Oregon's 2014 Legislative session is upon us. The Surfrider Foundation is an active member of the Oregon Conservation Network (OCN), which is coordinated by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. Over 40 Oregon conservation organizations work together in the Legislature on shared Priorities for a Healthy Oregon. Together, we pass pro-conservation laws, protect our unique quality of life, and ensure a better Oregon for our children.
Learn more about the functions of Oregon's Legislature, how an idea becomes a law, and who your legislators are.
This year is known as the short session, Oregon's Constitution requires Legislators to complete their work in 35 days or less. During odd numbered years they hold a longer session which may last up to 160 days.
As a small non-profit we are limited in our capacity to effectively engage in the Legislature, by working with our partners at OCN and connecting our activists and members in the legislative process we are able to have a greater impact. In the past we have been successful by working with our partners at OCN to pass legislation restoring the ban on offshore oil and gas drilling within Oregon's Territorial Sea, establishing Oregon's system of marine reserves and protected areas, and working on water quality legislation. OCN just put forward the annual priorities that the conservation community will work on collectively, you can learn more about them and sign up for Salem Watch here. This year, addressing carbon emissions & climate change, preserving pro-environment programs and agency budgets, and defeating any roll-backs of environmental protection are the shared focus. Although there are few bills relating to Ocean & Coastal issues this session, we will be keeping a watchful eye on how various issues affect natural resource agency budgets and strengthening relationships for future work.
Interested in addressing an issue impacting the health of our coast & ocean through future legislation or engaging with the Legislature? Contact Oregon Policy Manager Gus Gates at ggates@surfrider.org