Environment Oregon Supports “Clean Energy Jobs”

This February, Oregon lawmakers will be considering a proposal called “Clean Energy Jobs” that will establish a “cap and invest” program that sets a limit on Oregon’s global warming pollution and makes polluters pay for their emissions. It's an exciting opportunity for Oregon to be a leader in the fight against climate change.

Across the country, people are reeling from the brutal impacts of fire and flood worsened by the changing climate. Until recently, scientists told us this was a problem our grandchildren would face. Yet, we are seeing impacts of climate change sooner than we predicted, and the rate of change we are experiencing is unprecedented.

As bad as things are today, we still have some time to stave off the worst, and we know exactly what we need to do: act quickly and boldly to reduce carbon pollution by 2050.

Unfortunately, the Trump Administration and Congress are refusing to act, so it’s up to states like Oregon to take the lead.

This February, Oregon lawmakers will be considering a proposal called “Clean Energy Jobs” that will establish a “cap and invest” program that sets a limit on Oregon’s global warming pollution and makes polluters pay for their emissions. That money is then invested into programs that further reduce global warming pollution.

We’ve seen a market-based approach to regulating carbon work in other states, and now it’s time to bring it to Oregon.

Big polluters are going to be fighting us every step of the way. If we stand together, we can do our part to ensure the cleaner, healthier planet we need. Our children and grandchildren will thank us.  

Sign our online petition here.

Authors

Celeste Meiffren-Swango

State Director, Environment Oregon

As director of Environment Oregon, Celeste develops and runs campaigns to win real results for Oregon's environment. She has worked on issues ranging from preventing plastic pollution, stopping global warming, defending clean water, and protecting our beautiful places. Celeste's organizing has helped to reduce kids' exposure to lead in drinking water at childcare facilities in Oregon, encourage transportation electrification, ban single-use plastic grocery bags, defend our bedrock environmental laws and more. She is also the author of the children's book, Myrtle the Turtle, empowering kids to prevent plastic pollution. Celeste lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband and two daughters, where they frequently enjoy the bounty of Oregon's natural beauty.