Portland voters will decide whether to pass the Portland Clean Energy Fund this November 2018. This measure will raise $30 million per year to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, home weatherization, living-wage job training, local sustainable food production, and more. Low-income residents and communities of color will be the first to receive projects funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility sits on the steering committee of this community-led vision that builds resilience and wealth in the face of climate change and federal inaction.
The Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) is a petition for a November 2018 ballot measure that would increase Portlanders’ resilience to climate change and counteract racial and economic injustice. PCEF would authorize a 1% supplemental business license fee on retail corporations that make over $1 billion in nationwide annual sales. The fee would generate over $30 million a year in revenue, which PCEF will mobilize to advance environmental justice and public health efforts in Portland.
Approximately 85% of housing units in Portland need energy efficiency upgrades, and utility bills are the primary reason families resort to payday loans. PCEF funds will be used to weatherize and solarize Portland homes and businesses, provide job training, apprenticeships, and minority contractor support, provide energy efficiency upgrades for low income housing, and build green infrastructure.
Oregon PSR is excited to join APANO, Coalition of Communities of Color, Columbia Riverkeeper, NAACP Portland Branch 1120, NAYA, the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, 350PDX, Portland Audubon, Verde, and over 150 community organizations, businesses, faith leaders, and elected officials in this effort to promote environmental justice and public health in Portland.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Pledge to vote YES on the Portland Clean Energy Fund (You must be a registered Portland voter to vote on this measure! Please ensure that you are registered to vote at your current address: check or update your registration).
Volunteer: Join with us and others passionate about social justice and the health of our climate to talk to Portlanders about this important initiative. Volunteer opportunities are available in neighborhoods across Portland: find one near you.
Anyone can donate to the Portland Clean Energy Fund campaign: Chip in a contribution to help us win at the ballot box.