The Climate Crisis: our economy, justice, equity.

The changing climate and extreme weather events increasingly threaten our environment, economy, and public health. We need action now.

I'm glad to announce that after more than a year of hearings, meetings, and briefings, the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has released a robust Climate Action Plan that outlines a science-based path to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century, and net-negative thereafter. The plan reflects the input of thousands of community members, Oregon leaders, and national experts.

Here's a brief overview of a few parts of the comprehensive plan:

• Economy: get displaced workers employed in clean energy jobs to grow our economy.
• Health: protect our health by reducing emissions and toxic pollutants, which will help prevent about 62,000 premature deaths annually by 2050.
• Infrastructure: build resilient communities that are prepared to withstand the effects of climate change.
• Environment: protect our lands, waters, ocean, and wildlife for the next generation.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other national crises have shown us that low-income communities and communities of color too often bear the brunt of disasters. Our Climate Action Plan is grounded in science and centered on the principles of justice and equity.

Creating a resilient, clean energy economy using this framework will boost our economic recovery and allow us to begin to repair the legacy of environmental racism and pollution that has disproportionately burdened low-income communities and communities of color for decades.

And importantly, the Climate Action Plan will create millions of good-paying, quality jobs that will help working families and displaced workers recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Thank you for standing with me and for our planet,