On Dec. 16 the Environmental Quality Commission made history. It approved climate regulations that push to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation and heating fuels and from large factories. This long overdue program gives me hope that Oregonians will have more job opportunities in our transition off fossil fuels. It will infuse $200 million to $500 million annually into our economy through the Community Climate Investment (CCI) Program, unique to Oregon, in which the fuel suppliers will pay certified nonprofits to implement GHG emissions reduction projects.
CCI projects must help residents, businesses and nonprofits in rural, low income, tribal and coastal communities. The possibilities are bountiful, from electric heat/AC pumps, electric cars, trucks and tractors to small/medium solar and wind power systems, including homes, barns, apartments, restaurants, groceries, gyms, hotels, schools, clinics, hospitals and more, such as low emissions farming practices.
Now is the time for young entrepreneurs, students and graduates to help turn the tide on climate in their hometowns. Tap these funds to launch new nonprofits or transform established ones, and transition Oregon (and the U.S.) off fossil fuels. Oregon is poised for greatness in reducing emissions. Let’s thank the commissioners and staff, and get to work.
Helen Kennedy
Marcola
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
Comments are closed.