Welcome to our monthly newsletter, where we highlight some of the amazing work our volunteer teams have been up to and how you can take action! But first, don’t forget to come to our April Action Night!
April Action Night
Wed, April 17, 6-8:00PM — 350PDX Office (3639 N Mississippi Ave) – learn more and sign up here
TEAM UPDATES
Want to get involved but not sure where to start? Fill out the Volunteer Form, or come to our 350PDX Volunteer Orientation!
Fossil Fuel Resistance Team
Our team continues to work together with our partners on our 3 main campaigns: fighting Zenith Energy’s dangerous oil-by-rail facility, fighting the GTN Xpress fracked gas pipeline expansion, and advocating for a clean air standard at Multnomah County.
Take action: Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality: No air quality permits for Zenith Energy!
On Wednesday, April 17, the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be hosting an Info Session on Zenith Energy’s application for a Title 5 Air Quality Discharge Permit. We know the truth: Zenith’s dirty fuels operations in our community has only exacerbated our poor air quality, putting all of us at risk. Join us for this info session on Wed 4/17 at 6:30pm on Zoom to ask the DEQ tough questions about this permitting process. More info to come about how to meaningfully engage in this event.
Link to join the Zoom meeting
Join via phone: Call: (360) 209-5623 or (888) 475-4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 823 8828 5042
Passcode: 230541
More information from DEQ here.
Take action: Fight for Clean Air in Multnomah County
Multnomah County has a huge opportunity to fight back against the gas industry and enact policies that ensure cleaner and safer air for us all to breathe. The problem? They’re stalling, and need to hear from us to take this bold action. Join us in calling and emailing Multnomah County Commissioners to say we need Clean Air Quality Standards NOW!
Want to come testify to the County about this issue? We will help you come up with a 2-minute testimony you can share. Meetings are Thursday mornings at 9:30 am. Reach out to Dineen at dineen@350pdx.org to learn more about how you can support.
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.
We’re also helping folks hold Neighborhood Parties to educate their community about the issue, reach out to dineen@350pdx.org to learn more.
GET CONNECTED: Our next meeting is in person on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 pm, on Zoom. It’s a great time to join the team! Reach out to Dineen and Melanie to get plugged in and schedule an orientation meeting: dineen@350pdx.org, me
Forest Defense Team
Oh wow – what a month for the Forest Defense Team! Read on for some good news about our many campaigns:
Ax Drax Biomass Campaign:
Our team continues to organize in coalition with groups throughout the PNW to oppose the expansion of industrial-scale biomass, particularly a proposed Drax biomass production and export facility in Longview WA.
We were busy preparing for the air pollution permit hearing with the SW Washington Clean Air Agency scheduled for March 28th when, a week before the hearing, the Clean Air Agency abruptly pulled the draft permit for further review. Hooray! This is a great sign that they are taking our concerns seriously and will not just rubberstamp an air pollution permit for the Drax plant.
The Forest Defense Team, in partnership with several SW Washington groups, co-hosted a showing of the movie “Burned: Are Trees the New Coal” at the Kelso Theater Pub on March 23rd. There was a great turnout for a rainy Saturday afternoon, and it was awesome to connect with people in the area who are activated to stop this crazy plan. If you haven’t yet watched this very informative movie about the rise of industrial biomass energy and its impact on forests, communities and the climate, you can stream it here. You can read more about this campaign and how to get involved at https://350pdx.org/ax-drax.
State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan:
Last month, almost 30 years after the Oregon Department of Forestry started planning, the Board of Forestry finally approved a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for western Oregon State Forests despite heavy pressure from the timber industry. Woohoo! The Forest Defense Team spent the past two years attending meetings, writing letters, testifying to the Board of Forestry, etc. in support of this Plan to conserve threatened and endangered species in the Coast Range, and we’re so excited to see it approved.
Shade Equity:
On March 11, we hosted our fourth Shade Equity Social bringing people and organizations from all over the city of Portland to discuss the upcoming city elections and make plans to ensure that future city policy works to expand the urban canopy. Thanks to everyone who came and made the event a success!
