OCTOBER 2024 UPDATES & EVENTS

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to our now-monthly 350PDX newsletter, featuring team updates, action opportunities, upcoming events, and more!

As election season heats up, 350PDX is working hard to connect you with city council and mayoral candidates, as well as with critical climate issues in our region. Recent events have included city council candidate forums, a teach-in on false climate solutions, and a unique kayak tour of the Portland Harbor.

This month’s newsletter is bursting with more exciting events, and we look forward to seeing you at one—or all! Join us in making a difference!

Team Updates and Upcoming Events

 

FOREST DEFENSE TEAM

Forests over Profits mobilization

The Forest Defense team helped organize a great False Climate Solutions teach-in on Tuesday, September 24 at the Climate Justice workshop. In collaboration with the Pacific NW Forest Climate Alliance, we hosted Thomas Joseph, Carbon Pricing Educator from the Indigenous Environmental Network, Julia Bernal, Director of the Pueblo Alliance and New Mexico No False Solutions Coalition, and Brenna Bell, 350PDX Forest Climate Manager. Each speaker highlighted a different false climate solution – carbon offsets, “renewable” hydrogen, and industrial biomass energy – and came back to the same theme: capitalism and colonialism are at the root of the climate crisis and the only real climate solutions are ones that move away from these systems. We look forward to more collaboration with Thomas and Julia.

On Wednesday, September 25th about 60 people braved the rain and protested the timberland investment conference, Canopy (formerly “Who Will Own the Forest”), at the World Forestry Center. With songs, chants and speeches, we let them know that just greenwashing the name and rhetoric of the conference does not mask its true intent to transform more land and natural processes into money. A wet and lively time was had by all!

Shade Equity Social

It’s time for our quarterly Shade Equity Social and you’re invited! On Tuesday, October 15th we’ll be hosting an Election Edition of the Social in which we’ll discuss the Shade Equity Platform (and which candidates have signed on), how to talk about this issue – and ranked choice voting – with our friends and neighbors, and plans for continuing to make shade equity an important issue after the election.

The social is from 6:00-8:00pm pm at the Climate Justice Workshop (3639 N. Mississippi); food & drink and childcare will be provided.  Please register here!

International Day of Action to Break Big Biomass

Join folks from around the country on October 21 for the Break Big Biomass: National Call to Action from 5:00-6:30pm. 350PDX has joined organizations from around the country to envision and plan this exciting online event that will feature elected officials, community leaders from the Gulf South to the West Coast, and issue experts who will detail industry impacts and raise the alarm about the biomass industries’ current US expansion plans.

We will also be calling people to action! Each participant will receive an “action packet” designed to get folks involved in the work to fight the expansion of industrial biomass energy facilities, like the Drax export facility proposed for Longview. Register for the day of action webinar today!

Get Connected

The Forest Defense team meets on the first Monday of the month in person and the third Monday online, from 6:00-7:30pm. If you want to get connected with the team, please contact team co-leads Felice Kelly (felice.kelly@gmail.com) or Tyler Gilmore (tyler@350pdx.org), or Forest Climate Manager Brenna Bell (brenna@350pdx.org).

Climate Policy

Climate Justice Voter & Candidate Update

With changes to Portland’s government structure and voting system, 350PDX has been hosting events to educate city council and mayoral candidates on climate issues, organize climate justice voters, and create spaces for voters and candidates to discuss these topics. Recent highlights include:

Climate and Environmental Justice Tours and Info Sessions for Candidates, most recently: a September 21 Portland Harbor Kayak Tour & Info Session. Thanks to Mosquito Fleet, Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Braided River for joining us on stage and sharing their work!

Climate-focused City Council Candidate Forums with candidates who have met the small donor match threshold:
  • District 4: September 26. Candidates: Sarah Silkie, Eric Zimmerman, Mitch Green, Lisa Freeman, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Chris Henry
  • District 2: October 1. Candidates: Marnie Glickman, Sameer Kanal, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, Tiffani Penson, Laura Streib, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West
  • District 3: October 2. Candidates: Rex Burkholder, Daniel DeMelo, Chris Flanary, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Ahlam Osman

To see video of your district’s forum, check out our blog. To see a comprehensive list of recent and upcoming events, our Climate Justice Platform, and soon-to-released Voter Guide, check out our 2024 climate justice voter page. We will be unveiling our Climate Justice Voter Guide on October 15, right before ballots are mailed out!

Great Support for CPP!

It was inspiring to witness everyone who spoke up and wrote in about restoring the Climate Protection Program! Members of our Climate Justice Policy Team showed up for the virtual hearing on August 21 and the virtual and in-person hearing at the Department of Environmental Quality on September 26. Our team members attended Electrify Portland to help generate written comments. Together with other organizations that make up the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice, we generated hundreds of written comments to show that Oregonians care about doing our part to protect our region and our planet, reducing emissions from major polluters, and centering environmental justice through the Community Climate Investment portion of the policy. Major polluters—oil and gas companies—put up strong opposition, so every voice speaking up for a healthy and equitable community is crucially important.

I-5 Bridge Replacement public comment period

The long and winding saga of the I-5 Bridge Replacement project continues: a public comment period is open from now until November 18, 2024, with the opportunity to comment on the new Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. This bridge needs upgrades to make it earthquake safe, but we also want to make sure it minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, does minimal damage to river ecosystems, and does not harm the health and homes of people living near the bridge. Mark your calendar to attend our testimony training with the Just Crossing Alliance on November 11. Click here to learn more, including how to submit your comments!

Save the dates!

Mark your calendars for a mayoral forum on October 20, 6:30-8:30pm featuring several candidates who have met the small donor match threshold. We’ll send out more information soon with a location and other details.

Our October Action Night will be on the 23rd at our 350PDX workshop, 3639 N Mississippi Ave. We’ll have printed copies of our Climate Justice Voter Guide for you to peruse and to take some home to share. We’ll offer training on ranked choice voting, so bring your ballot if you’d like, and we’ll help demystify the new format! Engage with your community to discuss district candidates, environmental justice, and how we can transition our city towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all. RSVP so we know how many people to expect, and sign up if you’d like to help!

Introducing Our New Student Team

We have an excellent group of students joining our staff this school year to help us track bills, coordinate campaigns, and assist with communications! Please join us in welcoming the following students: Sima Fasihi, Max Hanley, Andy Laurila, Emma Niemela, Santiago Nolasco Galicia, Alex Silva, Liz Zlobinsky.

If you would like information about opportunities for students such as internships, practicum, field experience, or work study, please contact Cherice Bock (cherice@350pdx.org).

Arts Team

We have company coming! The Arts Team has an Artbuild coming up, October 13, 1:00-4:00pm, at the 350PDX Workshop (3639 N. Mississippi Ave). That Sunday we’ll be cleaning up the place, pushing our mural along, and preparing materials for our visit from Donovan Zimmerman and Paperhand Puppet Intervention in November! Come to talk, snack, and help us! Please let Donna know if you’ll be there: murph1949@aol.com

Save the date! 350PDX is hosting an evening with Paperhand Puppet Intervention with Donovan Zimmerman, and will include an Artbuild afterwards. November 15th, 7:00pm. Sliding scale admission, $10-15, all proceeds go to 350PDX. Thank you, Donna, Lauren, Dannika, Allison.

Fossil fuel Resistance Team

Our team’s main focus right now is gearing up for the upcoming DEQ Comment Period on Zenith Energy’s Air Quality permit. Soon there will be an info session we can attend to ask questions ahead of the comment period, and in November there will be 2 in-person public hearings where we will be calling on you to join us in submitting testimony and showing up to the rallies right before the hearings. Stay tuned for comment and testimony writing workshops, and more! 

Last Friday, we co-hosted an amazing event featuring TN Rep. Justin Pearson. Thank you to all who attended this hopeful and inspiring evening. You can watch the recording of this here.

