The carbon pollution in our atmosphere from burning fossil fuels like oil and coal is waging a direct and unchecked assault on our farming, fishing and forests – the cornerstones of Oregon’s rural economy.
When Jeff was young, his dad worked as a millwright. He spent his childhood in Southern Oregon timber communities, where timber jobs were what put food on the table and kept roofs over folks’ head. Fires and insect infestations are already killing trees at alarming rates across the Northwest, and climate change will only make these threats to our forests worse. Other iconic Oregon industries like our coastal oyster hatcheries are threatened by ocean acidification, and fishing and farming alike are facing threats from declining snowpacks and increased drought.
Congress needs to wake up. Climate change is real, and it’s bad for our economy and jobs, especially in rural Oregon and the places that most depend on our abundant natural resources.
Merkley, Wyden Announce $9.4 Million Federal Investment to Confront Wildfire Threats in Oregon
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $9.4 million is coming to Oregon to reduce wildfire threats in high-risk areas across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is directly investing $9,422,722 in three of Oregon’s national forests to treat areas of
Merkley, Wyden: PDX Lands $8.7 Million to Reduce Emissions
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding Portland International Airport (PDX) $8,724,651 to boost its project to upgrade the airport’s HVAC electrical systems to reduce emissions. “PDX is a vital hub for Oregonians, connecting communities, businesses, and
Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Fight Wildfires in Wasco County
Juniper Flats Rural Fire Protection awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $757,000 Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $757,143 for the Juniper Flats Rural Protection District in Wasco County to aid in local firefighting efforts. “As we witnessed firsthand this summer
Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Clean Energy Transition in Jackson County
City of Medford awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for $143,430 Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $143,430 for the City of Medford to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use. “The climate crisis demands
Wyden, Merkley Announce $1.9 Million to Promote Sustainable Forest Health for Small-Acreage Forest Landowners
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $1.9 million for the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to connect underserved and small acreage forest landowners to emerging carbon markets that provide incentives to improve forest management, including reforestation and other sustainable practices, for a healthier climate.
Oregon Delegation Celebrates Almost $120 Million to Supercharge EV Charging Infrastructure Across West Coast
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced today that nearly $120 million in federal funding is coming to the West Coast including Oregon to boost electric vehicle (EV)