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1. Budget Process Released; Hearings in Late April
If you haven't yet heard, Oregon is short of money to serve its critical needs. In fact, the Legislature has asked for state agencies to list what they would cut if forced to cut 30 percent of their budgets, which may be necessary given the fiscal crisis. Those projected cuts have just been listed online.
The Ways and Means Committee will now embark on two weeks of public hearings around the state - Lincoln City on April 20, Portland on April 21, and Salem on April 23. Additional hearings include Bend, Ashland, and Eugene; the full schedule will be released next week. These are critical hearings for citizens who care about Oregon's legacy in protecting air, water, and land to attend. After those hearings, a draft budget will be released by the Co-Chairs of Ways and Means, Senator Margaret Carter and Representative Peter Buckley.
Read more about the process.
2. The Metolius Protection Act of 2009 up for First Public Hearing
On April 7th at 3 pm - 5 pm in HR E, the House Land Use Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 3100. This is perhaps the pivotal moment for saving the Metolius River Basin from damaging development as the passage of this landmark legislation depends on tremendous turnout and testimony from members of the public who want to see this special place spared the impacts of massive rural subdivisions and golf courses.
Last week, after numerous public hearings in Central Oregon, the State's Land Conservation and Development Commission voted to recommend that the Oregon State Legislature pass a law designating a Metolius Area of Critical State Concern. HB 3100 would honor that recommendation and ensure that the management plan is strong enough to truly protect the Metolius River, its tributaries, and the area's fish and wildlife from the threats of future development in and near the basin.
Please show up and voice your support for HB 3100 and for protecting the Metolius Basin. Please tell legislators that this special place is wrong for large-scale development.
Contact: Erik Kancler, Central Oregon LandWatch, (541) 647-1567
4. Destination Resorts Bill up for a Floor Vote
House Bill 2227 updates Oregon's destination resort policy to avoid some of the conflicts that recent destination resorts have generated. As amended, the bill would provide greater protection for farming and ranching from resort impacts. Resort developments will also be held more accountable for their impacts on public roads, services such as fire protection and natural resources.
This week, the House Land Use Committee passed out the bill on a 5-3 party-line vote. It now goes to the House floor for a vote. Stay tuned!
Contact: Danielle Welliever, 1000 Friends of Oregon, (360) 259-8385
3. Lottery Bonds for Trails, Paths, and Greenways
House Bill 2902 would create a Non-motorized Vehicle Transportation Fund to support the construction of trails, paths, bike highways, greenways, and similar facilities throughout the state. HB 2902 would provide funding for dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities that cannot be supported by highway fund dollars because they are outside the road right-of-way. This is the one piece of the multimodal transportation system currently neglected by state investment, and is critical for the one million Oregonians who are too young, old, poor, or infirmed to drive.
Please come testify in support of HB 2902 at a hearing of the House Transportation Committee on Monday, April 6, at 1:00 pm in Hearing Room D, or write to your legislators and let them know you would like to see the substance of HB 2902 included in HB 2120, the Jobs and Transportation Act.
Contact: Andrea Salinas, Oregon Environment Council, (971) 221-2653
5. Bottle Bill Update
House Bill 2184 was expected to head to the House floor for a vote this week but it looks like the earliest this may happen will be late next week.
Last Thursday the House Environment and Water Committee passed House Bill 2184-A (not yet available online) which slowly brings Oregon's Bottle Bill into the 21st century. The amended bill includes a list of beverages to be added to the bottle bill in 2013, including sports drinks, coffee, tea, juice and similar non-carbonated beverages, and allows a raise in the deposit to 10 cents if and when we fail to make an 80% recovery goal of all containers covered by the bottle bill (through redemption and other recycling), the first report of which will be in 2015. A key amendment that was adopted ensures a limited (24 container) return to retail model is maintained at all stores, even if redemption centers are established in an area, which is allowed under the current bottle bill but has never been implemented.
The usual suspects who perennially oppose updating the Bottle Bill have been lobbying the legislature hard and so legislators need to hear from citizens who support expansion of this landmark environmental law. If you haven't yet had a chance to contact your legislator, here is your chance.