Get connected:

The Fossil Fuel Resistance Team’s next meeting is on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30 pm on ZOOM. Please email dineen@350pdx.org for the link. Our next in-person meeting is on Tuesday, October 29 at the 350PDX office and there will be Halloween treats! New to the team and want to have a new member orientation? Reach out to Dineen at dineen@350pdx.org.

SW Neighborhood Team

The 350PDX Southwest Team includes neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Portland, from PSU to Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, Bethany, Beaverton and Lake Oswego. We meet monthly on Zoom to plan for in-person actions, presentations, and discussions in our communities. Sign up on the 350PDX Volunteer Interest Form and indicate that you are interested in joining the group, or reach out to Pat at patk5@msn.com to learn more.

Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Participate in our monthly online planning meetings. Next meeting is Monday, October 14th at 6:30pm. 2. Sign up to distribute yard signs promoting Climate Action Now! at community events. 3. Join our weekly street corner demonstrations.

Team members will be tabling at the Hillsdale Farmers Market on Sunday, October 13th to distribute signs to residents who support Climate Action Now! Do you have a highly visible location for a yard sign? Interested in scheduling a “How to Save Our Planet” presentation which is available to groups and community organizations? Please contact Pat (see email above).

Washington County Team

The Washington County Team gathered on Saturday, September 7 for our summer community potluck. While enjoying camaraderie, we decided that our primary goal would be to get out the vote for progressive candidates at every level. Our next monthly zoom online meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8. We’ll share about the recent Legislative Days sessions and efforts on the CPP rulemaking. Our next sign-wave will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 11am-12:00pm. Check our Facebook page for details.

Our general activities include: connecting with the Beaverton Climate Action and the Tigard Climate Action teams; getting out the vote in this very important election year; stewarding our Pollinator Garden at Bagley Park in Hillsboro, and more! We always welcome newcomers to our regular monthly 6:30pm second Tuesday (online) meetings and at all our events. If you are in Washington County and would like to receive updates from us, please sign up HERE. You can also “like” our Facebook page for updates.

In love and gratitude,

The 350PDX staff –
Anissa, Brenna, Cherice, Denise, Dineen, Irene, Katie

Video: 2024 Portland City Council Candidate Climate Justice Forums

Videos

2024 Portland City Council Candidate

Climate Justice Forums

District 2, October 1, 2024

Candidates present (left to right): Marnie Glickman, Sameer Kanal, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, Tiffani Penson, Laura Streib, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West

Moderator: Jacob Apenes

 

District 3, October 2, 2024

Candidates present (left to right): Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Chris Flanary, Ahlam Osman, Rex Burkholder, Daniel DeMelo

Moderator: Denise López

 

District 4, September 26, 2024

For the District 4 forum, the Internet unfortunately went down, so the beginning of the forum was not able to be recorded. We apologize for the inconvenience! We are compiling a document with summaries of candidates’ answers to the first couple questions. Please reach out to Cherice Bock (cherice at 350pdx dot org) if you would like to receive a summary.

Candidates present (left to right): Sarah Silkie, Eric Zimmerman, Mitch Green, Lisa Freeman, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Chris Henry

Moderator: Brenna Bell

Photos: Portland Harbor Tour & Info Session, September 21, 2024

On September 21, 2024 several candidates for Portland City Council toured the Portland Harbor by kayak. Kelsey Baker, of Mosquito Fleet, led two tours. Candidates viewed parts of the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub and Willamette Cove. In between tours, speakers talked with candidates and community about the Portland Harbor. Green Anchors provided the beautiful space for the info session.

Speakers: Kelsey Baker (Mosquito Fleet), Jacob Bureros (Portland Harbor Community Coalition), Dineen O’Rourke, Campaign Manager 350PDX, Bob Sallinger (Willamette Riverkeeper), and Sarah Taylor (Braided River).

