As a resident of Multnomah County, your voice can make a real difference. Multnomah County has an opportunity to lead the state on regulations to protect public health and fight climate change. Specifically, the county is considering a resolution to begin developing healthy air standards for home heating in order to reduce toxic outdoor pollution and protect our climate. Commissioners need to hear loud and clear from their constituents that there is no time to delay.
Click here to send a message to your commissioners urging them to support the resolution.
Burning fossil fuels in Oregon homes and businesses releases more than 4,000 tons of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the outdoor environment each year – and Multnomah County generates about 1,000 tons annually - about 25% of the state total. It’s not just air pollution: using fossil fuels in homes and buildings in Oregon is equivalent to the climate pollution from over a million cars – a greater number than all the cars in Multnomah and Washington Counties combined.
Contact your commissioners today to urge them to support the resolution.
This is an environmental justice issue, as studies have found that low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution. By establishing clean air standards for appliances, the county can reduce air pollution and climate emissions, and mitigate disproportionate impacts being felt by our most vulnerable neighbors. We have a responsibility to call for immediate action to address these environmental injustices.
It is time for elected officials to take action for clean air and our climate. Together we can ensure a healthier future for all residents in Multnomah County.