Board
 

• Position 3 - Scott R. Asla
• Position 4 - Ted Schoenborn
• Position 5 - Ruth Williamson

 
Lincoln County
Port of Newport Commission
 

• Position 2 - David Jincks
• Position 4 - Carol Cole

 
Washington County
Tualatin Valley Water Board
 

• Position 1 - Marilyn McWilliams
• Position 2 - Colm Brennan
• Position 3 - Jim Duggan

Find out more: Visit the OLCV website.
Volunteer to help these candidates win!
 
We need your help to make sure these pro-environment candidates are elected.
 
Check out our calendar of events and sign up. And check back if you don't see an event in your county. New opportunities will be posted soon. We can’t do it without you!
 
Annual dinner celebrates success
 
Last Friday, nearly 900 conservationists, sustainable business leaders, and civic and elected officials gathered for the environmental event of the year: OLCV’s 12th Annual Dinner for the Environment.
 
We were humbled by the generosity of the assembled guests. Despite unprecedented hard times, more people donated at this year’s dinner than ever before. Even the smallest contributions from citizens like you help sustain OLCV’s vital programs. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed.
 
OLCV extends special thanks to our keynote speaker Dan Kammen (pictured here), who made a trip up from Berkeley to deliver his interesting, timely and personable address on the challenge of global warming and the real possibility that we can repower America with green energy. See who sponsored tables and donated delicious Oregon wines.
 
Photos coming soon!
 
 
OLCV awards two volunteers of the year
 
At OLCV’s 12th Annual Dinner for the Environment last Friday, in what was fittingly Volunteer Appreciation Week, OLCV awarded two outstanding volunteers for their tireless commitment to the environment: Lincoln County Chair Rolla Cleaver and Multnomah County Chair Walt Mintkeski (pictured here left and right, respectively, with OLCV Political Director Katy Daily).
 
Rolla Cleaver has been an instrumental member of the OLCV Lincoln County Chapter for more than five years and he has served as chair of the Lincoln County steering committee for more than two years. He has worked tirelessly to help transform the face of Lincoln County politics, working hard to help elect and re-elect pro-environment candidates throughout the county. His leadership has been instrumental in helping voters become more engaged in local government at all levels. Last year, he led the charge to elect a pro-environment majority to the Newport City Council.
 

Walt Mintkeski has a long history with OLCV, having been one of our original board members back in 1972 and having been involved with OLCV in one way or another throughout the years. He specifically chose to become involved with the Multnomah County Steering Committee, where he has served as chair over the past two years, because he believes in the on-the-ground, grassroots work the chapters do to elect pro-environment candidates. Walt helped the committee raise more than $20,000 over the last two-year cycle.
 
Read more...
 
Portland Theaters to host film event May 14, 15 and 16

 
The Multnomah County Chapter of OLCV presents the Portland Premier of THE “LORD GOD” BIRD.

May 14: Main Event! Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd.
May 15: With beer and childcare! Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark
May 16: Your last chance to see it! PCC Cascade, 705 N. Killingsworth, Terrell Hall
 
All shows at 7 p.m.
 
Tickets: $10 adult, $6 child
 
Proceeds to benefit the OLCV Multnomah County chapter.
 
Click here for tickets and more information.
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.