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[...]edited by: Mike Landfair,
Oregon Editor
The good news: The OLCV Blog is better than ever on our newly designed website.
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Thanks for following the OLCV Blog!
[...]Tonight, Democratic Party precinct committee people will gather in North Portland to select three to five candidates for the Senate District 22 seat, which was recently vacated by Senator Margaret Carter.
Those nominees then go to the Multnomah County Commissioners, who appoint the new Senator.
Oregon's freshman Senator Jeff Merkley, who had a lifetime 96% rating from OLCV, is profiled in today's Washington Spectator.
An excerpt:
Asked about his position on the cap and trade bill, Merkley begins with a survey of geologic time: four 280-parts-per-million spikes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the past 400,000 [...]
The New York Times has created a database for the public to look up water pollution violations by state. Check it out here.
The database accompanied an in-depth article called Toxic Waters, which details how the Environmental Protection Agency has been ignoring violations of [...]
For four weeks this summer, I was fortunate to have a sabbatical from my job as Development Director with OLCV. I decided to spend most of my time off in a part of the state I’d [...]
The OLCV Deschutes County Chapter’s Second Annual Summer BBQ fundraiser took Bend, Oregon by storm two weeks ago. August 22nd marked the culmination of more than a month’s worth of work done by the dedicated Deschutes County steering committee.
It began as a concept with [...]
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance has an excellent summary of what's happened to the proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the design of the region's largest-ever infrastructure project, the Columbia River Crossing multi-billion-dollar MegaBridge.
In short: they've gone from 12 and 26 feet wide to a single dark underbridge design, mostly 16 [...]
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance has an excellent summary of what's happened to the proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the design of the region's largest-ever infrastructure project, the Columbia River Crossing multi-billion-dollar MegaBridge.
In short: they've gone from 12 and 26 feet wide to a single dark underbridge design, mostly 16 [...]
As usual, the Daily Astorian editorial page is willing to look at the motives behind LNG.
And the article reminds me about how happy I am to have Jeff Merkley as one of my US Senators.
It's a short article and well worth the read.
[...]As usual, the Daily Astorian editorial page is willing to look at the motives behind LNG.
And the article reminds me about how happy I am to have Jeff Merkley as one of my US Senators.
It's a short article and well worth the read.
[...]OLCV's 2009 Scorecard is headed to the printers any day now.
Sorry folks, scores aren't public yet!
But it's going to be an interesting read: You'll learn:
Which legislator earned our Innovator of the Year award Which legislators scores dropped more than 25% Who managed to be the only legislator with a score below 10% Which votes [...]OLCV's 2009 Scorecard is headed to the printers any day now.
Sorry folks, scores aren't public yet!
But it's going to be an interesting read: You'll learn:
Which legislator earned our Innovator of the Year award Which legislators scores dropped more than 25% Who managed to be the only legislator with a score below 10% Which votes [...]There goes Evan, thinking about democracy again--this time on BlueOregon.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about democracy, and how messed up the debate about health insurance reform is. I don’t envy our representatives in Congress who have to navigate the lies, demonization, and tens of millions of dollars in lobbying.
That’s [...]
There goes Evan, thinking about democracy again--this time on BlueOregon.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about democracy, and how messed up the debate about health insurance reform is. I don’t envy our representatives in Congress who have to navigate the lies, demonization, and tens of millions of dollars in lobbying.
That’s [...]
So says Idaho state Rep. Eric Anderson about zebra and quagga mussels, that threaten to overtake northwest waterways. While they have yet to be introduced to Washington and Oregon, a boat infested with quagga mussels was stopped on Washington's roads this spring.
If introduced, they could cost the state tens of [...]
So says Idaho state Rep. Eric Anderson about zebra and quagga mussels, that threaten to overtake northwest waterways. While they have yet to be introduced to Washington and Oregon, a boat infested with quagga mussels was stopped on Washington's roads this spring.
If introduced, they could cost the state tens of [...]
We all know the advantages that bicycle transportation has compared to its four wheeled counterpart. Now Washington County is starting to ask some good questions about how to get things moving to improve access to bike transportation. The discussion is being lead by Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, a long time OLCV supporter [...]
We all know the advantages that bicycle transportation has compared to its four wheeled counterpart. Now Washington County is starting to ask some good questions about how to get things moving to improve access to bike transportation. The discussion is being lead by Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, a long time OLCV supporter [...]
Oregon House Representative Larry Galizio (D-Tigard) has announced he will resign from his seat to work as a planner for the Oregon University System. Read about it in the Oregonian.
You may remember that Rep. Galizio changed his vote on the Metolius bill this [...]
