2007 Environmental Lobby Day

Press Release

Immediate Release: April 3, 2007 
               

Contact:  
Tresa Horney, cell: 503-421-9710
Jonathan Poisner, cell:503-490-1234
   

Salem, OR:  On Tuesday, 300 Oregonians from all over the state travelled to the Capitol to meet with their legislators as part of Environmental Lobby Day.  Reflecting the resurgent clout of the environmental community, the citizens called on legislators to adopt the Oregon Conservation Network’s (OCN) Priorities for a Healthy Oregon. 

Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, Senate Environment Committee Chair Brad Avakian, House Energy & Environment Committee Chair Jackie Dingfelder, and representatives from several Oregon Conservation Network groups spoke to the gathering about what's happening this legislative session on critical environmental issues. 

Hundreds of hopeful citizens took time away from work and family to spend the day in Salem in large part because the 2007 Legislative Session appears to be making real progress in addressing the state’s challenges. 

“I came to Environmental Lobby Day because I feel that my representatives will really listen to my concerns,” said Rolla Cleaver from the Newport area.  “For the first time in a long time, I feel like the Legislature is taking seriously our responsibility to promote a clean, healthy environment for future generations,” said Cleaver.

“Environmental Lobby Day is a great opportunity for legislators to hear directly from their constituents,” said Tresa Horney of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.   “We are excited by the genuine interest the Legislature appears to be paying to ordinary citizens when crafting solutions to protect our air and water,” said Horney.

One of OCN’s Priorities citizens discussed with legislators is SB 838, which would require 25 percent of the state's electricity in 2025 to be from new renewable energy sources.  This bill is headed to the Senate floor later this week. 

“By increasing the role of renewable energy in our electric supply we can combat global warming, clean our air, and keep money and jobs in our communities,” said Jeremiah Bauman of OSPIRG.  

Citizens also urged their Senators to support HB 2210, the biofuels bill.  This bill, which already passed the House, provides incentives for the production and processing of Oregon-grown biofuels feedstock. 

“Greater use of locally produced biofuels reduces air toxics, such as benzene, and cuts down on emissions that contribute to global warming,” said Lindsay Capps of the Oregon Environmental Council.  “This bill is a triple win for Oregon – it’s good for the environment, good for farmers, and it reduces our dependence on foreign oil,” said Capps.

Environmental groups are hopeful but cautious at the mid-point of the Session.  “In the dozen years I’ve actively tracked the Legislature, this is the first time Leadership has clearly recognized that protecting the environment and promoting the economy go hand in hand,” said Jonathan Poisner of the Oregon League of Conservation Voter.    “We’re hopeful that the 2007 session will go down in history as a big step forward in promoting a clean and safe environment for our children,” said Poisner.

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About Lobby Day and the OCN Priorities for a Healthy Oregon

Lobby Day was organized by the Oregon Conservation Network, a coalition of more than 40 organizations.  The Oregon Conservation Network has six Priorities for a Healthy Oregon.  Here are brief updates taken from SalemWatch, our weekly email newsletter that outlines environmental legislation and significant environmental decisions being considered by the state of Oregon.


Energy Independence through Renewable Fuels
HB 2210, which establishes the renewable fuel standard and provides incentives for Oregon biofuel production, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee on Thursday, April 5, 7:30am in HR C.

Expanding Oregon’s Electronic Recycling Program
After two public hearings and a number of minor amendments, support is building for HB 2626, including the phased in landfill ban for covered products. A work session for HB 2626 is scheduled for Monday or possibly Wednesday in the House Energy and Environment Committee, 1pm in HR C.

Promoting Clean and Renewable Energy
After weeks of hearings and testimony, the Renewable Energy Standard (SB 838) passed the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday. This week will be a big week for this important priority as it is expected to be voted on the Senate floor as early as Wednesday.

Rollback Relating to Water Resources
Legislation, nicknamed “Oasis,” has been introduced as SB 483 and HB 3525. Both bills direct Oregon Water Resources to issue new consumptive water rights from the Columbia River at a rate of 500,000 acre feet of water per year.

Measure 37 Fix "Released"
1000 Friends of Oregon is reviewing the legislative work group proposal to fix Measure 37. They have not yet seen the legislative language, which means they cannot assess the proposal in any detail. However, the “Measure 37 Work Group’s ‘Framework for a Better Measure 37’ (March 29, 2007)” hints that the proposal contains both possible improvements to Measure 37 and elements of significant concern.