Creating Smart Policy
The 2007 legislative session resulted in several major achievements for Oregon’s environment.
The Oregon Environmental Council is gearing up for an exciting legislative session in 2009. We are forwarding several proposals, many in coordination with a broad group of allies. We’ll need your help! Much of our legislative work happens with the support of Oregon's citizens, through letters to the editor, calling and writing legislators, and engaging decision-makers in meaningful dialogue on the issues. Please sign up to receive our action alerts.
Children’s Safe Product Act
This legislation will protect children from toxic chemicals in toys and other kids’ products by creating the infrastructure needed to provide citizens information on toxic chemicals; managing chemicals based on hazards; and substituting safer alternatives for highly hazardous toxins found in children’s toys and personal care products.
Healthy Schools Initiative
This legislation will create high-performing schools that reduce student and staff exposure to chemicals of concern by requiring the use of green cleaning products, Integrated Pest Management techniques, diesel school bus replacement, and green building design and construction techniques.
Sustainable Food and Farms
We are working to establish an Oregon Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Center that will
- give today’s agricultural and food industry leaders the tools they need to protect the environment while reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and succeeding in a rapidly changing marketplace; and
- train the next generation of Oregon’s food and farm business managers to be environmental stewards who are economically competitive.
Global Warming Solutions
The goals of this legislation are to ensure Oregon’s implementation of a cap-and-trade system via the Western Climate Initiative and to establish complementary polices that will help each carbon-emitting sector meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Climate-Friendly, People-Friendly Transportation
We are working to ensure that transportation legislation under development for the 2009 session leads Oregon to a more
cost-effective and sustainable 21st century transportation system. The package needs to harmonize with the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, provide alternatives to driving alone, and meet other environmental and community needs.
Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
A low-carbon fuel standard will spur the providers of transportation fuels to bring to market more climate-friendly fuels. California has adopted a low-carbon fuel standard requiring a 10 percent reduction in fuel carbon intensity by the year 2020. British Columbia recently followed suit, and Washington will be considering adoption during its upcoming legislative session. Oregon should join its neighbors to the south and north to create a “West Coast Low-Carbon Fuel Corridor.”
