Hello John,

A Major Threat bill, HB 2659, is scheduled for a public hearing next Tuesday. The bill would repeal and delay our newly adopted Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) program, rolling back the progress we’ve made on tackling climate change and addressing inequity. We should be providing the CFEC program with adequate funding. Instead, we find ourselves fighting for its right to exist. Will you make your voice heard and add your name to this petition that we are submitting as public testimony on April 4th?

The CFEC program, which was part of the major climate executive order signed by Governor Brown, would transform eight urban areas in our state by making neighborhoods more pedestrian and bike friendly, improving air quality, and improving liveability for everyone. This program is a critical piece of Oregon’s Climate Action Plan. It can help make our communities healthier, more inclusive, and more climate-resilient for generations to come. Extreme heat threatens our communities and environment, and it’ll only get worse unless we act to decrease climate pollution. 

Our state is getting hotter and drier. Temperatures are rising, disrupting rainfall patterns and creating more frequent drought conditions, as well as more extreme weather events. Overall, warm and dry conditions are likely to increase with climate change and are associated with large wildfires in our state––like the 2020 Labor Day fires. Climate change affects our agriculture and timber industries and fisheries. It also affects our daily lives. Whether your favorite hobbies include skiing, fishing, or simply exploring your neighborhood, we enjoy our open spaces year-round. By prioritizing our environment, climate, and housing when developing our cities, the CFEC program aims to reduce climate pollution and provide more affordable housing options.

Last year, over 1,600 individuals, businesses, and organizations spoke up to help ensure that our state adopted the program. We need to make this transition. A rollback of this program would most likely mean a continuation of the status quo: continued dependence on and prioritization of gas guzzling modes of transportation, inequitable access to housing options, and extreme weather conditions. That’s why we need your help to stop this bill from gutting the CFEC program. We need more affordable housing options in walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods. Can you sign on to this petition before next Tuesday?

Thank you for your support,

Julia DeGraw

Coalition Director, OLCV