Environmental Champion of the Year

Governor Kate Brown (D)

This year, OLCV thanks Governor Kate Brown for our biggest achievement — saving the Elliott State Forest from private sale. At a time when the federal government is aiming to shrink national monuments and open public lands to drilling, Oregon needs a leader for the environment. Thanks to Governor Brown, we have that leader and we have the opportunity to enjoy the Elliott State Forest for generations to come. Her work on the Elliott is just one of many reasons that we are choosing Governor Brown as this year’s Environmental Champion. She also created Cleaner Air Oregon, a first of its kind state program to protect our air quality for public health. Too many Oregonians, especially in urban areas, unwittingly breathe toxic, carcinogenic compounds every day — facing dire health impacts as a result. The legislature did not provide adequate funding for Cleaner Air Oregon, but we look forward to working with the governor to address this and make the program a success. Governor Brown is also working to make Oregon a global leader in the fight against climate change. We have her support for the Clean Energy Jobs bill, which will cap and price greenhouse gas emissions and invest the proceeds in our communities most affected by climate change. Further, with her counterparts from California and Washington, Governor Brown is making it clear that no matter what the White House does, the United States can still meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

And finally, we deeply appreciate Governor Brown’s leadership on a forward-looking, climate-friendly transportation package, and for joining us to prevent Big Oil and anti-environment legislators from rolling back Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program.

Innovator of the Year

Rep. Paul Holvey (D-Eugene)

Rep. Holvey championed HB 2020, legislation to add climate work to the Oregon Department of Energy, to reform the agency, and to prepare state agencies across the board to work on climate change. Although it didn’t pass, we applaud his initiative and this forward-thinking approach to lawmaking.

A+ Legislators

Some legislators went above and beyond a 100% score — they had a true 100% voting record and also added their public support for Clean Energy Jobs, SB 1070, which we will be advocating for in the 2018 session. All scores are capped at 100% but these leaders earned an A+!

Representatives: Phil Barnhart (D-Eugene), Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland), Alissa Keny-Guyer (D-Portland), Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland).

Senators: Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis), Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene).