We did it, Oregon! We're on our way to being rid of power from polluting coal and we're building a clean energy economy.

The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill makes Oregon the first state in the nation with legislation to go coal-free. And it is the first state-level renewable energy victory following the Paris climate agreement.

The bill has a lot of great stuff built in and will have historic effect on cutting climate pollution in Oregon and helping our state shift to a clean energy economy.

Here's our TOP TEN LIST of what's to love about the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill:

For the past quarter, I’ve been the Clean Energy Campaign Coordinator for OSPIRG at the University of Oregon.  My fellow students and I know that climate change is the greatest threat of our time. Globally we’re already experiencing the symptoms of climate change, which include more severe storms, ocean acidification, and drought. Here in Oregon, last summer wildfires devastated property and led to huge consequences for our health and economy. This is the issue of our generation, and that’s why we decided to take action.

Nine Mayors across the state have signed on in support of the Healthy Climate Bill (SB 1574). "The Healthy Climate Bill can level the playing field for clean energy solutions in Oregon, foster innovation and technological progress, and advance public health," the letter reads. "It is the right opportunity for Oregon at the right time."  

Co-authored by Megan Kemple (350 Eugene), Hannah Sohl (Rogue Climate), and Page Atcheson (Renew Oregon)

Over 50 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural stakeholders have signed onto a letter urging the Oregon legislature to pass the Healthy Climate Bill (SB 1574). The bill, which passed out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee last week, would limit carbon pollution and invest in Oregon communities, to support the transition to clean energy and prepare for a changing climate.

The letter reads: 

 Our rural communities are observing dramatic changes in the climate, which we must address or lose our livelihoods. When climate change exposes our crops to extreme and unpredictable temperatures, our yields and economic security are threatened. Severe storms, droughts and floods lead to decreases in crop yields, soil erosion, infrastructure damage and disease/insect infestation. Many regions of Oregon are already experiencing these changes and last year the majority of Oregon’s rural counties were in extreme drought, threatening our crops, livestock, and water supply. 

A recent poll done by FM3 Research shows that about 7 in 10 Oregonians support the proposal to transition Oregon off coal to a clean energy economy. 

That's 70% of likely voters in Oregon who are ready for real action to be taken on climate change.

With overwhelming and bipartisan support, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill pass through the Oregon House of Representatives on Monday afternoon.  

Passage through the house sets the bill up for a vote in the Senate in the coming days. HB 4036, known as the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill crafted by environmental advocates and supported by the major utilities that would transfer Oregon’s power off coal-fired electricity and replace it with clean, renewable sources.

On the House floor, supporters spoke about the importance of returning Oregon to a place as a national leader in addressing climate change. Transitioning the state off coal will send a powerful message about the importance of cleaning up our electricity sector and protect ratepayers from costly coal plant upgrades.

140 businesses, large and small, sign a letter to lawmakers urging passage of HB 4036

SALEM, Ore. ­­ In a strong show of support for clean energy and climate protection, 140 Oregon businesses signed and delivered a letter to Oregon legislators this morning urging passage of the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill, SB 1547 B.

The signers range from huge operations like Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland Trail Blazers to small business owners from Tillamook to Bend, Portland to Ashland.

The opening to the letter reads:

In recognition of the clear and present need for action on climate and low­-carbon energy to protect our state’s natural assets, vibrant communities and growing economy, the below businesses encourage a coordinated effort to combat climate change at the state level. Leading is what we’ve always done. Together, regardless of politics, we can again lead the way.

From Oregon’s booming, multi­billion dollar wine industry to renewable energy companies, heavy electricity users to main street small business ­­all agree a transition to a clean energy economy will protect Oregonians and help businesses grow.

Oregon Editorial Boards Weigh In: It’s Time to Transition Off Coal

The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill is a hot topic of discussion, and local newspaper editorial boards are weighing in. From Astoria to Medford and beyond, the Coal Transition Bill is receiving widespread support. And why shouldn’t it? Crafted by a diverse set of parties -- from investor-owned electric utilities, to environmental and consumer organizations, and the renewable energy industry -- the bill reflects the interests of all those who will benefit from this game-changing piece of legislation.

Nationwide, the cost of coal is going up, and the price of clean energy is coming down. Climate change poses a major threat to our way of life in Oregon, but also represents a great economic opportunity to harness the power of clean, renewable energy. The Coal Transition Bill offers a common sense approach to this transition, and will make Oregon a national leader in the movement to adopt clean energy. The vote within Oregon’s legislature may still be out, but the verdict among editorial boards is in -- the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill is good for Oregon.

Senate Majority Office

Oregon State Legislature
State Capitol
Salem, OR

Healthy Climate Act advances to Joint Ways and Means Committee

SB 1574 to cut carbon emissions statewide, establish ‘cap and invest’ program

SALEM – Two key Oregon Senate Democrats are taking the lead on a bill to reduce carbon emissions and fund projects that promote a healthy environment, renewable energy development and transportation infrastructure across Oregon and its most disadvantaged communities.

From the beginning, one of Renew Oregon’s priorities has been to build the largest coalition of organizations focused on addressing climate change in Oregon’s history. Some of the campaign’s biggest supporters are those who work in and advocate for public health and well-being. A broad group of professional groups, clean-air advocates, practitioners and public health organizations have signed on to a letter calling on Oregon’s lawmakers to support HB 4036, the Clean Air and Coal Transition bill that would double Oregon’s renewable energy and eliminate the use of coal.

No one knows more about the disastrous effects of climate change than the women and men who treat and care for Oregonians suffering from respiratory illness, lung disease, heart problems, and other conditions that are increasingly more chronic and acute the longer we burn coal and other pollutants for our power. That’s why it is so significant that so many health advocates are standing up in support of the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill. You can read the letter on behalf of Health Advocates here: