As the dust settles following the recent U.S. elections, many in the climate community face an unsettling reality about the nation’s environmental trajectory. At this critical juncture, Mobilizing Climate Action Together (MCAT) has joined forces with key environmental advocates to reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future for Oregon. Together with the NW Energy Coalition, the Green Energy Institute at Lewis & Clark Law School, Sierra Club, and the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, we are taking decisive action by intervening in PacifiCorp’s ongoing legal proceedings before the Oregon Public Utilities Commission.
Why This Matters Now
Oregon’s Clean Electricity Law, House Bill 2021, mandates substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, requiring utilities to demonstrate continual progress. However, PacifiCorp’s current Clean Energy Plan falls short of these critical targets. Our coalition’s intervention is not just a legal formality—it is a necessary step to ensure that the utilities align their actions with the urgent demands of climate science and public policy.
The Stakes
The stakes couldn’t be higher. With global temperatures threatening to rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, the transition to a low-carbon future must be accelerated. As outlined in our Initial Brief to the Commission, failure to act decisively jeopardizes both Oregon’s ecological and economic resilience. Our advocacy underscores the Commission’s broad authority to ensure continual progress, empowered by HB 2021, to direct PacifiCorp to issue Oregon-focused Requests for Proposal (RFP) and procure necessary clean resources.
Our Collective Voice
This coalition draws strength from a diverse group of environmental stalwarts and represents a unified demand for accountability and action. The Initial Brief submitted collectively outlines the legal framework and the necessary steps to ensure compliance with HB 2021. Our position is clear: The path forward requires more than lip service to clean energy goals—it demands enforceable actions that reflect the urgency and scale of the climate crisis.
Call to Action
We urge stakeholders and the public to engage with the issues at the heart of this intervention. The full content of our Initial Brief is available here, providing a detailed roadmap of our recommended actions and legal arguments.
A Path Forward
While the road ahead may seem daunting post-election, this coalition is resolute in its determination to uphold Oregon’s clean energy standards and to hold utilities accountable. Together, we can navigate these uncertain times, ensuring that Oregon remains a leader in climate action.
Join us in this pivotal effort to protect and preserve our environmental future. Your voice and support are crucial as we push for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy policy.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s forge a path towards a cleaner, greener Oregon.