Feb. 4, 2008 — Sustainable Agriculture, Global Warming Bills Take Priority for Oregon Environmental Council During 2008 Supplemental Legislative Session

PORTLAND, Ore.—Feb. 4, 2008—During Oregon’s 2008 supplemental legislative session, the Oregon Environmental Council will work to pass two key legislative items: laying the groundwork for an Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Resources Center (OSARC) and furthering the state’s progress in addressing global warming.

The Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Resources Center will allow the managers of almost a quarter of Oregon’s land base to connect with ongoing market incentives for environmental stewardship. The pending legislation would fund development of the Center and two staff positions at the Oregon Department of Agriculture. These positions would help Oregon’s farmers earn environmental and social responsibility certifications while connecting them to markets for certified food and farm products.

“OSARC is a win-win for Oregon,” said Lindsey Capps, legislative director for the Oregon Environmental Council. “Growing markets for sustainably produced food and agricultural products can provide a way for consumers and producers alike to share the responsibility of protecting our cherished environment and natural resources for generations to come.”

Also during this session, the Oregon Legislature will consider creating two vital components of an effective, long-term global warming strategy: accurate information and accountability. This bill, as yet un-numbered, would work to meet the greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in legislation passed during least year’s session. If passed, this new bill will require a clear and accurate measurement of Oregon’s carbon footprint, requiring CO2 reporting from large emitters of greenhouse gases.

“This bill is a necessary part of Oregon’s continuing progress in addressing this critical challenge facing Oregon,” said Capps. “We want an effective strategy to address global warming, and this is a positive step in that direction.”

About the Oregon Environmental Council

The Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. For nearly 40 years we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home. Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxins, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms.

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For More Information:

Oregon Environmental Council

Jeremy Graybill, Communications Director

503-222-1963 ext. 111