2009 Legislative Session: The Oregon Conservation Network's Priorities for a Healthy Oregon

The 2009 session marked the third time that dozens of conservation groups came together as the Oregon Conservation Network to work on shared Priorities for a Healthy Oregon in Salem. The session was, with a few exceptions, a success. Here's how we did on our six 2009 priorities:

Preserve Oregon’s Coastal Legacy 

Victory: The legislature passed House Bill 3013, which established two marine reserves and created a scientific and community-based process to evaluate four other potential connected sites. In the face of global warming, pollution, increasing population, and coastal development, these reserves will together help Oregon's coastal waters maintain their natural diversity, abundance, and health--while still leaving the vast majority of it open to existing commercial and recreational activities

Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Victory: Twelve invasive species bills, including OCN’s three priority bills, passed. No priority had as broad support as fighting costly invasive species outbreaks, which threaten our fish, wildlife, rivers, forests, and key industries. Farmers, fishermen and others depend on Oregon’s plentiful natural resources and wildlife to make ends meet and provide for their families. House Bill 2020 created a fund for emergency responses to invasive species outbreaks, Senate Bill 571 increased penalties for introducing invasive fish into Oregon waters, and House Bill 2220 created stations to check boats entering the state for invasive snails, mussels and aquatic plants. 

Promote Water Conservation

Victory: The legislature passed House Bill 3369, the most important water bill in more than 20 years. Farmers, fishermen, cities, businesses and local communities all need adequate water supplies to thrive. It’s our responsibility to ensure a legacy of healthy rivers for everyone and everything that depends on them. The bill protected migrating fish in the Columbia River and streamflows in the Umatilla River, and established environmental standards for new water projects around the state.

Implement Global Warming Solutions

Three of four priority bills passed. Climate was a signature issue this session, with a host of highly-paid lobbyists fighting progress. But despite the well-funded opposition, legislators passed three key climate bills: House Bill 2186, which allowed the state to cut global warming pollution caused by fuel; Senate Bill 101, which limited the building of dirty coal plants; and Senate Bill 79, which cut energy waste from buildings. Sadly, legislators killed Senate Bill 80, which would have helped create 40,000 jobs by implementing a carbon cap-and-trade system in Oregon.

Enhance Transportation Choices

One major bad bill passed, one smaller positive bill passed. Legislators passed House Bill 2001, a large, unbalanced transportation package that encourages costly sprawl while failing to significantly enhance transportation choices. Legislators did pass Senate Bill 34, which will help Portland and Eugene-Springfield fund public transit.

Ensure New Energy Supplies are Responsible

No action by legislators. Lawmakers failed to protect Oregon from liquefied natural gas, a dirty fossil fuel, by failing to pass House Bill 2015, which would have protected the public interest in the LNG permitting process. LNG terminals require hundreds of miles of gas pipelines that would hurt farmers and water quality while creating lengthy clearcuts across our national forests. We need to take a more responsible approach to our energy needs.