More than 50 groups will work together to protect Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard, preserve our coastal legacy, and reinvest in Oregon’s natural resources
Last week the Oregon Conservation Network announced its priorities for a Healthy Oregon for the 2012 Session of the Oregon Legislature. More than 50 of Oregon’s environmental groups will join forces to reinvest in Oregon’s natural resources, to preserve the state’s coastal legacy and protect Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard.
“Oregonians believe that we have a responsibility to act as good stewards of our natural legacy and they understand that what’s good for the environment and the economy can be one and the same,” said Doug Moore, OLCV Executive Director. “Legislators from both parties share conservation values, and we expect they will join the Oregon Conservation Network in passing and protecting our priorities.”
Details on the 2012 Priorities for a Healthy Oregon:
Protecting Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard
Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) is critical in fighting climate change and driving the transition from our fossil fuel based past to our clean energy future. In addition to benefiting consumers and the environment, the RES and other renewable energy programs have attracted over $5.4 billion of renewable industry investments to Oregon, creating living-wage jobs, construction work, and added opportunities for farmers and ranchers in some of Oregon’s hardest hit communities.
“The Renewable Energy Standard has brought significant benefits to Oregon’s communities, local economies and environment. We must preserve this good policy to realize the full potential of Oregon’s clean energy future,” said John Audley, Deputy Director for the Renewable Northwest Project.
Preserving our coastal legacy
Following over a decade of work by coastal stakeholders and scientists who invested more than 25,000 volunteer hours, the groundwork has been set for the legislature to create Oregon’s first system of marine reserves.
The designation of the Cape Falcon, Cascade Head and Cape Perpetua sites is in line with recommendations that came out of Oregon’s decade-long marine reserve process, which sought to balance environmental protections and economic priorities to create safe havens in our ocean that serve as ecological saving accounts.
“Establishing a system of no-take marine reserves and flexible-use marine protected areas in ecologically important areas of Oregon’s coastal waters (0-3 nm) will protect valuable ocean habitats and sea life and help keep our oceans healthy for generations to come,” said Susan Allen of the Pew Environment Group who directs the Our Ocean coalition. “Creating a system of marine reserves is the next logical step to the Beach Bill and it will establish Oregon as a national leader in ocean conservation.”
Reinvesting in Oregon’s natural resources
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for protecting natural resources that are critical to the state’s high quality of life and economic prosperity. The agency has recently endured a string of disproportionate cuts that has limited DEQ’s effectiveness. It’s time to reinvest in Oregon’s air, water and land by restoring the DEQ budget back to healthy, functioning levels for the future economic prosperity of our state and an environmental legacy for which we can all be proud.
“Every day Oregonians rely on DEQ for our clean water, air, and a host of other services that protect our environment and keep our economy flowing. It’s crucial that we support DEQ for the sake of our environmental prosperity, and that starts with no new cuts this session,” said Andrea Durbin, Executive Director of the Oregon Environmental Council.
In addition to the three priorities, OCN will also be vigilant on additional environmental issues that may emerge during the session, including fighting rollbacks to existing environmental protections.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters coordinates the Oregon Conservation Network, a coalition of more than 50 organizations that works with the Oregon Legislature to pass pro-conservation priorities, protect our unique quality of life, and ensure a better Oregon for our children. For a complete list of OCN member groups and more information, please visit www.oregonpriorities.org.
The 2012 Legislative Session begins Wednesday, February 1, 2012.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters works to pass pro-environment laws, elect pro-environment candidates, and hold all of our elected officials accountable. www.olcv.org
Stay updated on environmental news in the Legislature: Sign up for SalemWatch. www.oregonpriorities.org/salem-watch
