Spring 2020 ForestLife
Governor’s historic Executive Order moves Oregon forward on climate
Governor Kate Brown signs Executive Order 20-04, which sets new climate goals and directs state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Oregonians are already experiencing the effects of climate change. This year’s historic flooding closed freeways, collapsed bridges, and destroyed vehicles and other property. Recent droughts and intense wildfires have caused immeasurable damage. The large majority of Oregonians want action to address climate change; in response, the Legislature, with the Governor’s support, has proposed climate policy for several years to limit CO2 emissions while investing in rural lands to help meet those goals.
In the 2020 Oregon legislative session, PFT strongly supported SB 1530, which would have reduced climate emissions while also generating new investments in Oregon’s forests, rivers, lands and the people who work that land. However, a group of extreme legislators left the Capitol for the second straight year, stopping all legislation in its tracks. In response, Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-04, taking forceful and thoughtful action to mitigate the threats and causes of climate change.
Many thanks to our legislative leaders and the broad coalition of activists, organizations, and companies who continue to support protecting and restoring the state’s natural and working lands for our climate and other benefits.
Governor Brown’s Executive Order is an important and courageous step, limiting emissions and recognizing that forests and other lands—and their landowners and stewards—are critical assets in fighting climate change. We will continue to work with stakeholders across the spectrum to leverage forests to be climate champions. For updates, visit our website at pacificforest.org/climateaction.
More in this Issue of ForestLife
- President’s Letter
- Meet Pacific Forest Trust’s Valuable Volunteers
- For love of the land and heritage: Phillips Family Tree Farm
- Governor’s historic Executive Order moves Oregon forward on climate
- Growing our alliance for forests & water
- Forest carbon offsets: making a difference now and in the long run
- Rising from the ashes: restoration at Yosemite
- Safeguarding California’s water supply, the natural way
- 2019 Annual Report