Hi John,
The 2026 legislative session is right around the corner, and I’ve already begun meeting with legislators and partners to make sure we’re ready to advance pro-climate and pro-environment legislation. I’m excited to share the Oregon League of Conservation Voters’ (OLCV) and the Oregon Conservation Network's (OCN) 2026 Priorities for a Healthy Oregon.
While we anticipate another year of defending hard-won progress, we’re also stepping forward with a powerful, proactive agenda that will protect Oregon’s climate, wildlife, and communities. Below are our top priorities for this session:
1.25% for Wildlife: Landmark Wildlife & Habitat Conservation Funding
Oregon is home to nearly 300 species at elevated risk of extinction and 11 habitats of greatest conservation need but our state lacks stable funding to protect them. This bill would raise the statewide lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75%, dedicating the additional revenue to imperiled fish, wildlife, and habitat recovery efforts. These investments are essential to safeguarding Oregon’s rich biodiversity and natural legacy.
Make Polluters Pay: Climate Superfund
This bill holds major global polluters - like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and dozens more - accountable for ever-worsening climate disasters. Oregonians have already paid billions of dollars for past harms caused by the largest polluters, and will need to invest billions more into future climate adaptation. The funds will be distributed 30% to wildfire mitigation and the rest directed towards climate resilience programs, with 40% prioritized for environmental justice communities. Oregon has already spent billions responding to climate disasters; this bill ensures polluters, not communities, pay for past harms.
Natural Resource Agency Budgets
Protecting investments in Oregon’s climate, natural resources, clean energy, conservation, and wildlife agencies are essential, especially with continued federal uncertainty. Budgets are always a top priority, and 2026 is no exception.
I hope you’ll take a moment this session to message your legislators and urge them to support OLCV & OCN’s 2026 Priorities for a Healthy Oregon.
