Welcome to the 350PDX newsletter, where we highlight action opportunities, upcoming events, and more. But first, we want to highlight an opportunity for engagement in the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session, which is happening now until March 10:
Tell your Legislator to Prioritize Climate Justice this Legislative Session
We’re calling on our legislators to vote YES on HB 4083 (The COAL (Clean Oregon Assets Legislation) Act), SB 1593 (Fire Safe Communities), HB 4044 (Toxic Plumes Study), HB 4132 (Marine Reserves), and HB 4148 (Wildlife Package), and to Amend SB 1537 (Housing Production Bill). We are also calling on them to include climate-related priorities in budgeting decisions, and to vote NO on HB 4106, a bill that would require the Oregon Department of Forestry to set timber harvest targets to maximize timber harvest over all else, including clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Read more about the bills 350PDX is supporting this legislative session and more opportunities for action on our 2024 Legislative Priorities page.
MORE ACTION OPPORTUNITIES:
- Submit written testimony before 8:00am Thursday, Feb 15 to support Healthy Homes and the rest of the affordable housing budget in SB 1530 with the -3 Amendment. See this toolkit for more information and links to submit testimony.
- Submit written testimony before 1:00pm Thursday, Feb 15 to support the Climate Modernization Targets bill (SB 1559).See this toolkit for more information and links to submit testimony. (Unfortunately, this bill is not moving forward because of partisan bickering, but it would be helpful for the committee to see strong support, and disappointment that the bill is being killed.)
- Tell your Legislator to Support HB 4083: The Clean Oregon Assets Legislation (COAL) Act
- Sign up to receive action alerts during the 2024 Oregon legislative session so you know when and how to make your voice heard in the ways it will make the most impact.
- Did you miss our How a Bill Becomes a Law Training? Check out the recording of the training here so you feel informed to participate in this year’s legislative session with us.
- Ask 3 friends to join you in contacting your legislators!
In gratitude,
350PDX Staff
Take Action
For quick actions like petitions, check out our Take Action Page. Take the Pledge of Action for more updates.
Take action for clean air in Multnomah County
Here in Multnomah County, we have a huge opportunity to fight back against the gas industry and enact policies that ensure cleaner and safer air for us all to breathe. But the County needs to hear from YOU to take this action.
Join us in telling Multnomah County Commissioners: We need Clean Air Quality Standards NOW!
Chair Jessica Vega Peterson: 503-988-3308 mult.chair@
Sharon Meieran: 503-988-5220, district1@
Jesse Beason: 503-988-5219, district2@multco.us
Lori Stegmann: 503-988-5213, district4@
Julia Brim-Edwards: 503-988-5217, district3@
CALL SCRIPT
“Hi _____. My name is _____ , I live in ______. I’m calling because I am urging you to use your power as our local health authority to fight for air quality standards for our community. I’m concerned about appliances that leak dangerous methane gas and toxic pollutants in the buildings in our community, and I think it’s time for the County to take bold action. Pollution from our stoves, heaters, and fireplaces can cause conditions like asthma and heart failure. Please take action on this important issue.”
Tell Multnomah County Commissioners to Pass a Ceasefire Resolution
On February 1st, the people of Multnomah County showed up in force to the county commissioners meeting to rally and give public testimony expressing support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Commissioner Lori Stegmann responded by announcing that she will be championing a ceasefire resolution later in February.
We want to thank Commissioner Stegmann for demonstrating the moral courage to introduce a ceasefire resolution, and we need to show her our support! Let’s show the other commissioners the importance of expeditiously passing a ceasefire resolution that aligns with the demands Palestinian leaders have been reiterating for months. The board needs to hear from all their constituents how important this resolution is for the community in Multnomah County. So we need your help!
TAKE ACTION!
1) Email Multnomah County Commissioners voicing your support for ceasefire and demanding that they pass a comprehensive ceasefire resolution ➡️ bit.ly/thankyoustegmann
2) Email Lori Stegmann in support of her commitment to introduce a ceasefire resolution ➡️ bit.ly/multnomahceasefire
Events & Opportunities
350PDX Lobby Day
Tues, Feb 20, 6:15-7:45PM — location TBD, learn more here
On Tuesday, February 20th, 350PDX is holding a small afternoon Lobby Day (we’re aiming for 20 or so people) to share our 2024 Climate Justice Legislative Priorities with our Senators and Representatives. Whether you’re a seasoned lobbyist or have never been to Salem, we’d love for you to join us, and will help you feel prepared and ready! We are organizing lobby visits with several of the Portland Metro-Area legislators. Please sign up on this form so we will be able to check who your legislators are and work to get a meeting with them scheduled. Please bring a bagged lunch and water with you, or eat before you arrive.
