As the winter rains finally fall this month, refreshing Oregon's landscape and bringing in 2012, Environment Oregon has many things to be proud of from the past year and much work ahead. With people like you on our side, I'm confident we can keep making a difference for the Pacific and its wildlife, protect Crater Lake from logging and development, and keep Oregon moving toward a clean-energy future. Just consider the difference we've already made together:
We've banned plastic bags in Portland...and we're working in cities around the state urging decision-makers to do their part to cut plastic pollution. Read our report, Oregon Takes Action, noting that in addition to Portland, more than 80 goverments worldwide have taken action against plastic bags.
We've sounded the alarm about threats to Crater Lake. Take a look at the proposed wilderness area that would create and protect a 75-mile long wilderness corridor containing pristine forestland, wildlife habitat for some of Oregon's most iconic species, and headwaters home to spawning salmon.
We're leading the way toward a cleaner future. Tell President Obama today that you support the landmark Clean Car standards he's proposed. We paved the way for a new federal fuel-efficiency standards by helping pass them here in Oregon first--dederal standards that could help us get off oil and slash global warming emissions by an amount equivalent to shutting 70-coal fired power plants.
I hope the new year finds you enjoying your favorite places and discovering new ones. Go enjoy the snowy slopes of Mt. Hood, the trails along the Columbia River Gorge or a special place closer to home, knowing that all of us at Environment Oregon are working hard to ensure they are just as beautiful for future generations as they are today.
And know that you are playing an invaluable part in protecting what's best about Oregon.
Here's to a greener, cleaner, and healthier new year.
-Sarah
