2018 Summer Interim Legislative Update

Hello Friends,

I hope this Newsletter finds you well. The Interim has been a very busy time in District and around the State of Oregon. With my appointment as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction, the Governor's appointment of me to the State's Opioid Task Force and my work on our Wetlands Workgroup, has kept me on the road and engaged on these issues for our District. There has been a lot of work in other areas as well, as Vice Chair of the Oregon Coastal Caucus; our recent Coastal Caucus Economic Summit, on the wildfires that continue to ravage our natural resources, and my work with the Southwest Oregon Children's Foundation. 

Resources of Southern Oregon Burning, Again

To date, the combined Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires have burned over 165,000 acres of forest, displaced residents from their homes and choked Southern Oregon with deadly smoke. (Click Here for information on wildfire smoke) This smoke and the fine particulate matter within it, causes great health risks for our vulnerable populations. (Click Here and Here for more information) Not withstanding the health risks, loss of resources; that could have sequestered carbon for generations in lumber, our already struggling economies are further negatively impacted due to the wildfires, as reported in "THE IMPACTS OF THE 2017 WILDFIRES ON OREGON’S TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY" released by Travel Oregon in July of this year. (Click Here for the report) 

As I have stated in previous newsletters, it is passed time for some common sense discussions on these issues. Below is a short statement I made a few weeks ago, after viewing the photo's above and how these fires are impacting our region and residents.

"I believe this photo shows some greenhouse gas emissions; that were already sequestered, re-released in the air in southern Oregon...  

Residents are held hostage in their homes, (except for those who don’t have homes) lungs choked with smoke for months, with months still to go, as people struggle to go to work or just get to the store for milk. The tourism driven economies that we have been forced to rely on due to the environmental obstruction of the use of our natural resources that built our communities and are meant to sustain them, are almost non-existent as people avoid this smoke. In fact, outdoor youth activities have been canceled in Portland this week as well. 

One has to unfortunately ask, are the environmental protections that directly impact rural Oregon’s ability to manage these resources, mitigate these fires, stop the killing smoke, protect the health, life and safety of residents, stop the negative impact on our economies in all sectors and allow for a healthy, strong and vibrant Oregon, worth all of these negative impacts? Considering how many acres of Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Marten (insert here your species of choice) habitat is burned away daily? 

It’s passed time to come together, shift the narrative and build a better Oregon. Our residents, their children, communities and businesses deserve better, from all of us." 

As my friend and colleague, Josephine County Commisioner Hare, stated in a recent op-ed, "Our federal agencies are alarmed by the poor health of our public forests lands. Yet our federal land managers’ hands are often tied by those who exploit well-intentioned environmental laws to block necessary and beneficial forest projects. It’s time for a change." (Click Here to read the article) 

Breaking down the Carbon Conversation

Forests, Carbon and Emissions

I have discussed my previous work on the majorities push on a Carbon Cap and Trade program for Oregon in previous newsletters. (Click Here for a link to those) I have also reported that I am honored to have been appointed by the Speaker of the House to the position of Vice Chair on the Joint Carbon Reduction Committee. We have begun our committee work and I continue to advocate for our rural Oregon region and residents. Some of that work includes the graph above and the number of emissions from our burning forests. This is one area where we must to come together and shift the narrative. These annual megafires only have negative impacts, across the spectrum. One cannot credibly discuss the need to reduce greenhouse emissions for our climate, while refuting the need for proactive forest management reforms. One cannot credibly state, "It's not forest fuels, it's climate change", when the overabundance of forest fuels; that could be manged more actively, are burning and contributing to the overall emissions and carbon into the atmosphere. Our forests are not healthy and must be actively managed. As recently reported, "Our federal forests are not being actively managed, whether through logging, thinning and prescribed fire.  As a result, our forests are dying at an astonishing rate.  And today we have millions of acres with dense stands of trees that compete for light and water, making them more vulnerable to changing climate conditions, drought and insect infestations.And as forest mortality has increased, our forests have become net carbon emitters.  In California, for example, research suggests that that greenhouse gases are billowing out of the state’s forests faster than they are being sucked back in.Scientists have found that active forest management can ease overcrowding, promote tree growth, and help make our forests more resilient to disturbances such as wildfire, insects, and disease.  The lack of forest management and resulting spike in mortality has limited our ability to capture carbon in wood products.  Just one cubic meter of a wood product will store one ton of carbon monoxide." (Click Here to read the article)