Oregon House Representative Larry Galizio (D-Tigard) has announced he will resign from his seat to work as a planner for the Oregon University System. Read about it in the Oregonian.
You may remember that Rep. Galizio changed his vote on the Metolius bill this [...]
While I spent yesterday in meetings about Rep. Jules Bailey's EEAST program, which encourages investments in energy retrofitting paid back over time on utility bills, the Northwest Power Planning Council released a report demonstrating that 85% of the Northwest's future energy needs can met through energy efficiency, and the rest [...]
While I spent yesterday in meetings about Rep. Jules Bailey's EEAST program, which encourages investments in energy retrofitting paid back over time on utility bills, the Northwest Power Planning Council released a report demonstrating that 85% of the Northwest's future energy needs can met through energy efficiency, and the rest [...]
Isaacs will replace current ED Jonathan Poisner in early October
Jon Isaacs has accepted the position of Executive Director of The Oregon League of Conservation Voters.
Isaacs most recently served as State Director in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, after managing Merkley’s successful senatorial campaign against Gordon Smith in 2008. [...]
Isaacs will replace current ED Jonathan Poisner in early October
Jon Isaacs has accepted the position of Executive Director of The Oregon League of Conservation Voters.
Isaacs most recently served as State Director in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, after managing Merkley’s successful senatorial campaign against Gordon Smith in 2008. [...]
Can building a new house be a sustainable
practice?
David Fisse of Northwest Design thinks so. His
home on Timberlake drive in Ashland
won a
national award for sustainability from the American Institute of Building
Design. The home uses passive cooling and has no Air Conditioning unit.
Read about his award [...]
Can building a new house be a sustainable
practice?
David Fisse of Northwest Design thinks so. His
home on Timberlake drive in Ashland
won a
national award for sustainability from the American Institute of Building
Design. The home uses passive cooling and has no Air Conditioning unit.
Read about his award [...]
Today Governor Kulongoski followed through on his threat to veto two bills that would have weakened Oregon's commitment to a clean energy future. We had requested he veto one of the bills, House Bill 2940. Read more about the bills.
From the press release:
"House [...]
Today Governor Kulongoski followed through on his threat to veto two bills that would have weakened Oregon's commitment to a clean energy future. We had requested he veto one of the bills, House Bill 2940. Read more about the bills.
From the press release:
"House [...]
Last week Governor Kulongoski gave notice he was considering vetoing two bills relating to Oregon's commitment to clean energy: HB 2940 and HB 2472.
House Bill 2940, which we have requested he veto (see veto letter), undermines the law legislators passed in 2007 to create 25% of Oregon's energy [...]
Last week Governor Kulongoski gave notice he was considering vetoing two bills relating to Oregon's commitment to clean energy: HB 2940 and HB 2472.
House Bill 2940, which we have requested he veto (see veto letter), undermines the law legislators passed in 2007 to create 25% of Oregon's energy [...]
This Wednesday in Eugene, environmental leaders and legislators joined Governor Kulongoski as he signed into law a set of climate bills passed by the 2009 Legislature. The set of seven bills including three OCN priority bills. [...]
This Wednesday in Eugene, environmental leaders and legislators joined Governor Kulongoski as he signed into law a set of climate bills passed by the 2009 Legislature. The set of seven bills including three OCN priority bills. [...]
The Oregon Conservation Network’s recipe for a successful Bowlathon:
Combine:
(1) Ordinary summer night (preferably a Tuesday)
(10) Sets of bowling pins
(50) Bowling balls (in an array of colors)
(50) Envirogeeks
Add to mixture:
(1) Generous dash of OLCV Field Organizer Andy Maggi’s “Eye of the Tiger” bowling wisdom
(1) Promise of immortalization in the [...]
The Oregon Conservation Network’s recipe for a successful Bowlathon:
Combine:
(1) Ordinary summer night (preferably a Tuesday)
(10) Sets of bowling pins
(50) Bowling balls (in an array of colors)
(50) Envirogeeks
Add to mixture:
(1) Generous dash of OLCV Field Organizer Andy Maggi’s “Eye of the Tiger” bowling wisdom
(1) Promise of immortalization in the [...]
Interesting article in yesterday's Eugene Register-Guard about the problem of pesticide spraying over Lane County forest land affecting nearby residents. That problem was brought to the Lane County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday by one resident who has rallied his Coast-Range neighbors into the "Pitchfork Rebellion." The group is [...]
Interesting article in yesterday's Eugene Register-Guard about the problem of pesticide spraying over Lane County forest land affecting nearby residents. That problem was brought to the Lane County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday by one resident who has rallied his Coast-Range neighbors into the "Pitchfork Rebellion." The group is [...]
