In a victory for frontline communities, Oregon restores the Climate Protection Program

On November 21, the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) voted unanimously to reinstate Oregon’s landmark Climate Protection Program. This program pushes the state’s biggest polluters to cut back on harmful emissions while driving clean energy funds to rural, coastal, low-income, Indigenous, and communities of color hit hardest by the climate crisis.

Under Governor Tina Kotek’s leadership and collaboration from state agencies, these new rules show that Oregon is a beacon of resistance in the face of federal rollbacks promised by the second Trump administration. OJTA and its members—Beyond Toxics, PCUN, Unite Oregon, and Verde—are part of the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice (CCEJ), the team behind this big win. 

Thanks to CCEJ’s efforts, Oregon’s largest polluters – oil companies, gas utilities, and large industrial facilities – must gradually reduce their pollution by 90% through a phased rollout. “Finally, polluters will have to pay for their harms,” said Joel Iboa, Executive Director of Oregon Just Transition Alliance. 

With these protections, Oregon’s frontline communities are set to get tens of millions of dollars to fight climate change. The Climate Protection Program goes beyond current pollution rules by directing fossil fuel funds to impacted communities. This includes much needed support to low-income, coastal, rural, and communities of color, with 15% of the funds set aside for Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes and Tribal communities.

Alongside members Beyond Toxics and PCUN, Verde sat on the program’s Rules Advisory Committee to ensure the lived experiences and community needs were taken into account in the program rules. As representatives of frontline communities, they advocated for strong protections that directly address the harmful pollution that burdens low-income communities of color, all while building cleaner air, safer homes, and a livable future for all. We appreciate their important work on this project and encourage you to read more about them.

Restoring the Climate Protection Program is a crucial act of resistance against corporate polluters. Can you take a moment to thank the lawmakers who helped pass this bill?