Hi John,
Oregon’s 2025 legislative session begins on Tuesday, January 21st, but I’ve already started meeting with legislators and partners to ensure we’re doing all we can to pass strong pro-climate and pro-environment legislation this year. As promised, here is a summary of OLCV’s and Oregon Conservation Network’s (OCN) priorities for this session!
We anticipate that we’ll have to do a fair amount of defense this session on progress we’ve already made, but there’s still a lot we can accomplish. As always, passing strong pro-climate and pro-conservation budgets remain one of our top priorities. Under Trump’s leadership it will be up to Oregon’s state government to ensure funding for our state’s programs that protect our climate, air, water, forests and wildlife. On top of that, OLCV and OCN have selected three priority packages for this session:
- A transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife: This package would build on the historic gains on HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, Safe Routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This will create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians.
- Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability (HB 3081 [[link removed]], SB 88 [[link removed]], LC 1547): Oregonians are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing utility bills in the face of ever-worsening climate impacts. HB 3081 [[link removed]] would create an active navigator to help Oregonians access energy efficiency incentives all in one place. SB 88 [[link removed]] limits the ability of utility companies from charging ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. LC 1547 ensures that large energy users (i.e. data centers) do not unfairly burden Oregon households.
- Safeguarding Streamflows to Protect Oregon's Water (SB 427 [[link removed]]): OCN members have introduced SB 427 [[link removed]], which tackles an outdated regulatory loophole in our water right transfer laws that effectively nullifies Oregon’s ability to protect streamflows on the vast majority of streams across the state. OCN members are also actively shaping the 2025 House water package to make it more environmentally friendly.
It’s worth mentioning that we have also included a special focus area for this session with the Wildlife Stewardship Program (HB 2980 [[link removed]]) to honor Bob Sallingar’s legacy.
Take action on these priorities: [link removed]
These priorities will soon be posted on our website, including more information, so be sure to keep your eye out! I’m grateful to know I can count on you during this legislative session; the support of our members is critical during times like these. Now is the time that your lawmakers need to hear from you on the issues you care about. I hope you’ll take a moment to message your legislators to support our priorities in the 2025 session. Take action: [link removed]
Together,
Eliza Walton (she/they)
OLCV Coalition Director
P.S.: Another great way to support our work this session is by making a gift of any amount here: [link removed]! Your contribution is what allows us to pass strong pro-climate and pro-environment legislation. We can’t do it without you.
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
1110 SE Alder Suite 220
Portland, OR 97214
United States
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