Hi John,

Session just started, and I’m already writing to you today with our first Major Threats to a Healthy Oregon this session: House Bill 3119, that will delay Oregon’s clean truck policies for healthier air. With Trump back in the White House and threats to our climate and environment coming down from the federal level, we need to do more in Oregon to take action on climate, not backtrack. Now is the time for us to put our foot down on this Major Threat, otherwise the rest of session will be riddled with them.

There’s no way around this fact: diesel pollution has devastating impacts, and Oregon communities are already suffering. Diesel pollution specifically contains 40 cancer-causing compounds, contributes to 176 premature deaths annually, and costs our state $2 billion in health impacts each year. One of the fastest ways to cut this deadly pollution is by implementing our state’s long-established clean truck rules, yet oil and gas companies have launched their attack on these policies. Major Threat HB 3119 is a deliberate attack on our promise of healthier air. Tell your lawmakers to oppose this Major Threat now!

Delaying the implementation of Oregon’s clean truck rules would deepen the climate, pollution, and health crises and jeopardize our chance for healthier, cleaner air. Here’s why delaying these standards is a Major Threat for a Healthy Oregon:

• It’s a false crisis. Many manufacturers already meet these standards based on market demand; only 6% of overall trucks do not already meet these standards. Electric trucks are increasingly cost-competitive, being twice as cheap to refuel as their diesel counterparts. Oregon’s businesses should not be denied the opportunity to adopt cleaner, more affordable technologies.
• Delays will harm public health. Every year of delay means more toxic diesel emissions in our air, increasing cancer risks in 19 of Oregon’s 36 counties and disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. It is estimated to lead to dozens of premature deaths and cost billions of dollars in health impacts.
• It threatens Oregon’s clean tech leadership. Oregon’s Clean Tech Task Force has called out the need to maintain strong policies for a thriving clean tech sector. Delays undermine this progress, risking hundreds of millions in private investments and growth in sustainable jobs.
• Federal uncertainty makes action critical. With threats to national air quality standards, Oregon cannot count on federal backstops. Protecting our clean truck standards ensures our state continues leading on clean air and climate.

We cannot afford to delay Oregon’s clean truck rules when DEQ has already adopted additional compliance flexibilities in November and will be engaging in ongoing conversations during the permanent rule making process. Our state leaders must protect our clean air and oppose HB 3119 for your health and the health of the entire state. We have a supermajority - now is not the time to let things slide! Will you take action on this Major Threat now, before the hearing on Thursday, January 30th?

There is no time to wait. We need as much support as we can get to defend our state against this Major Threat and stand up for climate action. The health and climate of our state matters more than the profit of oil and gas companies. Tell your legislators to oppose this Major Threat so we don’t delay this entire program!

Sincerely,

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! 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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