I-5 Bridge Replacement: public comment period through Nov 18

Comment before November 18, 2024

Attempts to upgrade the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River have been in progress for over a decade. Everyone agrees we need a bridge that will be as safe as possible during an earthquake. The other details are more challenging: How many lanes? Should it have transit? How high should it be? What about pedestrian or bike lanes? How do we make sure it does the least damage to river ecosystems? How will it impact the economy and health of people living near the bridge? And, of course, how will we pay for it?

The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program released its Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on Friday, September 20, initiating a 60-day public comment period. While the IBR program proposes this project as a solution to regional transportation challenges, we still hold concerns about the long-term impacts of this project on climate, equity, and the environment.

This is an important moment for the community to comment and advocate for alternatives that truly prioritize sustainable transportation solutions that minimize harm to vulnerable communities. Your voice is critical as it can shape the path forward for the project.

What You Can Do:

  • Review the Draft SEIS and submit your comments.
  • Attend a virtual briefing October 9, 5:30–7pm, about the project, led by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
  • Attend a testimony training hosted by 350PDX and the Just Crossing Alliance on November 11, 6:30–8pm; register here for the Zoom link.
  • Write a public comment highlighting concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, the environment, air quality, and the potential effects on nearby communities, and turn it in on or before November 18.

How to submit comments:

  • Use the program’s online form
  • Email your comments to: draftseis@interstatebridge.org, with “Draft SEIS public comment” in the subject line
  • Mail a letter to: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, Attn: Draft SEIS Public Comment, 500 Broadway, Suite 200, Vancouver WA 98660
  • Leave a voicemail on the program’s toll-free hotline: 866-IBR-SEIS (427-7347)
  • Attend an in-person or virtual public comment event.
    • In person: Vancouver — 5:30–8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Clark Community College Gaiser Hall
    • In person: Portland — 5:30–8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17 at Portland Expo Center
    • Virtual: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 12:00–2:30 PM
    • Virtual: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, 6:00–8:30 PM

A calendar of events can be found here with more to be added.

Take Action! This is an opportunity to ensure that community priorities like climate justice, equity, and sustainable transit are at the forefront of decision-making for this significant project.

Last Chance: Support the CPP by 9/27 @ 4pm!

If you’ve been thinking about sending a comment in support of the Climate Protection Program, today is your last chance! Written comments are due by September 27, 2024 at 4pm.

We need your help to ensure the restoration of the Climate Protection Program (CPP)! This program is critical for safeguarding Oregon’s climate and ensuring a just and sustainable future.

A public comment does not have to be long—it can be a few sentences about why you care about protecting the climate, why you are excited about this program’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by big polluters by 90%, and why you want a strong Community Climate Investment remaining in the CPP rules. See samples at the link below, or use this testimony guide to learn more.

Every voice counts! The oil and gas companies are generating many oppositional comments, so we need everyone to submit a comment in support of Oregon’s clean air and support for frontline communities in the Climate Protection Program.

Submit Your Public Comment:

The public comment period was extended to September 27, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your thoughts on how the CPP can best serve our communities and protect our environment. Your input is critical in shaping the future of Oregon’s climate policy.

Sign the Petition:

Oregon’s future depends on us all. By signing the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice’s petition, you’re adding your voice to the growing movement calling for strong climate action through the CPP.

Join TONIGHT! District 4 Candidate Forum

With Portland City Council elections fast approaching, it’s time to learn which candidates hold climate justice as a top priority. Join us for the District 4 Candidate Forum TONIGHT, 9/26, to hear directly from candidates and learn about their plans for addressing the climate crisis.

This forum will center around key climate justice issues, giving the community an opportunity to ask candidates how they will prioritize climate action, equity, and sustainability in their policies.

Event Details:

  • When: September 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
  • Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland
  • Hybrid Option Available: Can’t attend in person? A virtual option will be available so everyone can participate.
  • Who: 2024 Portland City Council candidates: Lisa Freeman, Mitch Green, Chris Henry, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, and Eric Zimmerman; campaign surrogates from some other campaigns

Please share this invitation with anyone passionate about climate action and equity in Portland!