At first glance, this New York Times story -- which also ran in today's Oregonian-- appears to be about cell phones.
And, OK, it is. It's about driving with cell phones, or more importantly, the data that the government suppressed about the risks posed by driving with cell phones. ([...]
At first glance, this New York Times story -- which also ran in today's Oregonian-- appears to be about cell phones.
And, OK, it is. It's about driving with cell phones, or more importantly, the data that the government suppressed about the risks posed by driving with cell phones. ([...]
Water resources are already taxed in Oregon, and with population growth and climate change, those resources are only going to see more demand. But if you are already sticking to five-minute showers, turning off the water when you brush your teeth and forgoing car washes, how can you conserve more?
What [...]
Water resources are already taxed in Oregon, and with population growth and climate change, those resources are only going to see more demand. But if you are already sticking to five-minute showers, turning off the water when you brush your teeth and forgoing car washes, how can you conserve more?
What [...]
Before joining OLCV as an intern for the summer from Duke University, I had never made it out to the western part of the country past the Mississippi river. Never one to do things halfway, when the opportunity came to venture to the west [...]
Before joining OLCV as an intern for the summer from Duke University, I had never made it out to the western part of the country past the Mississippi river. Never one to do things halfway, when the opportunity came to venture to the west [...]
An editorial that ran in today's Oregonian exposes the results of a recent Pew Research study: What the public thinks and what scientists know to be true are very, very different. While the editorial highlights views on evolution and the general value of scientific research, the findings about [...]
An editorial that ran in today's Oregonian exposes the results of a recent Pew Research study: What the public thinks and what scientists know to be true are very, very different. While the editorial highlights views on evolution and the general value of scientific research, the findings about [...]
In case you haven't seen it yet, check out this wrap-up from the Oregon Conservation Network on how the environment fared in the 2009 Legislative session. Scroll down for a long list summarizing bills and their fates.
[...]In case you haven't seen it yet, check out this wrap-up from the Oregon Conservation Network on how the environment fared in the 2009 Legislative session. Scroll down for a long list summarizing bills and their fates.
[...]If you read OLCV's last E-bulletin, then you know that OLCV wants your photographs. We will select the best eligible photo for the cover of OLCV's 2009 Legislative Scorecard, published in September.
Do you have photos of your favorite places in the state? Your kids on a riverside trail? Mountain views? [...]
If you read OLCV's last E-bulletin, then you know that OLCV wants your photographs. We will select the best eligible photo for the cover of OLCV's 2009 Legislative Scorecard, published in September.
Do you have photos of your favorite places in the state? Your kids on a riverside trail? Mountain views? [...]
Senators gave Rep. Jefferson Smith a birthday present today (he turned 36, I believe). The Oregon Senate passed HB 3369 on a 20-9 vote, with Republican Senators Morse and Nelson joining the 18-member Democratic caucus in support. Sen. Boquist was excused.
More about the bill, which now heads to the [...]
Senators gave Rep. Jefferson Smith a birthday present today (he turned 36, I believe). The Oregon Senate passed HB 3369 on a 20-9 vote, with Republican Senators Morse and Nelson joining the 18-member Democratic caucus in support. Sen. Boquist was excused.
More about the bill, which now heads to the [...]
Oregon House members passed SB 101 on a 37-21 vote today. The bill, which now heads to the Governor, sets standards for long-term investments in new energy sources, setting significant barriers to new coal plants. (More about the bill)
Representative Cannon carried the [...]
Oregon House members passed SB 101 on a 37-21 vote today. The bill, which now heads to the Governor, sets standards for long-term investments in new energy sources, setting significant barriers to new coal plants. (More about the bill)
Representative Cannon carried the [...]
On an 18-11 vote, the Oregon Senate just passed HB 2020, a bill to create an emergency response fund to detect and quickly respond to invasive species outbreaks. (More about the bill). It was the third OCN Priority bill on invasive species to head to the Governor's desk, [...]
On an 18-11 vote, the Oregon Senate just passed HB 2020, a bill to create an emergency response fund to detect and quickly respond to invasive species outbreaks. (More about the bill). It was the third OCN Priority bill on invasive species to head to the Governor's desk, [...]
On a 31-29 vote, the Oregon House passed SB 528, a bill to limit the amount of field burning in Oregon. The bill now heads to the Governor.
Senate Bill 528 would limits on field burning throughout the Willamette Valley, phasing out the practice by [...]
On a 31-29 vote, the Oregon House passed SB 528, a bill to limit the amount of field burning in Oregon. The bill now heads to the Governor.