Contacts: Katy Daily, Recycling Advocates, (503) 515-3474
Kristen Leonard, Association of Oregon Recyclers, (503) 320-9427
6. Product Stewardship Bills on the Move
There is a lot of action happening in the Product Stewardship world these days.
Two hearings were held this week for the Product Stewardship Act of 2009 (HB 3060) in the House Environment and Energy Committee. The Product Stewardship Act of 2009 acts as a framework that defines a process for products to be brought under the product stewardship umbrella in Oregon, which will require manufacturers to provide free, convenient take-back programs throughout Oregon for the environmental responsible recycling of their products. HB 3060 also contains two product classes to be immediately brought under the product stewardship framework, mercury containing lights (i.e. flourescent light bulbs) and rechargeable batteries.
In addition to HB 3060 there are two bills that create producer financed recycling programs for mercury containing lights (SB 472) and for rechargeable batteries (SB 320) that have public hearings on Tuesday, April 7, in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee at 3pm in HR C. These bills ensure that these programs are created in the event that HB 3060 doesn't pass. Mercury containing lights are a perfect example of the need for product stewardship legislation with the proliferation of compact flourescent lights and the difficulty, importance, and lack of opportunity around the state of recycling them once they burn out.
Contact: Katy Daily, Recycling Advocates, (503) 515-3474
7. Bill Reducing Phosphorous Content in Dish Soap Passes Senate, Moves to House.
Senate Bill 631 would require the content of phosphorus in automatic dishwashing soap to be limited to less than 0.5% by weight. This bill closes a big loophole that was allowed in the 1991 phosphorus ban that removed phosphorus from laundry soap. Excessive phosphorus seriously impairs water quality by promoting the excessive growth of algae in our streams and lakes.
The bill passed the Senate 26-2 (Kruse, Whitsett) on Monday and now heads to the House for consideration. Read more from The Oregonian.
Contact: Sue Marshall, on behalf of Tualatin Riverkeepers, (971) 506-4617
8. Senate Considers Bill on Maximum Penalties for Environmental Violations
Inflation happens, but laws don't necessarily keep up. Senate Bill 105 would adjust the maximum penalties for environmental violations. Oregon's maximum penalty for violations of pollution standards on air quality, asbestos, hazardous waste, and water quality was set in 1973 at $10,000. It has not changed since, meaning in consumer price-index inflation terms, it's 80% lower today than it was 36 years ago. SB 105 is a small step, raising the maximum penalty to $25,000 per day. The maximum penalty is rarely assessed. SB 105 passed out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on a 3-1 vote, and is now under consideration by the full senate.
Read more here.
Contact: Brian Wegener, Tualatin Riverkeepers, (503) 620-7507.
9. Help protect Children from Toxic Chemicals in their Products
House Bill 2367 and House Bill 2792 both protect children from exposure to harmful, toxic chemicals in their toys and products. In short, they would ensure a few things:
- Provide the Department of Human Services the authority to identify chemicals in consumer products that are of high concern for children's health, as well as require manufacturers to alert the Department of Environmental Quality when these chemicals are found in their products.
- Prohibit the use of known dangerous chemicals prevalent in children's products, including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA).
- Provide consumers information to make safer buying choices.
Chemicals like phthalates and BPA are used in many products and have come under increasing scrutiny for their potential negative impacts on our health. Unfortunately, here in Oregon there are still products containing BPA and other known hazardous chemicals that don't belong in our children's toys and that need a closer look. Now it's our turn to close the loopholes in the current chemical policy to ensure Oregon children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Write your legislators today and ask them to support HB 2367 and HB 2792.
Contact: Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis, Oregon Environmental Council (503) 222-1963
10. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Oregon Schools
Scientific surveys find pesticides in our water and food as well as in our homes, schools and parks. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals by employing cost-effective pest management alternatives. It has been estimated that over 80% of schools in the US are applying pesticides on a regular basis, whether they have a pest problem or not. School IPM is a well-tested pest management system that significantly reduces children's exposures to pesticides while effectively and economically managing pests in a school community. Senate Bill 637 will help create healthier schools by requiring that public and private Oregon day care centers, K-12 schools, and community colleges adopt IPM policies. Please urge the Senate Education and General Government Committee to support SB 637.
