The Climate Crisis in Oregon
Oregon is already feeling the effects of climate change. Wildfires are devastating our forests and communities. Heat domes are killing our neighbors. Drought threatens our agriculture. Rising seas endanger our coast. We can't wait for federal action. Oregon must lead.
Transitioning to clean energy means protecting our natural resources and ensuring that the green economy works for everyone, not just the wealthy. Rabbi Fora will accelerate Oregon's transition while creating thousands of good-paying jobs.
100% Renewable Energy
Oregon can and should be powered entirely by clean, renewable energy. Rabbi Fora will accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels while creating thousands of good-paying jobs.
Solar for All
Expand community solar programs so renters and low-income Oregonians can access clean energy savings, not just homeowners.
Wind & Offshore
Support responsible development of wind power, including offshore wind that can power coastal communities.
Grid Modernization
Invest in grid infrastructure that can handle distributed renewable energy and withstand extreme weather events.
Energy Storage
Support battery storage development so clean energy is available 24/7, not just when the sun shines.
A Just Transition
The transition to a green economy must be fair. Workers in fossil fuel industries deserve good jobs in the new economy, not pink slips. Frontline communities deserve investment, not abandonment.
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Green Jobs Training
Fund retraining programs for workers transitioning from fossil fuel industries to renewable energy, building retrofits, and sustainable agriculture.
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Union Jobs
Require that state-funded green projects use union labor and pay prevailing wages. The green economy must be a good economy for workers.
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Environmental Justice
Prioritize climate investments in communities that have borne the brunt of pollution, especially low-income communities and communities of color.
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Rural Investment
Bring green economy jobs to rural Oregon, not just Portland. Renewable energy projects should benefit the communities that host them.
Sustainable Agriculture
Oregon's agricultural heritage is central to our identity. We must protect our farmers while transitioning to practices that preserve our soil, water, and climate for future generations.
Regenerative Agriculture
Support farmers transitioning to regenerative practices that sequester carbon, improve soil health, and reduce water use.
Water Conservation
Invest in modern irrigation and water-saving technologies to protect farmers from drought while preserving our rivers and aquifers.
Local Food Systems
Support local food production and distribution to reduce transportation emissions and strengthen rural economies.
Farmland Protection
Strengthen Oregon's land use laws to protect agricultural land from development and ensure the next generation can farm.
Responsible Technology
Oregon is home to major tech companies, but we must ensure that technological development serves the public good. That means addressing the enormous energy demands of data centers and AI systems.
AI Energy Accountability
Data centers and AI training facilities consume massive amounts of energy and water. Oregon must require transparency about this consumption and ensure these facilities use and pay for renewable energy.
- Require 100% renewable energy for new data centers
- Mandate transparent reporting of energy and water use
- End sweetheart tax deals for tech giants
Oregon can be a leader in responsible tech development, but only if we hold these companies accountable for their environmental impact.
Forests & Wildfire
Oregon's forests are both a treasure and increasingly a tinderbox. Climate change has made wildfires more frequent and intense. We need a comprehensive approach that protects communities while preserving our forests.
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Community Defensible Space
Fund programs to help homeowners create defensible space around their properties, especially in the wildland-urban interface.
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Tribal Fire Practices
Partner with tribes to reintroduce traditional fire management practices that indigenous peoples used for millennia to maintain healthy forests.
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Firefighter Support
Increase pay and benefits for wildland firefighters, who risk their lives protecting our communities and often lack basic protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Won't transitioning to renewable energy cost jobs?
The transition creates jobs. Clean energy is the fastest-growing sector in Oregon. For every fossil fuel job, the clean energy sector creates 3-5 new positions. The key is ensuring workers in affected industries get first access to training and new jobs. That's what a just transition means.
How can you require data centers to use renewable energy?
Large data centers can purchase renewable energy directly, build their own solar and wind installations, or sign power purchase agreements with clean energy producers. Companies like Google and Microsoft already do this. Oregon can require it rather than subsidizing fossil fuel consumption.
Won't environmental regulations hurt Oregon farmers?
We're proposing support, not mandates that leave farmers behind. Regenerative agriculture actually saves farmers money by reducing input costs. We're offering funding for transition costs, technical assistance, and guaranteed markets through state purchasing programs.
Questions or Feedback?
Have questions about Rabbi Fora's environmental policy? Want to share your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you.
Build a Sustainable Oregon
Oregon can lead on climate. We can create good jobs, protect our environment, and build a sustainable future. Join us.