DEQ to form climate Equity Advisory Committee, May 24

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is seeking people from across the state to be part of a new Equity Advisory Committee to help guide the Climate Protection Program. Interested individuals are asked to provide a brief statement of interest by June 13, 2022. The committee will be a key partner for the program’s community climate investments, which will be used to help Oregon transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy. The committee will play an important role in determining what types of emissions reduction projects are supported by community climate investments and where those projects would be located. “As Oregon transitions from fossil fuels towards cleaner, affordable and renewable fuels it is critical that all Oregonians have access to these fuels and can share in the economic and health benefits,” said Colin McConnaha, manager of DEQ’s Office of Greenhouse Gas Programs. “The Climate Protection Program and projects funded by community climate investments are important tools for achieving these goals.” Community climate investments are prioritized for projects that benefit environmental justice communities: those communities overburdened by pollution, disproportionally impacted by climate change, and with less access to cleaner fuels. DEQ most wants to hear from people from or with experience serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), tribal, rural and other environmental justice communities in Oregon. Potential committee members must be committed to: Addressing climate change and its impacts; Improving access to cleaner, renewable fuels in Oregon; Reducing pollution and improving health for all communities; Uplifting traditionally underrepresented communities; DEQ needs people throughout the state to provide their thoughts on what types of clean energy, energy efficiency and other greenhouse emissions reduction projects are most needed in their communities. Committee members should have lived experience, expertise or interest in environmental justice or equity, interest in the health impacts of climate change, or interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Committee members may include representatives from community-based organizations or associations, tribes or tribal associations, environmental justice advocates, environmental advocates, academic researchers, or those who work in climate or energy fields. DEQ will prioritize convening a committee that represents multiple regions across Oregon.