Theo Hathaway Saner– Candidate for City Council, District 3

Campaign site

Endorsed: Shade Equity Platform

Candidate statement:

As a candidate for Portland City Council, addressing climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability are core to my platform. Our city is at the forefront of climate action, and I’m committed to advancing policies that reflect the urgency of the moment while ensuring equity and inclusivity in decision-making.

Emissions Reduction and Electrification: I will support aggressive emissions reduction goals by advancing policies that transition Portland to clean, renewable energy sources. This includes electrifying the city’s fleet and expanding incentives for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. I will also push for energy-efficient retrofits of existing buildings, prioritizing low-income and historically underserved communities to ensure the benefits of energy savings and cleaner air are equitably distributed.

Climate Resilience and the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub: The Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub along the Willamette River presents a significant environmental and safety risk, particularly in the event of an earthquake. I will advocate for seismic upgrades to reduce potential hazards and explore alternatives to phase out fossil fuel storage and transport in this area. We need to prioritize resilience and move toward renewable energy storage solutions that do not endanger our community.

Transportation and Transit: Reducing transportation emissions is key to meeting our climate goals. I will advocate for a robust expansion of public transit, safer bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, ensuring that all Portlanders, particularly those in underserved neighborhoods, have access to clean and safe transportation options. Freeways should not be expanded; instead, we should invest in sustainable alternatives that reduce congestion and emissions.

Environmental Justice and Shade Equity: Climate change disproportionately affects low-income and BIPOC communities. I will champion policies that address these inequities by expanding Portland’s green infrastructure, such as tree canopy coverage in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Shade equity is critical for public health and resilience to rising temperatures. I will work to ensure that all Portlanders, regardless of their zip code, benefit from these improvements.

Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF): I strongly support the PCEF as a vital tool for funding climate justice initiatives, particularly in BIPOC communities. I will work to ensure the fund is used effectively and transparently to advance clean energy, green jobs, and community resilience projects that lift up our most vulnerable residents.

Together, we can make Portland a national leader in climate resilience, justice, and sustainability. Our policies must be bold, forward-thinking, and rooted in equity to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all Portlanders.

Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?

Yes