Take Action: Weigh in on the future of Portland’s Urban Forests
Portland is rewriting its Urban Forest Management Plan and looking for public input. The Portland Urban Forest Plan is the City’s roadmap to preserving, planting, and caring for trees equitably and sustainably. It sets goals and guides decisions so people and wildlife can enjoy the benefits of trees for generations to come. Please take this survey to let the city know your priorities for Portland’s forest!
Climate Justice Policy Team
Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) update: We’re glad to see the PCEF Committee passing a process and framework to use the $150+ million of extra funds over the next 5 years. Through the framework, the funds will go toward high-impact projects where the City of Portland and other government agencies (such as the school district) can work with nonprofits, Congressional Budget Offices, labor groups, and others on climate justice priorities, which fit within the scope of PCEF’s original design. Here’s an op-ed by the co-chairs of the PCEF committee.
Sustainability and Climate Commission (SCC): thanks to those who submitted public comments. The next step will be a presentation on April 9 by City staff to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Community Involvement Committee. More information here. There will be two open house events about the SCC draft on April 10 and 17 – more info here. Reminder, we have an Action Night on April 17, so you may want to go on the 10th!
We are supporting virtual candidate forums with the Urban League of Portland, which are being hosted throughout the month of April! Learn more and register here.
Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) update: We’re glad to see the PCEF Committee passing a process and framework to use the $150+ million of extra funds over the next 5 years. Through the framework, the funds will go toward high-impact projects where the City of Portland and other government agencies (such as the school district) can work with nonprofits, Congressional Budget Offices, labor groups, and others on climate justice priorities, which fit within the scope of PCEF’s original design. Here’s an op-ed by the co-chairs of the PCEF committee.
Sustainability and Climate Commission (SCC): thanks to those who submitted public comments. The next step will be a presentation on April 9 by City staff to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Community Involvement Committee. More information here. There will be two open house events about the SCC draft on April 10 and 17 – more info here. Reminder, we have an Action Night on April 17, so you may want to go on the 10th!
We are supporting virtual candidate forums with the Urban League of Portland, which are being hosted throughout the month of April! Learn more and register here.
A few weeks ago we held a Portland City Council Candidate Forum where we heard from over 30 City Council candidates, representing every district. We got a chance to meet candidates and hear what they care about in relation to climate justice in Portland. Thank you to everyone who came to the forum, as well as all the volunteers who helped out, and Mississippi Pizza and Equal Exchange for providing food and drinks!
April 20: Join the candidate forum for US Congressional District 3
Register now: candidate forum for US Congressional District 3 on April 20, 6:30–8:30pm, at the Buckley Center Auditorium at the University of Portland. The forum is being hosted by the Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Unite Oregon, 350PDX, the University of Portland, and many other co-sponsoring organizations. Register here. More info here.
Candidates confirmed who will be at this forum include: Maxine Dexter, Ricardo “Ricky” Barajas, Eddy Morales, Joanna Harbour, Susheela Jayapal, Nolan Bylenga, Michael Jonas, Rachel Lydia Rand.
DO YOU NEED A SUMMER INTERNSHIP? – Apply by April 14. See the position description here.
Come work with us for 10 weeks this summer! Those 18 years of age and older can apply to participate in our summer internship cohort on Climate Justice Organizing & Policy Advocacy. Interns will work a total of 120 hours over 10 weeks at $20/hour, for a total of $2400. Course credit can be arranged. Apply by April 14. See the position description here.
If you’re a high school student, we are also considering a volunteer youth cohort, so please email Cherice Bock (cherice@350pdx.org) to indicate interest.
GET CONNECTED: If you’d like to join the climate justice policy team, the next meeting is on Wed, April 10, 6:30-8pm on zoom. Email Cherice Bock for the link (cherice@350pdx.org).
Arts Team
Several climate arts teams are organizing an Earth Day celebration and parade in SE Portland and have asked us to join in with our puppets and drums. The event is Saturday April 20 around noon at The Sunnyside school. We’ll need about 6 puppeteers, and 4-5 drummers. Reach out to Donna (murph1949@aol.com) if you can be one of these people.
