Oregonians Deserve A Vote on Climate

 SALEM, OREGON (June 25, 2019) — The following is a joint statement from Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in response to events surrounding the Oregon climate bill.

“The Clean Energy Jobs bill deserves an up-or-down vote, and Oregonians shouldn’t settle for less.

“Oregonians overwhelmingly support strong action to protect the health and economic future of their state. The Clean Energy Jobs bill will slash climate pollution and invest in clean energy solutions across the state, helping to lead the nation in solving the climate crisis.

“HB 2020 is the product of extensive public input over the past two years. It is supported by a large and diverse coalition of business owners, labor groups, outdoorsmen and women, consumer advocates, Tribes, and community leaders—and is projected to boost the state’s economy, growing Oregon’s 55,000 employee-strong clean energy sector. Governor Brown and legislators campaigned and won on Clean Energy Jobs—and 7 in 10 Oregonians support its passage.

“Despite clearing the House by a wide margin, a minority of senators – for the second time this session – chose to dodge their responsibilities rather than show up for work. Senate President Peter Courtney needs to stand strong in the face of such obstructionism to protect the democratic process and not reward petulance at the expense of Oregon’s future. The Senators who have walked out have behaved badly, and without climate solutions like HB 2020, it’s our kids that will pay the price. You can’t run and hide from climate change – or the Oregon people.”