Senate Bill 528 would limits on field burning throughout the Willamette Valley, phasing out the practice by [...]
By a 54-6 vote, the Oregon House repassed House Bill 2940 an hour ago.
The bill weakens Oregon's commitment to clean energy by redefining what is "renewable" under Oregon's renewable energy standard passed in 2007. The Standard requires Oregon have 25% new renewable energy by 2025. This bill will reduce that commitment by about [...]
By a 54-6 vote, the Oregon House repassed House Bill 2940 an hour ago.
The bill weakens Oregon's commitment to clean energy by redefining what is "renewable" under Oregon's renewable energy standard passed in 2007. The Standard requires Oregon have 25% new renewable energy by 2025. This bill will reduce that commitment by about [...]
The Oregon Senate just voted 25-5 to pass HB 3037 and send the bill to the Governor. The bill creates a paint stewardship program, helping protect Oregon's rivers and landfills from toxic paint waste. More about the bill. Post-consumer paint is often the number one product, by volume and [...]
The Oregon Senate just voted 25-5 to pass HB 3037 and send the bill to the Governor. The bill creates a paint stewardship program, helping protect Oregon's rivers and landfills from toxic paint waste. More about the bill. Post-consumer paint is often the number one product, by volume and [...]
On a 26-4 vote, the Oregon Senate passed HB 2220B, a bill to create mobile boat check stations and fight invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels and aquatic plants.
The bill -- an OCN Priority bill -- now heads to [...]
On a 26-4 vote, the Oregon Senate passed HB 2220B, a bill to create mobile boat check stations and fight invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels and aquatic plants.
The bill -- an OCN Priority bill -- now heads to [...]
The Oregon Senate, on a 25-3 vote, passed House Bill 2940 an hour ago. The bill weakens Oregon's commitment to clean energy by redefining what is "renewable" under Oregon's renewable energy standard passed in 2007. The Standard requires Oregon have 25% new renewable energy by 2025. This bill will reduce [...]
The Oregon Senate, on a 25-3 vote, passed House Bill 2940 an hour ago. The bill weakens Oregon's commitment to clean energy by redefining what is "renewable" under Oregon's renewable energy standard passed in 2007. The Standard requires Oregon have 25% new renewable energy by 2025. This bill will reduce [...]
The Oregon Senate just took a step against future coal plants in Oregon.
Senate Bill 101, an OCN Priority Bill, would ensure electric utilities would not enter into new long-term contracts with dirty coal plants, and future long-term contracts are for energy sources that are [...]
The Oregon Senate just took a step against future coal plants in Oregon.
Senate Bill 101, an OCN Priority Bill, would ensure electric utilities would not enter into new long-term contracts with dirty coal plants, and future long-term contracts are for energy sources that are [...]
The Oregon House just passed an important bill that would shape how Oregon handles water storage and conservation into the future. The OCN Priority bill, HB 3369, was created through a session-long effort by Representatives Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) [...]
The Oregon House just passed an important bill that would shape how Oregon handles water storage and conservation into the future. The OCN Priority bill, HB 3369, was created through a session-long effort by Representatives Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) [...]
We have our first 2009 victory in product stewardship legislation—Oregonians will now be able to conveniently recycle household paint!
Post-consumer paint is often the number one product, by volume and cost, coming into local hazardous waste programs. It is not uncommon to find unopened and partially used cans of paint in [...]
We have our first 2009 victory in product stewardship legislation—Oregonians will now be able to conveniently recycle household paint!
Post-consumer paint is often the number one product, by volume and cost, coming into local hazardous waste programs. It is not uncommon to find unopened and partially used cans of paint in [...]
On a 16-14 vote, the Oregon Senate just passed a stripped-down version of House Bill 2186. As amended in the Senate, the bill allows the state to develop a low-carbon fuel standard, which would reduce the carbon dioxide pollution from fuel by 10% by 2020. If the changes are [...]
On a 16-14 vote, the Oregon Senate just passed a stripped-down version of House Bill 2186. As amended in the Senate, the bill allows the state to develop a low-carbon fuel standard, which would reduce the carbon dioxide pollution from fuel by 10% by 2020. If the changes are [...]
On a 44-15 vote, the Oregon House just passed House Bill 2220B, a bill to create mobile check stations to inspect and clean boats that may be infected with invasive quagga or zebra mussels or aquatic plants.
Rep. Jenson (R-Pendleton), co-chair of the Natural [...]
On a 44-15 vote, the Oregon House just passed House Bill 2220B, a bill to create mobile check stations to inspect and clean boats that may be infected with invasive quagga or zebra mussels or aquatic plants.
