Take Action: Fossil fuel ads don’t belong on public radio

The gas industry has a long history of trying to convince us that so-called “natural” gas is a beneficial part of daily life, and a “green” alternative to other fossil fuels. But we know the truth: fracked gas is still a main driver of the climate crisis and dangerous for our health and safety.

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) has been a trusted news source in our community. They’ve acknowledged that fracked gas is a triple threat: harming communities at the site of production, releasing toxic pollutants in our homes, and accelerating the climate crisis. According to OPB’s own reporting, fracked gas is Oregon’s “​​second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions,” being primarily methane – a fossil fuel 80 times more potent than CO₂. With the climate crisis at our doorstep, the gas industry is already directly impacting the health and safety of Oregonians.

That’s why it’s so surprising to hear that OPB is running sponsorship ads for NW Natural. When OPB promotes the use of fracked gas through ads that ignore harms to our communities, they lose our trust as listeners.

OPB already refuses to accept donations from tobacco companies and firearm manufacturers due to the harm those industries cause. So why do they still run ads for the gas industry, which is causing so much damage to the health and safety of our communities, our climate, and Oregon’s future? Listeners need to know the whole story, and we need to be able to trust that our local news sources aren’t being unduly influenced by fossil fuel companies.

Our public radio should not be promoting the fossil fuel industry. Join us in asking OPB to drop their NW Natural sponsorship.

We Need Environmental Justice in Our City Charter – Take Action by Dec 9!

The City of Portland is at a turning point. This fall, the City is undergoing a Charter Review process that could transform how we tackle key problems, from the climate crisis to racial injustice. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for the City to eliminate deep structural barriers that have prevented Portland from becoming the equitable, collaborative, strategic, and community-driven city it could be. With the climate crisis at our doorstep, the outcome of this Charter Review process is more important than ever.

Now through Dec 9 — the City needs to hear from you. Submit a public comment on the Charter Review process by 8:00am on Thursday, Dec 9th to be considered before the meeting on Dec 13th. Check out this written testimony toolkit for more information.

Portland needs a functional governance structure so we can take on our most pressing issues using models rooted in environmental justice and fair democracy. And as our city leaders tackle these issues, we need them to center the voices of communities most impacted by environmental injustice: Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, students, working people, people with disabilities, older adults and others.

Everyone has the right to live, work, and play in environments that are safe and healthy, and we deserve our voices to be heard. We have a unique opportunity to fight for these rights and improve our City for years to come – Please submit a public comment before Dec 9th!

Take action: Tell Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to reject an increase in harmful pollution at PGE’s Carty Gas Plant.

Portland General Electric (PGE) wants the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to approve a massive increase in air pollution from carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound emissions–both of which have serious health and environmental impacts–in an area that already has frequent air quality advisories and alerts.

Will you stand up for public health and our climate and send a comment to the DEQ today?