Please mark your calendars and show up for an Earth Day march, just like in the old days!! At our next April 14 artbuild — on the Sunday before the march — we’ll spiff up the three puppets we’ll use, practice some drum cadences for the March, and work on the amazing mural we’ve started! And also make DRAX posters for upcoming demonstrations.
GET CONNECTED: We have our next art build on Sunday, April 14. Get in touch with Donna (murph1949@aol.com) to join the Arts Team and/or the art builds, which happen every second Sunday of the month. Come to see our amazing organization in our amazing space! We’d love to see you.
Creative Team
The Creative Team uses storytelling to make the climate justice movement irresistible. We’ve finished gathering submissions for a writing and art contest — Flash Futures PNW: A Climate Fiction & Art Contest. Now we’re working on selecting submissions to add to a zine that we’ll be publishing in the spring! We’re also excited to support the Forest Defense Team in further developing their messaging for the Ax Drax campaign.
GET CONNECTED: Fill out this form to get on our creative roster, or reach out to Julia at julia@350pdx.org to get involved with the team.
SW Team
Welcome to the Southwest Neighborhood Team, which includes neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Portland. We work together to raise awareness of the climate emergency.
Our street corner demonstrations continue weekly in April, and are scheduled for every Monday from 4:00 – 5 p.m. at SW Barbur Blvd. and SW Bertha. We reach hundreds of commuters with our climate action signs in a visible location in just one hour a week to raise awareness of the climate emergency. Street parking is available or take the bus or ride your bike. We have extra signs to share. Our education efforts include one hour presentations to work, civic or social groups. To schedule a presentation, please contact Pat Kaczmarek at patk5@msn.com
GET CONNECTED: Join our monthly meeting on Monday, April 8th, from 6:30-8:00pm on Zoom. A link will be sent out to SW Team members prior to our meeting. To get involved in our outreach actions, please contact Pat Kaczmarek at patk5@msn.com, or visit.
Washington County Team
Our team hosts monthly sign waving and film events, tabling for climate justice in the neighborhood, and lots more! At our upcoming monthly online meeting on April 9, we expect to take a deep dive into plastics and the Recycling Modernization Act and why recycling them is so complicated and difficult.
Our sign waving team expects to be in action in Hillsboro on Saturday, April 20 from 11am to noon – check our Facebook page for more details. We are working to lend a hand to the new Climate Action Hub in Tigard. We’ll be doing outreach tabling at the upcoming Westside PlanetCon recycling event on Saturday, April 20, and have partnered with The Climate Action team of the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council to support their Ivy Cleanup event for World Youth Service Day on April 27 at Noble Woods Park. We are planning a local screening of the film “Burned: Are Trees the New Coal?” in late May.
GET CONNECTED: We always welcome newcomers to our regular monthly 6:30pm second Tuesday (online) meetings and at all our events. Our next online meetup will be on April 9. Contact Debby (debbygactivism@gmail.com) for the zoom link if you’d like to attend.
Brooklyn Neighborhood Team
The Brooklyn Neighborhood Team works to mobilize people in our community towards climate justice initiatives. Some of our projects include mobilizing people in the movement to Stop Zenith Energy, supporting a new cargo bike sharing scheme in the neighborhood, and amplifying clean air issues.
GET CONNECTED: Join our Brooklyn Climate Action Team mailing list here to get 1-2 emails a month with local action alerts. Know someone in our neighborhood? Forward this email onto them! Any questions, contact chris@350pdx.org.
Earth Day Film Screening of Tomorrow at the Aladdin Theater
Monday, April 22, 6:00pm, get tickets here ($3 each)
The 350PDX Brooklyn Team is hosting an Earth Day film screening of Tomorrow at the Aladdin Theater, and you’re invited! TOMORROW is not just a film, it is the beginning of a movement seeking to encourage local communities around the world to change the way they live for the sake of our planet.