This is a crucial opportunity to hold candidates accountable to the climate goals that will shape the future of our city. Be part of the conversation and make your voice heard!

350PDX City Council Candidate Forums 2024 for Districts 2, 3, and 4

Upcoming Candidate Forums:

  • District 2: October 1, 2024 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM, RSVP (helpful but not required, necessary to get the Zoom link)
    • 350PDX Climate Justice Workshop, 3639 N Mississippi Ave
  • District 3: October 2, 2024 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM, RSVP (helpful but not required, necessary to get the Zoom link)
    • The Porch Coffee (in the auditorium), 6725 SE Kelly St

Together, we can advocate for leaders who will take bold steps toward a more sustainable and just future for Portland.

Climate + Transportation: speak up or write in this week

The transportation budget is going to be a major focus of the 2025 legislative session, so Oregon’s Joint Committee on Transportation has been holding a “Transportation Roadshow” all summer. Since transportation accounts for 35% of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions, it’s crucial that legislators hear from us about making sure emissions reductions and climate and environmental justice concerns are included as they are considering how to allocate state funds.

Here’s where you come in:

The Joint Committee on Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing as part of a statewide listening tour to gather input on major transportation issues. This is a key opportunity for us to advocate for a sustainable, equitable, and climate-friendly transportation system in Oregon, which also focuses on safety and sustainable funding (see the Move Oregon Forward coalition’s priorities, of which we are a member).

Your voice is critical in shaping the future of our state’s transportation policies, and we encourage everyone, especially those impacted by current infrastructure challenges, to participate. This hearing is a chance to raise concerns about transportation safety, accessibility, and environmental impact.

Event Details:

Sign up to share a verbal public comment during the virtual hearing this Wednesday, and/or submit your comment in writing.

Virtual public hearing:

  • Register: must register 24 hours ahead (Sept 24 by 5pm) in order to verbally testify
  • When: Wednesday, September 25, 5:00–7:00 pm (Virtual)

Written testimony:

  • Submit Written Testimony: Email your written testimony to JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov by September 27, 5:00 p.m.

Why Your Testimony Matters:

State legislators are using these hearings to guide decisions on transportation funding and policies. By attending or submitting testimony, you can help ensure that future policies reflect the need for cleaner, more equitable transportation options that benefit all Oregonians, especially marginalized communities.

We particularly encourage testimony from those who:

  • Are impacted by transportation emissions, air pollution, or unsafe infrastructure
  • Belong to low-income, Black, or Indigenous communities, or communities of color
  • Are unable to drive or own a car, or rely on public transit
  • Are disabled or part of vulnerable populations affected by transportation issues

How to Prepare:

Your verbal testimony will be limited to 1-2 minutes (about 100-300 words). Focus on your personal experience and why sustainable transportation solutions are important to you and your community. For tips on crafting your testimony, visit the Move Oregon Forward coalition’s testimony guide.

Together, we can push for a transportation system that prioritizes community well-being and the health of our environment.

P.S.

The Move Oregon Forward coalition will be one of the policy priorities we’re supporting for the 2025 legislative session, so look forward to hear about more ways to support safe, equitable, and climate-friendly transportation solutions in the coming year!

 

Max Hanley, Climate Policy Assistant

September 2024 Updates & Events

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to our now-monthly 350PDX newsletter, featuring team updates, action opportunities, upcoming events, and more!

One of our Fossil Fuel Resistance team’s main campaigns is bringing awareness around Zenith Oil Company and the dangers its transport through Portland poses to our city and beyond. We’re excited to share a short video that 350PDX’s Communications Manager Irene Tejaratchi Hess and Campaign Manager Dineen O’Rourke created about Zenith’s history and impact in Portlandand ways you can help.

