Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

We have a solemn responsibility to protect the remarkable place in which we are privileged to live. During my first term as your State Representative, I have worked hard to protect and preserve Oregon's unique environment.

As Vice Chair of the House Land Use Committee, I crafted legislation to implement recommendations of the "Big Look" task force on the Oregon land-use system. House Bill 2229 will give local governments more flexibility to solve land-use problems while preserving our core goals of protecting valuable farmland and forestland from sprawl.


I proudly co-sponsored House Bill 3298, which designates the Metolius River Basin for special protection under state land-use laws. During lengthy deliberations in the House Land Use Committee, thousands of Oregonians spoke out in favor of this legislation.

I was a lead sponsor of Senate Bill 513, an innovative bill that creates a system by which private money can be used to supplement governmental and philanthropic funding for environmental protection. The bill takes a first step towards authorizing the development of coordinated markets for ecosystem services. In such markets, buyers and sellers exchange money for ecosystem services, which include clean air and water, as well as fish and wildlife habitat. Thus, SB 513 sets the stage for private landowners to receive payments for providing ecosystem services when they make a special effort to do so. Passage of the bill creates green jobs, brings cost savings to industry and local governments, and stimulates the creation of endangered species habitat.

I also supported legislation that authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt a low carbon fuel standard to reduce carbon emissions from fuel by 10% below 2010 levels by 2020. Adoption of this standard will cut down greenhouse gas emissions, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and support local producers of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol.

In future sessions, I will continue to be a leader in protecting Oregon's open spaces and combating climate change.

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