As I have stated in the past: 
"We have opportunities to actively manage our sequestered carbon timber resources to adapt to changing conditions on the landscape, further sequestering the carbon resource in buildings and manufacturing, while replanting a diverse forest landscape that will further sequester carbon as our forest grow and adapt to the changing conditions on the landscape. These adaptive changes in active management are necessary to assist rural Oregon in recovery, providing working family jobs, growing our economies and providing the needed resources to do so. We must shift from the poor management practices of the past to new active management that harvests the sequestered carbon land base and replants a diverse carbon sequestering forest system that will adapt to changing conditions on the landscape. We will never eliminate fire, but we know that prescribed burn emissions are far less toxic than that of wildfire. We know that roughly 25% of the sequestered carbon within the timber resource is released during wildfire, while the other 75% of the sequestered carbon is released over the following years as the resource decays. Over $400 million dollars was used in fighting Oregon fires in 2017 alone. These costs increase every year, taking away needed harvest project dollars and fueling environmental lawsuits that stop harvests from occurring. These dollars could be used in combination with shifts in management practices to more actively manage forest resources, generating more revenues to fund active management and the associated working family jobs for our youth and communities from the landscape.  Utilizing prescribed burns to help produce more resilient forests would assist in mitigating the life threatening smoke while protecting resources, habitat, residents, property, environment, industry and our communities. These practices would also assist in growing our CLT/Mass Timber markets, creating more working family jobs while continuing to sequester carbon for centuries. As a State, we must work together to encourage our Federal Delegation to shift towards these efforts."

Marine Resources, Carbon and Emissions 

As I reported on the panel at the Coastal Caucus Economic Summit, data is emerging on the impacts of seaweed and methane reduction in livestock. Seaweed is a huge carbon sink that grows very fast. This research and subsequent application has great potential to create and grow industries within our state, while reducing emissions around the globe. All while NOT negatively impacting our residents and their industries. (The previous proposed Cap & Trade Carbon Legislation had an estimated $1.4 Billion dollar biennium impact from residents) If the true goal is emission reduction and carbon sequestration, these concepts have fantastic potential to reduce emissions globally while growing our rural economies. Farming seaweed along the Oregon Coast will help create needed jobs while sequestering carbon. Processing the product into a livestock supplement/feed will create more needed jobs. Exporting the product globally will create more needed jobs and has the potential to reduce emissions exponentially greater than Oregon produces as a State. (Oregon produces roughly 0.14% of emissions on the global scale) This again, without charging the residents and their industries. Please see the links below for more information:

* Adding Seaweed to Cattle Feed Could Reduce Methane Production by 70%

*A Sprinkle of Seaweed Could Deflate Gassy Cows

*Study: Seaweed in Cow Feed Reduces Methane Emissions Almost Entirely

*Feeding cows seaweed cuts 99% of greenhouse gas emissions from their burps, research finds

*Feeding Seaweed to Cows, Sheep Could Reduce Livestock Methane Emissions

*Study tests whether seaweed in cattle feed reduces emissions

More of what is happening, in District & State

Although I do not agree with the entire discussion on this topic, this conversation is finally bringing the environmental community to the table for rational management discussions. I attended this presentation at the World Forestry Center and Dr. Hessburg makes some many points that we have been discussing for years. As he says, "we have an epidemic of trees", overcrowded forests, ladder fuels and dense vegetation adds to megafires across the west. There were over 250 in attendance from across the spectrum and we had positive discussions. (Click Here for more information on Era of Megafires) (To view a similar presentation, Click Here)

We continue to make progress on the Roseburg Veterans Home. Here we are touring the Veterans facility in Roseburg with former Representative and now Douglas County Commissioner Freeman, Senator Heard and others. I'm happy to report that on July 3, 2018, following a significant number of discussions and negotiations with the USDVA, particularly with the Roseburg VA Health Care System, ODVA wrote a Letter of Intent to recommend that ODVA Establish an Oregon Veterans’ Home on Roseburg VA Health Care Campus.

As my District stretches over to Roseburg, encompassing the west side, I was given the opportunity to speak to the Student Governance about issues locally and around the state. I appreciated their thoughtful questions and enjoyed our conversation.

My Father Frank W. Smith, has been a long time public servant and has served on many local and regional boards and commissions. He was honored by the City of Port Orford with a Resolution for his years of dedicated public service. I thank Mayor Pogwizd and the Council for this wonderful gesture.

I had the pleasure of hosting members of the Pacific High School Class of 2018 at the Capitol. I appreciate all of their great work, Mrs. Skinner for her efforts and the School District's Administration for supporting these efforts. As an Alumni and a long time School Board Member for this School District, it makes it that much more special to have these great students come up and visit their Capitol. I encourage all of our School Districts throughout our Legislative House District 01 to visit me at the Capitol. It is a great learning experience for all students.

I appreciate all involved in facilitating the Housing Summit held in Coos Bay. Affordable housing is an issue statewide, but particularly in rural Oregon and our Coastal Communities. We have been working on this issue and I have drafted and passed legislation to provide incentives for workforce housing. Click Here for the Legislation.

I enjoyed the opportunity to join Coos County Commissioners Sweet, Main and Cribbins shucking and serving all of the great folks that joined us at the 13th Annual Charleston Oyster Feed. A fantastic event for a great cause.

Senator Wyden and I spoke on multiple occasions on Forest Management Policy, Health Care, Veterans Services and a number of issues facing our residents. Pacific High School Principal Krista Nieraeth presented the Senator with a signed photo of the Pacific High School State Champions.

CASA and their volunteers are essential and do amazing work for our most vulnerable residents. This amazing turnout to their fundraiser, hosted by CASA of Curry County Director Mona Chandler, is a testament to the communites support of their excellent work.

Had the opportunity to meet up with my stepdaughters 7th grade class from the Lighthouse School and show them around their Capitol. It was a long day for them but she said it was worth the trip. I appreciate the School Districts that make the trip from such distances and always look forward to visits from our students.

The Chetco Bar Fire burned over 191,000 acres in 2017. As fires burn again today, here you see some of the charred logs that were salvaged off the less than 6000 acres allowed to be salvaged from the burnt Chetco Bar Fire landscape. I appreciate Curry County Commissioner Boice's great work in these areas of needed forest management and the members of the community for all of their efforts.

This past summer I had the privilege to present some of the over $25k in scholarships, on behalf of the Southwest Oregon Children's Foundation, to deserving graduates from the School Districts of Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend, Coquille (pictured) and Myrtle Point. The Southwest Oregon Children Foundations mission is to provide educational and vocation funding opportunities for deserving students by funding programs and scholarships that are renewable and with a goal of encouraging them to return and contribute to their local communities. With a vision that communities in Southwest Oregon grow stronger as students learn, return and invest their knowledge and skills in their areas of expertise to benefit their communities for a positive future.

I appreciate Senator Merkley's work and partnership with me as the Co-Convener of the Sudden Oak Death Task Force. As we both continue to successfully advocate for funding treatment to eradicate the EU1 Strain, manage the NA1 Strain and learn more about the pathogen from our positions, his knowledge of the disease and dedication to the efforts  are very much appreciated. As pictured in the other photo, I appreciate the opportunity to discuss other issues with our community members that impact them as well.

I continue to work with local stakeholders in Bandon, Mayor Schamehorn, State Parks and others on restoration of this iconic lighthouse.

