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.
Merkley and Wyden Announce Over $5 Million to Realize New Renewable Energy Projects in Oregon
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sending a total of $2,182,023 in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, and $3,176,875 in a REAP loan, to support renewable energy projects in the state. The investments—much like the $4.5 million for other REAP
Oregon Delegation Pushes for USDA Disaster Declaration, More Federal Resources to Respond to Oregon Wildfires
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s entire Congressional delegation—U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Cliff Bentz—sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging approval of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a disaster declaration for Oregon counties facing devastating wildfires.
Merkley, Wyden Welcome $400 Million to Combat Historic Western Drought
USDA’s New Water Savings Commodity Program Follows Call from Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Arizona, Nevada, & Montana Lawmakers in April Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of $400 million to address drought through investments at the
Wyden, Merkley Announce $4 Million Federal Investment for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in Independence
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S.Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $4 million for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Independence. “Continuing to improve Oregon’s critical infrastructure, while also creating good-paying local jobs adds up to a big win in my book,” Wyden said. “Oregonians
Merkley, Wyden Announce $900,000 Grant to Improve Water Quality and Strengthen Habitats in the Lower Columbia River
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (LCEP) $909,000 for the implementation of their Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). The CCMP aims to improve water quality, protect natural habitats,
Merkley Announces Key Committee Action to Boost Oregon’s Wildfire Resiliency, Water Infrastructure, and Climate Investments Under his Chairmanship
As chair of a key Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Merkley wrote the fiscal year 2025 Interior-Environment spending bill to fund top Oregon priorities, including essential community-initiated projects across the state. Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—as Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee—announced he secured critical investments to strengthen forest health and
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