ODOT prioritizes climate change readiness, establishes Climate Office

March 25, 2020

For more information, contact Tom Fuller (Thomas.Fuller@odot.state.or.us), 503-480-5143

SALEM -- The Oregon Department of Transportation announces the establishment of a new Climate Office to respond to the challenges presented by climate change and to take active steps to reduce Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The new Climate Office will support implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, the Oregon Transportation Commission’s Statewide Transportation Strategy for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and support the state’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.

Transportation comprises nearly 40% of total GHG emissions in the state. Additionally, increasing floods, landslides, and wildfires caused by a changing climate result in significant damage to the transportation system. These events cost Oregon hundreds of millions each year and significantly impact the traveling public and our state’s economy.

“Transportation is Oregon’s largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Robert Van Brocklin.  “We need to make it easier for Oregonians to choose cleaner transportation alternatives, like driving electric and hybrid vehicles and using mass transit.  If a broad cross-section of our citizens make those choices, Oregonians will truly drive down carbon emissions in our state and dramatically improve air quality,” said Van Brocklin.

“Transportation agencies can and should be doing more. Under Governor Brown’s leadership, we look forward to working with our partners to reduce emissions and increase our resiliency wherever possible,” said Kris Strickler, Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. “This new Climate Office is a critical step toward a clean, reliable, and sustainable future,” said Strickler.

Amanda Pietz will lead ODOT’s Climate Office beginning immediately. Pietz served as ODOT’s Program Implementation and Analysis Manager. The Climate Office will report to Cooper Brown, ODOT Assistant Director for Operations.

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