Top 5 environmental victories of 2007

What were the top 5 environmental victories of 2007?

1.) Measure 49

OLCV E-bulletin subscriber, Stan Seleen, said it best, "The passage of Measure 49 must be the most important success in 2007.  It is a tremendous relief to know that Oregonians have once again shown their support for our land use planning."

2.) Passage of SB 838, the renewable Energy Standard

The 2007 Legislature passed legislation setting a new renewable energy standard that is among the best in the country.

3.) Passage of all five Oregon Conservation Network's (OCN) Priorities for a Healthy Oregon

You can find out what these priorities are and what they mean for you at OCN's website

4.) More positive pro-environment bills became law in 2007 than in the period from 1991-2005 combined

The record number of environmental bills passed through the Legislature can be attributed to strong leadership fueled by the urgent need to take responsibility to combat global warming, promote energy independence, and a strong wish to protect our children from toxic pollution in our air and water.

The passage of legislation requiring municipal water quality enforcement in Oregon, a major breakthrough in an area where we have had few major victories since the heyday of the 70s, is just one example of such legislation. Thanks to OLCV E-bulletin reader, Chuck Johnson, for this contribution.

5.) The average scores in both the House and Senate climbed to heights not seen since 1977.  The average Senate score was 73% and the House was 69%.

Voters have made the environment a priority and they are choosing to vote for people that understand this.  Expect to see even more environmental leaders elected locally and statewide in 2008.

You can find out how your elected officials voted on the environment in OLCV's Environmental Scorecard for the 2007 Legislature.

What were your top five?

Comments

[Dan Hoyt]

ANWR survived another year!