The Covid-19 pandemic demands urgent collective action to address existential threats, both immediate and those posed by future public health hazards.  Climate change also creates grave danger, and will require the same concerted effort as ending this pandemic.  But, these parallel crises converge to create a unique opportunity to forge a brighter future for us all, where ALL Oregonians have opportunities to thrive.  

Meaningfully addressing climate change will require fundamentally restructuring our economy to eliminate fossil fuel dependence and weave a sustainable economic web.  For too long we have pit economic interests against environmental ones, creating a race to the bottom where everyone loses. However, we now have an opportunity to strengthen our economy and protect the environment for generations to come. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented shut-down of the American economy, making real, structural changes possible when it reopens. 

So, on this Earth Day, we come together to urge Governor Brown to do everything in her power to seize this moment to create a livable environment for generations of Oregonians to come by taking the following steps:  

• Government procurement and other actions taken to recover from this crisis must be evaluated in terms of whether they will help us meet our climate goals.  In making this evaluation, we must ensure that vulnerable communities do not continue to disproportionately bear the burden of climate change. 
• Lawmakers should assist businesses in adapting to climate change, rather than unthinkingly subsidizing the status quo. 
  We must focus on eliminating food waste and creating efficient supply chains that get food to where it is needed.
• We must invest in rebuilding our infrastructure, including replacing lead pipes, expanding wind and solar power, and building clean and affordable public transit.
• We must weatherize public buildings, build and repair public supportive housing, restore our wetlands and forests, and support regenerative agriculture led by family farmers.
• Critically, all investments should include conditions for industries to implement high-road labor standards, workforce development, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and toxic pollution.
• We must educate the next generation by updating curriculum to include  regenerative, sustainable, climate-smart practices.

Restoring our state’s economy to full strength will require investment in sectors with robust job growth potential. This is the perfect time to usher in the critically necessary transition to climate resilience for our state.  We urge you, Governor Brown, to take bold climate action now!