1. Bringing Clean Cars To Oregon
Oregon adopted the Clean Cars Program after a major campaign by Environment Oregon and a coalition of environmental, public health, religious, and business organizations. The program will make Oregon a leader in curbing global warming, cutting pollution from new cars and trucks by 30 percent.
2. Protecting Oregon’s National Forests
Environment Oregon helped convince Gov. Kulongoski to support restoring full protections for Oregon’s pristine roadless forests, such as those on Mt. Hood and in the Willamette National Forest.
3. Promoting Energy Efficiency
In 2005, Environment Oregon helped pass new energy efficiency standards for 11 different appliances. By 2020, this step will save Oregon enough electricity to power 50,000 homes. Consumers and businesses will save nearly $250 million on their energy bills.
4. Protecting Oregon’s Coast
In 2005, Environment Oregon helped block an attempt in Congress to lift a moratorium on new offshore drilling. Now we’re urging officials to permanently protect Oregon’s coast from offshore drilling.
5. Cleaning Up The Willamette River
Environment Oregon continues to make cleaning up he Willamette River a top priority, working to stop polluters from dumping toxic chemicals in excess of clean water standards.
6. Promoting Clean Energy
The 2005 Legislature enacted a bill, supported by Environment Oregon, to make it easier for homeowners to use solar power. The bill quadruples the tax credit Oregonians can take when they purchase solar panels.
7. Phasing Out Toxic Chemicals
Environment Oregon helped pass a law in 2005 to phase out the use of two toxic flame retardant chemicals, called PBDEs, traces of which have been found in women’s breast milk.
8. Reducing Toxic Mercury Pollution
Environment Oregon helped convince the Department of Environmental Quality to propose stricter reductions in mercury pollution to be required of PGE’s Boardman coal plant. Finalized in December 2006, the new rules will require 90 percent cuts in toxic pollution.
9. Protecting The Arctic Refuge
Environment Oregon helped stop repeated efforts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Neighboring areas have been polluted by oil spills and development, but the refuge is one of the most pristine places in the United States.
10. Fighting For Clean Air
In 2005, Environment Oregon and our coalition partners won a key committee vote in the U.S. Senate to stop the industry-backed “Clear Skies” Initiative, a cleverly-packaged Bush administration attempt to weaken the Clean Air Act.