Zenith has applied for an air quality permit with the State of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and we will soon have a long-awaited and crucial opportunity to tell the DEQ that Zenith Energy must be stopped. Check out our instagram and twitter for updates. We’ll also update our newsletter subscribers as soon as we know the start date for the DEQ public comment period! In the meantime, please share this video with your loved ones and community.

Zenith Energy in Portland: a 350PDX Video

TEAM UPDATES AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Forest Defense Team

Protecting Forests for the Climate Book Talk & Panel Discussion, Sept 18th, 6:00pm, Stevens Pavilion at Hoyt Arboretum

Join Canopy of the Titans co-author Paul Koberstein, 350PDX Forest Climate Manager Brenna Bell, and NW Forest Climate Organizer Alex Budd for an event highlighting past and present struggles to protect Pacific NW forests. Paul will read from Canopy of the Titans, followed by a panel discussion about the timber industry, climate justice, and how the struggle to protect PNW forests is changing in the 21st century.

Forests over Profits teach-in and rally, Sept. 24th & 25th

In the Pacific NW, mature & old growth forests are vital to preserve a livable climate and livable communities by mitigating the impacts of climate change. In Oregon, logging is the single largest source of climate pollution, and 70% of logging happens on privately owned forestlands and yet, the timber industry is increasingly working to position itself as a “solution” to the climate crisis even as it racks up profits from clearcutting the forest.

On September 24-26, Wall Street investors will join timber corporations, carbon offset & biomass companies in Portland for the annual “Who Will Own the Forest?” conference, rebranded this year as “Canopy: Forests + Markets + Society” after a significant public outcry and presence at last year’s conference.  Join us at noon on Wednesday, September 25th for a rally at the World Forestry Center to confront some of the biggest climate polluters, corporate forest clear-cutters, and false climate solutions peddlers!

To start things off, come to the False Climate Solutions Teach-In to learn more about how big polluters are using false solutions to dodge accountability for their role in the climate crisis. Tuesday, September 24th, 5:30pm at the 350PDX Climate Justice Workshop, 3639 N. Mississippi. We’ll hear from Thomas Joseph, Carbon Pricing Educator with the Indigenous Environmental Network, and Julia Bernal, Executive Director of Pueblo Action Alliance and the New Mexico No False Solutions Coalition. Food & drink provided – more info and RSVP at https://forestsoverprofits.org/

Northwest Forest Plan Webinar, September 10th

The Pacific NW Forest Climate Alliance, of which 350PDX is a proud member, is hosting an online webinar on Tuesday, September 10th at noon about the ongoing revision of the Northwest Forest Plan which directs management on 19 National Forests in Washington, Oregon and Northern California.  This webinar will take a deep dive into key issues during this revision, including tribal inclusion, fire stewardship, and mature & old growth forest protections. RSVP here!

Save the date for the next Shade Equity Social – Tuesday, October 15th, 6-8 pm.

The 350PDX Forest Defense Team hosts quarterly events to connect the many people working at the intersection of urban forests, climate resilience and community justice.  Our next event will focus on the upcoming city election, exploring both how the various candidates are interacting with our Shade Equity Platform and discussing ways to ensure that whoever gets elected, protecting and expanding our urban canopy will remain a key issue in the new government.

Get Involved: Join the 350PDX Forest Defense Team!  We meet in person every first Monday and online every third Monday from 6-7:30.  For more information contact Forest Climate Manager Brenna Bell at brenna@350pdx.org or team co-leads, Felice Kelly (felice.kelly@gmail.com) or Tyler Gilmore (tyler@350pdx.org).

Outreach and Organizing

Get ready to meet your District 3 candidates, and learn about their climate priorities! Save the date for October 2nd at 6:00pm, at The Porch Coffee & Auditorium. A registration link will be available soon, reach out to Denise Lopez (denise@350pdx.org) if you’re interested in volunteering or helping out!

Climate Policy

Climate Protection Program

Good news—the deadline was extended to submit public testimony in support of the Climate Protection Program! Bad news—fossil fuel companies are sending out disinformation to try to drum up opposition to this important emissions reduction and community investment program. See more here or use this tool to submit a comment by September 27 at 4:00pm.