Contact: Andrea Salinas, Oregon Environmental Council (971) 221-2653 or Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis, Oregon Environmental Council (503) 222-1963
11. Using Green Cleaning Products at Schools
When we send our kids off to school we assume we are sending them somewhere healthy and safe. But volatile organic compounds and other chemicals commonly found in cleaning products used in many schools could contribute to indoor air pollution and serious health issues. By switching to standardized green cleaning products, Oregon schools and colleges can reduce costs, eliminate toxic hazards and maximize student learning and health. Green cleaning policies also preserve the environment by reducing the number of harmful ingredients that find their way into drinking water, lakes and streams, threatening public health and adding to the pollution. Senate Bill 668 would require all K-12 public schools, community colleges and state institutions of higher education establish a green cleaning policy that uses approved green products by June 30, 2010. Please urge the Senate Education and General Government Committee to support SB 668.
Contact: Andrea Salinas, Oregon Environmental Council (971) 221-2653 or Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis, Oregon Environmental Council (503) 222-1963
Rally against the Columbia River Crossing, this Sunday April 5th
Oppose the big fat bridge? Us too. Mark your calendars. Join advocates from around the state as we assemble at Waterfront Park to listen to keynote speakers such Commissioner Amanda Fritz talk about why the 12-lane Columbia River Crossing is the wrong move.
When: Sunday, April 5th at 12:00 noon
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland
Special guest speakers: Former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, Metro Councilor Robert Liberty, and Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz
Oregon Bike Summit coming up!
On April 21st and 22nd, join a gathering of legislators, bike advocates, and key members of Oregon's cycling community in Salem as we join forces to continue the fight for maintaining Oregon's status as a premier cycling state.
Read more about the activities of the day that will include influential keynote speakers, powerful lobbying sessions and a refreshing bike ride on the 22nd.
When: Tuesday, April 21st, 1-7pm
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7-7pm
Where: Salem Conference Center
200 Commercial Street SE, Salem
Why Repower Oregon?
Join the Healthy Climate Partnership and OLCV for a special presentation on the benefits of taking responsible, immediate action in the fight against global warming vs the high cost of doing nothing.
When: 6-8 pm, Thursday April 16
Where: The First United Methodist CHurch, in the Carrier Room, 600 State Street, Salem
Speakers: Representative Jules Bailey, Senior Policy Analyst at ECONorthwest; Bob Stacey, Executive Director at 1000 Friends; Catherine Thomasson, MD, President of Physicians for Social Responsibility.
RSVP here!
Legislative Town Halls
Over the course of the session, legislators, senators, and their staff make concerted efforts to hold public town halls and coffee chats. Usually held on a weekday evening or weekend morning, it's a great opportunity to learn your elected officials' stances on issues, voice your opinions, and get to know your community. To find out about these, sign up for your legislators' newsletter online. Use the link to find out who your representative and senator are.
Coming Up - This Saturday, April 4th
 Representative Larry Galizio and Senator Ginny Burdick 
10:00 am
Tigard City Hall
13125 SW Hall Blvd
 Senator Joanne Verger
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Siuslaw Public Library
1460 9th Street, Florence
 Representative Tobias Read
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Ava Roasteria
4655 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton
This week marks the halfway point of Oregon's 2009 legislation session.
Our lobbyist Evan Manvel has been in the Capitol every day, defending Oregon's natural legacy and making sure your voice is represented. In Portland, Melissa Chapman has been coordinating with OCN groups and getting SalemWatch out to you every Friday.
Their advocacy allows us to track our Priority bills at every turn. It means Evan can build relationships with legislators and make sure they have the information they need to make the right decisions. And it lets legislators know at we are watching how they vote.
We know this advocacy is critical to our success. But it costs us $400 each day to keep our team going.
Please help sponsor the Oregon Conservation Network team by making a tax-deductible gift to the Oregon Conservation Network now of $35, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford. Due to the downturn in foundation funding, we are asking our SalemWatch supporters to help guarantee that we can keep our team in Salem in these next few weeks. Please make a contribution now to help us meet our goal of $6,000 to cover our costs for the month of April.
Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us create a better legacy for our children and grandchildren. Thank you!
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