Natural Resources and Rural Development

The Beaver State was built by Americans who relied on the land for their livelihood. Natural resource industries like farming, forestry, and salmon fishing remain integral to Oregon’s economy today.  Our state has also long been a destination for Americans looking to experience the great outdoors.  Oregon’s protected public lands provide valuable habitats, supply clean water, and generate jobs through sustainable harvests, recreation, and tourism. Preserving our natural resources and making smart decisions about economic development will help spur rural growth and ensure that future generations can enjoy Oregon’s wild places and public lands while putting people to work.

Wyden, Merkley, Bynum: Redmond Secures $1.25 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum today announced that the city of Redmond has earned a $1.25 million federal infrastructure investment from the Environmental Protection Agency to expand the city’s sustainable wastewater treatment system. “Modern and dependable infrastructure is essential

Merkley, Curtis Lead Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

Bipartisan legislation removes regulatory burden on proactive forest management efforts to mitigate wildfires Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led their EPW colleagues—including Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex

New Merkley Bill Tackles Dual Crises of Wildfire Risk and Insurance Affordability

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today unveiled the Wildfire Insurance Affordability Act, new legislation that would help homeowners reduce wildfire risk, give insurers confidence in lowering home insurance rates in communities at risk of fires, and keep insurers in the market. “The threat of wildfires is sending

Merkley, Hyde-Smith, Bentz, Thompson Launch New Bipartisan Effort to Promote Renewable Fuels, Boost Wildfire Resiliency

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) partnered with U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02) to introduce the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act. This new bipartisan, bicameral legislation proposes to modernize the definition for renewable biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard, establishing

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