The Oregon Conservation Network claims victory, cites disappointment

For immediate release: Feb. 25, 2010

Contact:  Toby Van Fleet, OLCV Communications Director,
503-224-4011 x212, toby@olcv.org

The Oregon Conservation Network claims victory, cites disappointment

Significant progress and one perplexing loss mark February session

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Conservation Network won on two out of three of its Priorities for a Healthy Oregon for the 2010 Special Session of the Oregon Legislature, which ended today. More than 40 of Oregon’s leading environmental groups joined forces to pass three bills, which would protect Oregon’s children, build livable communities and preserve Oregon’s coastal legacy.

“Our elected leaders passed important laws that will protect coastal areas for future generations and set into motion transportation planning that will make communities around the state more livable,” said OLCV Executive Director Jon Isaacs. “But we are extremely disappointed that the Oregon Senate rejected the opportunity to protect Oregon’s kids from toxic chemicals. Senators will be held accountable for their votes.”

Details on the 2010 Priorities for a Healthy Oregon:

Protecting our children from toxic chemicals: Loss (Failed on Senate Floor)

Despite mounting evidence showing that Bisphenol A (BPA) is harmful to children's health, the Oregon Senate rejected Senate Bill 1032. Sheparded to the floor by Senators Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland) and Alan Bates (D-Ashland), this reasonable and very narrow bill would have banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups sold in Oregon. The federal government is concerned about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. Recent studies show subtle effects of low doses of BPA. A similar ban recently passed the Washington House of Representatives almost unanimously.

Creating healthy, climate-friendly communities: Win (On Governor’s desk)

A task force established by the 2009 Legislature proposed Senate Bill 1059, which would assist Oregon's six major metro areas to develop plans to broaden transportation choices while also helping Oregon meet its greenhouse-gas reduction goals. 1000 Friends of Oregon and the Oregon Environmental Council represented the conservation community on the task force and led the effort to help pass this bill.

Protecting Oregon’s coast from oil and gas exploration: Win (On Governor’s desk)

House Bill 3613 to renewed a moratorium on drilling for oil and gas in Oregon's coastal waters which expired Jan. 2. The momentum of this bill was led by Rep. Ben Cannon (D-Portland), Chair of the House Environment and Water Committee, and a notably broad-based coalition including conservation groups like Environment Oregon and Our Ocean, fishing industry groups, and local businesses in coastal communities. All were committed to protecting Oregon jobs and Oregon’s coastal legacy at the same time.

OCN also commends lawmakers for passing House Bill 3680. HB 3680 will help to ensure integrity and stability in the Business Energy Tax Credit program, which is vital to Oregon's growing new energy economy. Through investments in renewable energy, conservation, recycling and green manufacturing, the BETC is one of Oregon's most important environmental programs. 

The Oregon Conservation Network is a coalition more than 40 environmental organizations—coordinated by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters—with collective membership of more than 100,000 Oregonians. For a complete list of OCN member groups and more information, please visit www.oregonpriorities.org.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters works to pass pro-environment laws, elect pro-environment candidates, and hold all of our elected officials accountable. www.olcv.org

Stay updated on environmental news in the Legislature and state agencies: Sign up for SalemWatch. www.oregonpriorities.org/salem-watch

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