Testimony training! Transportation legislation needs your input

Join the Move Oregon Forward coalition, of which we’re a member, for a virtual testimony training on September 9 to prepare for 2025 statewide transportation legislation. Prepare to provide verbal or written testimony at upcoming stops on the Oregon Joint Committee on Transportation’s roadshow. Stops include: Hillsboro, Happy Valley, and a virtual hearing. Make sure climate and environmental justice realities are taken into account as Oregon prepares to pass this massive transportation package in 2025! Register here.

Portland Harbor Tour & Info Session

Join 350PDX, Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Mosquito Fleet, and other groups on September 21 for an info session and tabling about important issues relating to the Portland Harbor, such as the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, the Superfund, river health, and Indigenous rights. City council and mayoral candidates will be in attendance. Learn more and RSVP here.

Community Engagement

Be sure to sign up for the October 29 Volunteer Orientation at the 350PDX Office! Katie Hutchinson, our Community Engagement Manager, will give an overview of the organization and our campaign work at 350PDX. Pizza and drinks provided! Meet other new folks to the organization! RSVP here.

Book Club

Join the 350PDX Book Club for our October 2 read, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a book of essays weaving Indigenous wisdom, ecology, and science. We meet at the 350PDX office, 3625 N Mississippi Ave, from 6:00-8:00pm. Light refreshments (nonalcoholic drinks, beer, and wine) will be provided. Food is potluck style, please bring stuff to share if you can. RSVP here!

Brooklyn Team Update

The Brooklyn Climate Action team (BCAT) is continuing to keep eyes on NW Natural performing hydrogen blending at its facility in SE Portland. Some residents of the neighborhood spoke to the Oregon Capital Chronicle about their concerns and also published a personal commentary piece, providing great coverage and increased awareness around the issue.

With city council elections coming up, the BCATs plans to participate in District 3 organizing events, reach out to candidates, and share information about climate policy in the upcoming election.

Exciting news on the Brooklyn co-op front: Our local, omnivorous food co-op, Know Thy Food, is relocating to the 1400 block on SE Powell! Additionally, we now have our very own Cargo Bike Co-Op, loaning electric cargo bikes on an hourly or daily basis to Brooklyn residents. Check out their pages to see how you can get involved!

Do you live in the Brooklyn neighborhood and are concerned about climate justice? Join our email list here to get one or two action alerts a month. We also meet every second and third Thursday evenings- reach out to katie@350pdx.org for more information!

Arts Team

Sunday, September 8, is our Second Sunday Arts Build, 1:00-4:00pm, at 350PDX.

The Arts Team will be finishing up the supports for the forestry posters we painted last month. A few people will get even closer to completing our beautiful wall mural, and there might be other activities as well. Certainly there will be snacks, conversations, and connections to make. Please let Donna know if you’ll be there (Murph1949@aol.com).

350PDX’s Arts Team is hosting Donovan Zimmerman from Paperhand Puppet Intervention for a November residency in large political puppet-making. If you have a nearby space for him to stay for a week or a car he can use, please let Donna know!

Washington County Team

The Washington County Team will gather on Saturday, September 7 for our summer community potluck. We’ll resume monthly second Tuesday zoom meetings on October 8.

This summer, we sponsored and tabled at Bag&Baggage’s production of “Birds of North America”. Our next event will be sign-waving in Hillsboro on Saturday,September 21. Check our Facebook page for details. Our general activities include: connecting with activities of the Beaverton Climate Action and the Tigard Climate Action teams; continuing our campaign to encourage the Washington County Board of Commissioners to complete drafting and take action on an overdue County Climate Resolution; getting out the vote in this very important election year; stewarding our Pollinator Garden at Bagley Park in Hillsboro, and more! We always welcome newcomers to our regular monthly 6:30pm second Tuesday (online) meetings and at all our events. Our next team meeting is Tuesday, October 8 (learn more on the 350PDX calendar). If you are in Washington County and would like to receive updates from us, please sign up HERE. You can also “like” our Facebook page for updates.

