OCCV supports Oregon Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill, originally HB 4036, currently SB 1547B.  This bill would transition Oregon off coal energy by 2030 and incrementally increase electricity produced from renewable energy sources to 50% by 2040.

The social costs of carbon emissions and air pollution includes illness and suffering, medical costs, and days lost from work and school.  The net effect of SB 1547B will not only improve the health of Oregonians but will mitigate Oregon’s contribution to climate change.

Of all the fossil fuels, coal is the dirtiest and most polluting.  People at greatest risk are children, the elderly, and people with asthma, COPD and chronic heart disease.  Whether in Oregon or in neighboring states, coal fueled power plants tend to be located in low-income neighborhoods where mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and other toxic emissions affect vulnerable populations.

In addition, coal is a primary contributor to global climate change, such that the continued mining, shipping and burning of coal is irresponsible and immoral.  Coal endangers the lives of those who are living on the margins, vulnerable to storms, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.

As stewards of God’s creation, we have a responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet and on all living beings.  As Pope Francis wrote on April 21, 2015, “You have to keep the land so that it can continue to be, as God wants it, the source of life for the entire human family.”

Andy Harris, MD

On behalf of the OCCV Board

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• Mar 2

  Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow

• Feb 12

  Going where Jesus went.

• Jan 26

  Hearing Clearly Through the Din

• Jan 1

  New Year Priorities