Rep. Jenson (R-Pendleton), co-chair of the Natural [...]
Congratulations to Representative Brian Clem who worked extremely hard all session to pass House Bill 3298 to protect the Metolius Basin. As Rep. Larry Galizio, D-Tigard, changed his previous opposition to the bill, Galizio became the 31st vote in favor of the the bill, meaning it passed and [...]
Congratulations to Representative Brian Clem who worked extremely hard all session to pass House Bill 3298 to protect the Metolius Basin. As Rep. Larry Galizio, D-Tigard, changed his previous opposition to the bill, Galizio became the 31st vote in favor of the the bill, meaning it passed and [...]
I just had to write that headline.
Maybe it's not precise, but here's the scoop: Giant Hogweed, native to Asia, can grow from 10 to 15 feet tall. It is a member of the carrot and parsnip family. It's also an invasive species, and it's [...]
I just had to write that headline.
Maybe it's not precise, but here's the scoop: Giant Hogweed, native to Asia, can grow from 10 to 15 feet tall. It is a member of the carrot and parsnip family. It's also an invasive species, and it's [...]
On Friday, our august Executive Director Jonathan Poisner wrote about a major threat to Oregon's environment: House Bill 2940, which would roll back Oregon's commitment to a clean energy future. We urge you to contact your Senators today - either by calling them at 800-332-2313 or emailing them [...]
On Friday, our august Executive Director Jonathan Poisner wrote about a major threat to Oregon's environment: House Bill 2940, which would roll back Oregon's commitment to a clean energy future. We urge you to contact your Senators today - either by calling them at 800-332-2313 or emailing them [...]
On a 39-19 vote, the Oregon House today voted to pass SB 596A, a bill to phase out a dangerous chemical. From the press release:
The House passed a phased-in ban of a flame retardant commonly found
in mattresses and other [...]
On a 39-19 vote, the Oregon House today voted to pass SB 596A, a bill to phase out a dangerous chemical. From the press release:
The House passed a phased-in ban of a flame retardant commonly found
in mattresses and other [...]
The Oregonian today has a great front page story documenting the significant challenges Oregon faces tracking water use, making sure that we're not taking too much water from our rivers and underground aquifers, stealing a precious legacy from our children and neighbors.
Of course, the article would've been more useful [...]
The Oregonian today has a great front page story documenting the significant challenges Oregon faces tracking water use, making sure that we're not taking too much water from our rivers and underground aquifers, stealing a precious legacy from our children and neighbors.
Of course, the article would've been more useful [...]
The Oregon Senate passed HB 3013A just now, on a 24-3 vote. Senators Johnson and Kruse carried the bill on the floor. Sens. Ferrioli, George, and Girod voted against; Sens. Boquist, Carter, and Walker were excused. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.
The bill relates to OCN’s [...]
The Oregon Senate passed HB 3013A just now, on a 24-3 vote. Senators Johnson and Kruse carried the bill on the floor. Sens. Ferrioli, George, and Girod voted against; Sens. Boquist, Carter, and Walker were excused. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.
The bill relates to OCN’s [...]
Yesterday the Human Services Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee of the Oregon Legislature moved forward an amended version of Senate Bill 528, a limit on field burning in Oregon. The bill now moves to the full Ways and Means Committee, and if it passes that committee, to [...]
Yesterday the Human Services Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee of the Oregon Legislature moved forward an amended version of Senate Bill 528, a limit on field burning in Oregon. The bill now moves to the full Ways and Means Committee, and if it passes that committee, to [...]
The Oregon Senate just passed SB 79, a bill to cut energy waste and improve energy independence, on a 20-9 vote. Sen. Monroe carried the bill on the floor, and Sens. Winters and Nelson joined 18 Democrats in support of the bill. Sen. Starr [...]
The Oregon Senate just passed SB 79, a bill to cut energy waste and improve energy independence, on a 20-9 vote. Sen. Monroe carried the bill on the floor, and Sens. Winters and Nelson joined 18 Democrats in support of the bill. Sen. Starr [...]
For those not in Salem or watching on-line, the Oregon House defeated a bill to protect the Metolius today, on a 30-29 vote (31 votes, a majority of the 60 members, are required for passage).
Speaker Hunt, and Reps. Barton, Barker, Galizio, and Matthews joined the 24 Republicans in voting [...]
For those not in Salem or watching on-line, the Oregon House defeated a bill to protect the Metolius today, on a 30-29 vote (31 votes, a majority of the 60 members, are required for passage).
Speaker Hunt, and Reps. Barton, Barker, Galizio, and Matthews joined the 24 Republicans in voting [...]
