That's a wrap!
Advancing a healthy, resilient future in Central Oregon requires change at both the individual and systemic levels. To ensure a better future for the next generations, we must communicate with elected officials and empower our community members and leaders to stand up for bold action today. That’s why we’re committed to having a seat at the table when key decisions are being made in our region and state.
The 2025 long session of the Oregon Legislature is underway, and it's a vital opportunity to push for climate-forward, equitable policies. Across all program areas, our team works every day to not only educate our community, but to advocate for local policies and infrastructure that protect the environment and support economic success. From council chambers to classrooms, we collaborate with others to prioritize climate action and equitable solutions in the face of rapid growth and development.
Below is a high-level summary of the 2025 legislative initiatives we’re currently invested in—as well as a recap of past wins and some helpful resources. Keep checking back for updates and opportunities to participate, and sign up for our e-newsletter to get action alerts and the latest blog posts. We’ll also keep you posted on the bills we’re supporting throughout the session.
2025 Focus Areas
Waste & Materials: Reducing waste from upstream to downstream
In 2025, we’re doubling down on efforts to prevent waste at the source and improve systems for reuse and repair. Oregon has taken bold steps in recent years—like banning polystyrene and legalizing reusables—and we’re pushing for even more systemic change.
Transportation: Accelerate electric and people-powered mobility
Transportation still accounts for nearly 40% of Oregon’s carbon emissions. We’re supporting policies that make it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, and use electric vehicles—all while addressing the climate crisis and making our communities healthier.
Energy Supply: Transition to clean and resilient energy
Many of Oregon’s homes and buildings put people at risk from climate extremes like deadly heat, while also contributing to climate pollution through fossil fuel use. We’re pushing for statewide policies to ensure new buildings are efficient, healthy, and resilient—and to make it easier and more affordable to upgrade existing ones. In 2025, Oregon’s legislature must act to give more people access to safer, climate-ready homes.
Make Your Voice Heard in the State Capitol 101
Learn about our priorities that will help us decarbonize our community during the 2023 legislative session in Oregon. This event will include training on how to write an effective testimony or letter to legislators, give you time to write and workshop, and ask questions of our expert coalition partners. All written testimony can be submitted for public hearings in the following days and weeks! You can help us get these bills over the finish line!
Get Involved!
There are many ways to get involved in the 2023 legislative session. And luckily, many helpful resources already exist.
1. Sign up for for our e-news for timely action alerts.
We send our regular e-newsletter, Living the Green, every two weeks. We will include updates on important policies, and helpful instructions on how to get involved and when.
2. Learn more about bills and sign up for email updates through Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).
- Here’s a tutorial on how to find info through OLIS.
- Sign up for bill alerts and updates through OLIS.
3. Tell your elected officials what is important to you.
- Find your State Senators and Representatives by clicking on a geographic area in the map or typing in your address.
- Write a letter or email to your elected official. Be sure to include which bills you are interested in and be specific that you want them to support those bills.
- Submit testimony.
- How to submit written testimony.
- Here’s an example: A few written testimonies we’ve submitted.
- How to testify live.
- How to submit written testimony.
4. Talk about these things with friends and family.
Individual action is most impactful when you share and communicate with those around you. It keeps issues like climate change relevant and top-of-mind. Chat with your friends, coworkers, and family about your own personal connection to the issue and why it matters to you. Whatever you do, just keep talking about the change you wish to see.