SW Neighborhood Team

The 350PDX Southwest Team includes neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Portland, from PSU to Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, Bethany, Beaverton and Lake Oswego. We meet monthly on Zoom to plan for in-person actions, presentations, and discussions in our communities. Sign up on the 350PDX Volunteer Interest Form and indicate that you are interested in joining the group, or reach out to Pat at patk5@msn.com to learn more.

Here are some ways to get involved: (I) Participate in our monthly online planning meetings. Next meeting is Monday, September 8th at 6:30pm. (2) Sign up to distribute yard signs promoting Climate Action Now! at community events. (3) Join our weekly street corner demonstrations

Team members will be tabling at SW Sunday Parkways on September 22nd, and at Hillsdale Farmers Market on Sunday, October 13th to distribute signs to residents who support Climate Action Now! Do you have a highly visible location for a yard sign? Interested in scheduling a “How to Save Our Planet” presentation which is available to groups and community organizations? Please contact Pat (see email above).

“Unshakeable”

Free Event. September 29, 4:00pm-7:30pm @ Lovett Deconstruction 4315 NW Saint Helens Rd, Portland OR 97210

Meet with local organizations and government experts working on the issue of Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub safety in the face of an earthquake. Speakers will give presentations from 4:00pm-6:30pm, followed by an optional tabling hour to explore community resources. Register now to reserve your spot.

In love and gratitude,

The 350PDX staff –
Anissa, Brenna, Cherice, Denise, Dineen, Irene, Katie

 

Climate Protection Program: Deadline Extended to 9/27

Thank you to those who already sent in comments and showed up for a hearing about the Climate Protection Program (CPP)! We have some good news and some bad news to share about the ongoing saga of this important program, which aims to reduce large polluter emissions by 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050, and divert millions toward a Community Climate Investment fund for frontline communities.

The good news:

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended the comment deadline to Sept. 27 and added a second public hearing on Sept 26! If you didn’t get around to sending in a comment yet or if you weren’t available for the public hearing in August, you have another chance. TAKE ACTION: sign a petition, submit a public comment using this form or by sending your email to CPP.2024@DEQ.Oregon.Gov, or attend the public hearing on Sept 26, 3:20–5:20pm (find Zoom link here).

The bad news:

Methane (natural) gas and other fossil fuel groups are running a scare campaign riddled with disinformation to try to drive comments opposing this greenhouse gas reducing and equity-focused program.

We need you!

We had a great turnout at the August public hearing, so thank you to those who were able to attend or who already sent in their comments. If you haven’t had a chance to send a comment yet, you can use the templates here—there are three different options at the bottom of the page so you can pick the one that most relates to your circumstance. You can send it as-is, or you can modify it with your personal perspectives and experiences. Or, you can write your own email to CPP.2024@DEQ.Oregon.Gov.

You can also attend a public hearing with the DEQ and share your comment out loud on Zoom. Here is a testimony toolkit that can help you formulate a public comment. The hearing is on Sept 26, 3:20–5:20pm (find Zoom link here).

Please take a moment today to TAKE ACTION by submitting a public comment by September 27, 2024, at 4pm! With all our voices speaking up together, we can make sure the Climate Protection Program passes (again), and that the important emissions reductions and community benefits can begin in earnest.

Learn more about the CPP

When re-implemented, the Climate Protection Program will:

  • Require oil and gas companies to cut their pollution 35% by 2035 and 90% by 2050;
  • Create approximately $150 million annually to reinvest in Oregon’s most impacted communities;
  • Help Oregon residents on the front lines of the climate crisis better access:
    • Energy-efficient appliances that keep their home air cleaner and less reliant on oil,
    • Heating and air conditioning to withstand harmful extreme temperatures,
    • Electrified public transit fleet to cut gas pollution, and
    • Other building upgrades that align with efficiency and harm reduction goals.