Chris Flanary — Candidate for City Council, District 3
Endorsed: Shade Equity Platform, CEI Hub Platform
Candidate statement:
We can lead on green policy. Portland has the unique opportunity with the Portland Clean Energy Fund to radically change our energy infrastructure. Let’s upgrade the grid to handle the next generation of renewable energy, install solar panels across the city and explore other energy sources like wind or small scale hydro-generation. We can shift to a public energy utility, and cut out the profit motive from the equation. It also means we’ll be generating our energy locally, and not creating additional wildfire risk running high voltages in remote areas to ‘pipe’ energy across the state.
Fareless, fast and reliable transit is the way forward. Encouraging folks to travel by mass transit, biking or walking is a major way to reduce emissions and create safer communities. I want accessible transportation, including adequate public restrooms available for folks to use, as not everyone can make it through a long transit trip without a break. Sustainably built kiosks or repurposed spaces could provide this along with rentable space to boost street activation at local transit hubs.
I’d like to see fewer oil trains. Portland is home to the Critical Energy Infrastructure, 90% of the fuel for the state, and these hazardous materials should be treated with caution. It is untenable to rely on a system built on the geological equivalent of a house of cards, and in dangerous disrepair. We know the CEI Hub is an issue, and there are numerous studies and workgroups focused on finding solutions. When we get these systems relocated the riverfront should be treated as a public commons to be enjoyed and maintained by all and some areas protected for the value to local wildlife.
We can reduce the emissions from long haul shipping. Local food production and other basic necessities would not only be friendlier for the environment, but make us a more resilient and sustainable community. Let’s start with district hubs, city offices with some additional resources like urban gardens with battery-backed solar coolers. We can pilot what works on the neighborhood scale, and also act as a backup in case of disaster. Even a simple exception to right-of-way requirements to allow community composting on public property could make a huge difference.
Let’s create local solutions for recycling – we can press plastic into simple bricks and planks to be used for building tiny homes or to make public benches and other infrastructure. We can reduce and re-use, with tool libraries and free fridges, community closets and clothing swaps.
The biggest challenge we face on climate change is inaction. I would focus not just on preventing further damage but also on community resiliency. Let’s encourage community involvement in planting more trees, restoring native plant species to offset the impact of warming temperatures, and encouraging urban farming programs and community garden spaces. Let’s lean into programs like Portland NET to create response plans to our current environment and climate emergencies. It’s time to take the climate crisis seriously and invest wisely in our response.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
