Take action on climate change
Now more than ever, legislators need to hear from you, encouraging them to take strong action on climate change this year.
2020 needs to be the year for bold action on climate change in Oregon.
2019 was the second hottest year in human history and our changing climate is already impacting us here in Oregon with increased wildfire intensity, fish die-offs, ocean acidification and drought.[1]
Oregon legislators are resurrecting the “cap and invest” proposal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and invest in solutions to the climate crisis, after failing to pass it in 2019.[2]
Unfortunately, the bill that is being brought forward is much weaker than last year’s proposal, providing too many free passes to the biggest polluters, which will make it difficult for us to reduce our level of greenhouse gas emissions to the point that science deems necessary to stave off the worst impacts of climate change.[3] Now is not the time for half measures.
But this is just the starting point. Now more than ever, legislators need to hear from you, encouraging them to fight for a strong bill that holds polluters accountable and makes Oregon a national leader in tackling climate change.
Please take a moment to submit testimony in support of strong climate action to the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
You can do it in three easy steps:
- Write a paragraph or two about why you are concerned about climate change and how you support strong climate legislation/a strong cap and invest policy. Tip: The more personal, the better. The things that concern and motivate you are likely the things that will motivate legislators.
- Send to [email protected]
- Ask your friends and family to do the same through email or social media.
Our democracy works best when everyone makes their voices heard.
Please take a moment today to make sure that Oregon legislators hear yours. It’ll make a big difference.
[1] Fountain, Henry, “2019 was the second-hottest year on record,” New York Times. 1/08/20.
[2] VanderHart, Dirk, “Revised Climate Change Bill Creates New Battle Lines for 2020 Session,” OPB. 1/13/20.
[3] Summary of LC 19, prepared by Senator Michael Dembrow. 1/13/20.
Topics
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.
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