Better, Cleaner Transportation
Read on about our observations on the Columbia River Crossing and other transportation issues facing our state.
Transportation is responsible for more than one-third of Oregon's global warming pollution and more than half of Oregon's air pollution. Runoff from parking lots and roads pollutes our waters. And Oregon's open spaces and farmland are threatened by the sprawl that's associated with poorly planned transportation infrastructure.
The Oregon Environmental Council envisions a transportation system that is truly sustainable from an economic, environmental and social standpoint.
OEC promotes real transportation solutions like better transportation choices [PDF], cleaner and more fuel efficient cars, alternatives to dirty diesel, and renewable fuels.
Oregon lawmakers will be making important decisions about transportation investments over the next couple of years. In order to prepare a transportation package for the 2009 legislative session, Governor Kulongoski formed an Advisory Committee on Transportation made up of three subcommittees: Vision, Governance, Public Awareness. OEC's deputy director Chris Hagerbaumer served on the Vision and Governance subcommittees. Based on committee recommendations, the Governor developed the Jobs & Transportation Act of 2009, the most comprehensive and greenest transportation initiative in Oregon's history.
OEC is working to ensure that an environmental voice is heard while the 2009 Legislature deliberates the Jobs & Transportation Act -- the decisions Oregon makes today will have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on our climate, our health and the livability of our communities. Visit Creating Smart Policy to learn more.
Read our comments on the Columbia River Crossing Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Read the letter that 1000 Friends of Oregon, Environment Oregon and OEC submitted to the Oregon Transportation, Global Warming, and Land Conservation & Development Commissions urging these commissions to act collaboratively to help Oregon residents drive less.
OEC's Drive Green Save Green campaign provides practical information on how to save money while protecting the environment at the same time.
Our It's Not Cool to Idle at School toolkit engages young people in improving the air quality around their school.
We even help drivers take control of the fixed costs of driving through solutions like "Pay-as-you-drive" insurance.
OEC led a coalition effort to ensure adoption of the clean car standards in 2006. Although currently stalled by the U.S. EPA, these tailpipe emission standards will significantly reduce global warming pollution and air pollution from all new cars and light-duty trucks.
