Sept. 22, 2005 -- Lobbyist for Oregon Environmental Council Passes the Torch of Advocacy
Blevins Embarks on Effort to Spread Democracy in Kyrgyzstan
For immediate release: September 22, 2005
Contact: Jeff Allen 503-222-1963, ext 104
September 22, 2005 – Portland OR – After five years leading the Oregon Environmental Council’s (OEC) legislative efforts, Matt Blevins has decided to step down from his position in order to help spread democracy in Kyrgyzstan with the National Democratic Institute. Blevins’ resignation from OEC will be effective on December 1, and he will be leaving for Kyrgyzstan in January.
“I am excited about the opportunity to use the skills I’ve honed in Oregon to help citizens in Kyrgyzstan continue to build their democratic institutions through the work of the National Democratic Institute,” said Blevins. “The work with NDI will allow me to explore my longstanding interest in the former Soviet republics and utilize my Russian language skills that have sat dormant since college.”
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
While with OEC, Blevins led legislative efforts to reduce toxic mercury use in products in Oregon; provide incentives for mileage-based auto insurance; implement the Pesticide Use Reporting System; and stop rollbacks to Oregon’s laws protecting air and water quality. He also managed the expansion of OEC’s overall legislative program.
“Matt’s efforts on behalf of OEC have proven invaluable to our organization,” said Jeff Allen, executive director of the Oregon Environmental Council. “His work with the legislature and state agencies has truly made a positive difference in the quality of life for Oregonians, and he will be sorely missed. We wish Matt the best as he pursues his next set of adventures.”
About OEC
Founded in 1968, The Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 2,000 members throughout the state.
We bring Oregonians together for a healthy environment. Via programs such as the Bottle Bill, curbside recycling and the creation of local watershed councils,
OEC has played a leadership role in helping Oregonians be part of the solution to environmental problems. Our current programs focus on protecting kids’ health from toxic pollution, cleaning up Oregon’s rivers, and protecting our climate by curbing vehicle pollution.
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