John,

Remember back in the 1990s when the "peak oil" theory had people worried that we'd eventually run out of fossil fuels? Well, we've realized that the real problem isn't running out of oil – it's running out of room in our atmosphere to put the fossil fuel emissions that are causing climate change, and running out of time to make a transition to a clean energy economy.

It's also no secret that relying on fossil fuels leaves us vulnerable to price shocks caused by global crises like Russia's war against Ukraine – or global supply issues like the ones caused by the pandemic that are still causing problems across many industries – or price gouging by oil companies and OPEC.

We're already seeing what happens when the supply of oil can't keep up with demand. As the price of oil goes up, so do gas prices. Then, the cost of everything that relies on gas goes up. That means grocery prices rise as they become more expensive to farm and ship. That means heating our homes gets more expensive.

Here's the truth, John: an economy that relies on the price of a barrel of oil is both unstable and catastrophic for the environment.

And the best way to avoid this economic disaster and solve the climate crisis is with a new generation of green jobs.

As Labor Commissioner, I've worked hard to expand apprenticeship opportunities in our state to ensure that our economy has the highly skilled workforce we need – and to ensure that Oregonians can "earn while they learn" and get trained for a career that will provide them with good wages and benefits.

Addressing the climate crisis is going to require significant investments in infrastructure, in modernizing our electric grid, and in building the renewable energy projects that are the future of how we generate electricity in this country.

And that takes a skilled workforce, and will create tens of thousands of good, union jobs in communities across Oregon, from the coast to the valley to the high desert.

If we get this right – and we must get this right – the transition to a clean energy future will result in a 21st century workforce that's economically prosperous and environmentally conscious.

This green future is only possible if we elect leaders who understand what's at stake, who are willing to fight for clean energy investments and bold action on climate, and who know how critical a skilled workforce is to all of this.

I'm here to do this work, and I appreciate you standing alongside me.

Val