Commissioners need to hear from you!

Hi John,

Are you a resident of Multnomah County? Then your voice can make a real difference. Multnomah County has an opportunity to lead the state on regulations to protect public health and fight climate change. Specifically, the county is considering a resolution to begin developing healthy air standards for home heating in order to reduce toxic outdoor nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution and protect our climate. Commissioners need to hear loud and clear from their constituents that there is no time to delay. 

Burning fossil fuels in Multnomah County homes and businesses releases about 1,000 tons of harmful NOx into the outdoor environment each year. That is about 25% of the state’s total emissions of more than 4,000 tons. It’s not just air pollution, using fossil fuels in homes and buildings in Oregon is equivalent to the climate pollution from over a million cars, which is a greater number than all the cars in Multnomah and Washington Counties combined.

This is an environmental justice issue. Studies have found that low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution. By establishing clean air standards for appliances, the county can reduce air pollution and climate emissions, and mitigate disproportionate impacts to BIPOC.

We have a responsibility to call for immediate action to address these environmental injustices. It is time for elected officials to take action for clean air and our climate. Together we can ensure a healthier future for all residents in Multnomah County.

Best,

Nick + the Breach Team

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