Schedule (Feb 20th):
12:30 pm – Arrive in Salem, meet at a cafe for a brief lobby prep meeting, to receive materials, and to get in your lobby teams. You could also consider arriving earlier than 12:30pm to make sure you’re ready to start meeting with legislators at 1pm.
1:00 – 4:15 pm – Lobby visits! Meet with you legislators and share about why they should support and champion the climate justice bills this session.
4:15 pm – Debrief and travel home
Note: We will also be holding a lobby day prep meeting on Sunday, 2/18, at 3pm, where you can receive training and ask any questions you have. (It will be recorded if you can’t make it.) A Zoom link will be sent to those who register for 350PDX Lobby Day.
Rumble On The River Community Forum #13–Webinar
Thurs, February 22nd @ 7:00-8:30 PM — Register HERE for this ZOOM webinar
Rumble On The River presents free community forums throughout Portland neighborhoods. Topics have included urban forestry, shade equity, Columbia & Willamette River ecosystems, false climate solutions and salmon restoration. The prevailing Rumble focus has been on the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. For this Rumble on the River Community Forum, we will be focusing on the PSU/Multnomah County Report – “Risky Reality of Our Toxic Mix,” as well sharing public safety education resoruces, community resilience and preparedness strategies, and calls to action.
Panelists include:
Luke Hanst: Writer, Project Director, Institute of Sustainable Solutions, PSU
Chris Voss: Director, Emergency Management, Multnomah County
Alice Busch: Emergency Management, Multnomah County; EMT, former Firefighter and Portland NET
Melanie Plaut: Retired OB-GYN with Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
Partner Event: Climate Cafe PDX
Thurs, March 14, 6:15-7:45PM — location TBD, learn more here
Join Climate Cafe PDX, an informal, open, respectful, confidential space to process climate related emotions with people in our community. Free and open to all. This is also a space for exploration of thoughts, feelings and experiences rather than what we are doing about the climate crisis. LOCATION TBD, email climatecafepdx@gmail.com for updates.
350PDX March Action Night
Wed, March 20, 6-8:00PM — 350PDX Office (3639 N Mississippi Ave) – learn more and sign up here
Actions with Don’t Shoot PDX
Throughout the week, across the city – details here
Worker Solidarity Actions
Throughout the week, across the city – visit the Portland Jobs with Justice page for more info. Also see their list of solidarity actions.
News & Updates
The 350PDX Policy Team is starting to meet
350PDX recently started a new volunteer-run team — the Climate Justice Policy Team! This group is building on the work of the City/County Watchdog Team and 350PDX’s work to advocate for strong legislation that moves us toward a just and sustainable future. In addition to keeping an eye on our city and state political leaders as the City/County Watchdog Team did, the Policy Team will also play a bigger role in organizing Portlanders to integrate a climate justice focus into all policy decisions at the city and state levels. Through the Policy Team, we can build and leverage our collective power — showing legislators that there a large number of voters advocating for strong climate action in city and state politics. The Policy Team will also support our other campaign teams at 350PDX, uplifting work to defend Oregon forests, fight fossil fuels, help build a just transition to renewable energy, and more.
Reach out to Cherice Bock, 350PDX Campaign Manager, at cherice@350pdx.org to learn more and join the the Policy Team!
Thank you to everyone who joined the February 350PDX Action Night!
350PDX Action Nights are monthly in-person gatherings at our office, where new and seasoned people interested in the climate justice movement gather to network, take action, and organize for the future. Thank you to everyone who joined our February Action Night last week! We discussed our state legislative policy priorities for this year and participated in a How to Talk to Your Legislators 101 training from Robin Ye (former chief of staff for Rep Khanh Pham) and Cherice Bock (350PDX climate policy manager).
Communities in the Blast Zone coming together
Do you live in the blast zone of Zenith’s oil trains? Use this map to find out. If you do, call and write to the City of Portland and share that you live in the blast zone and are concerned for your safety. You can also pick up a yard sign to have in your front yard or apartment window to educate your neighbors about the blast zone and what they can do to #StopZenith. Send an email to stopzenith@350pdx.org to coordinate receiving a yard sign from one of our team members.
The 350PDX Fossil Fuel Resistance Team is also helping folks hold Neighborhood Parties to educate their community about the issue, reach out to dineen@350pdx.org and lisebethjacobs@gmail.com to learn more.
In love and gratitude,
The 350PDX staff
