Climate Change
My priorities around climate change seek to combat the crisis while centering justice, equity, and bringing a comprehensive approach. We can mitigate the impact of climate change while still ensuring frontline communities are supported. To me, that requires:
- A Green New Deal. These policies will help us invest in renewable energy sources, create green jobs, and transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate climate change while revitalizing the economy. We can tackle our sustainability goals without leaving workers behind.
- Investments in lasting, and sustainable infrastructure. Making investments in sustainable infrastructure and public transportation systems to reduce reliance on cars, cut emissions, and create accessible, efficient, and affordable transit options is essential. Beyond that, we must expand renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, and support research and development of clean energy technologies to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.
- Protecting natural resources and biodiversity: Oregon is home to some of our nation’s most beautiful natural resources. From the rivers and forests to the peaks of mountains and fertile Willamette valley, it’s up to us to protect and restore these spaces. I will support policies to protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems critical for carbon sequestration and wildlife conservation.
- Building our climate resilience: The 2021 heat dome killed 123 Oregonians. Eight people died in the 2024 ice storm. With the impacts of climate change already well underway, we must allocate resources to bolster our resilience, especially in vulnerable communities. That means preparing communities for acute extreme weather events and forest fires, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change on infrastructure, health, and food security.