I had the opportunity to join fellow legislators and ranchers at Silvies Valley Ranch in Eastern Oregon. The trip offered a first hand view and was the inspiration behind the eastern side of the need for the Wetlands Workgroup I am Co-Chairing. Although beavers are essential, on our side of the state they cause serious damage to infrastructure. Learning that over 150 years ago over 200k were killed, not only fundamentally changed the landscape to the east, but also what we know of what it should be. The bureaucracy that impacts our farmers and ranchers around the state needs to change and we are focused on those needed changes within our workgroup with its stakeholders. The photos above show the stark differences of well managed lands on the Silvies Valley Ranch and the need for changes. The photos at the top are the current natural landscape and the bottom are after restoration efforts. We need to give are farmers and ranchers the ability to manage their land without the red taped heavy lift.

While in Eastern Oregon, I attended and spoke at the Mass Timber Rising Summit and continue to support and promote this needed industry.

I was the last to testify at the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission Meeting in Baker City in opposition to the up-listing of the Marbled Murrelet. As many of you know, the Commission chose to reverse it's decision to up-list the bird.

I had the opportunity to tour the USNR facility just over the border. They manufacture the majority of the mill processing equipment used in our mill infrastructure around the state and the world.

During the AG-PAC Tour, fellow legislators and industry had the opportunity to tour Freres Lumber's multiple plants and operation. Freres Lumber is a leader in Mass Timber panels in Oregon and they continue to move the industry forward with innovation.

I have been involved in the Oregon Aquaculture Association and attended their Annual Aquaculture & Aquaponics Summit. We have been working on legislation to introduce for the growth of the industry.

I was appointed as the House Republican to the Oregon Global Warming Commission. We had intriguing discussions on on various related topics during my first meeting in Portland. Key takeaways, how critical our forests are to sequestering carbon and how needed management reforms are essential to mitigate wildfire and the subsequent release of the sequestered emissions.

Container shipping is critical to our industries of rural Oregon and their communities. The tour of the NW Container Services and the Port of Portland's rail infrastructure was very helpful in understanding how these operations help move product for Oregon business.

Joined Gold Beach Community Leaders, the Governor's Regional Solutions Director/Jobs & Economy Policy Advisor and Regional Solutions Coordinator  in Gold Beach to discuss issues and economic development. Appreciate all of their great work for our community.

A fire began at Curry County's Lobster Creek Campground while it was being rented by an environmental justice group. Fortunately, the CFPA was able to battle the blaze and stop it before growing over 400 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

We lost a good friend and great public servant this summer. God Bless Bill and the Sweet Family.

I appreciated the opportunity to join my legislative colleagues from around the state on a rail and boat tour of the Port of Coos Bay. The Port is critical for our southwest Oregon economies and we continue to work on infrastructure funding and export expansion opportunities.

Appreciate the great work by Coos County Commissioners Sweet, Main and Cribbins and their forest management. Here we are joined by Josephine County Commissioner Hare and Curry County Commissioner Boice on the Coos County Forestry Tour. Commissioner Main is taking the photo.

Appreciate all of the great volunteers that put on the Annual Veterans Stand Down event. With well over 500 attendees this year, it was a great success. Thank you to Coos County Commissioners for letting me join in cooking up the burgers for the event and a big thank you to Coquille's Fran Capehart for all of her years of public service.

Appreciate my legislative colleague State Representative Knute Buehler also coming down to discuss issues and economic development for  the Port of Coos Bay and the south coast. Great conversations and economic opportunities to grow our rural southern Oregon economies. I appreciate our community leaders joining in the conversation, including Coos County Commissioner Sweet, Jeri Honeycutt, Gil Davis and others.

The Annual Oregon Coastal Caucus Economic Summit had over 700 registered attendees and was a great success. With topics including Carbon Sequestration, Student Success and Broadband, there was a lot to discuss. As Vice Chair of the Oregon Coastal Caucus, I want to thank all of the presenters and attendees for taking the time to travel and discuss these important issues. I want to thank my colleagues on the Coastal Caucus for all of your great work for our coastal communities. I also want to thank Rosie, Shelia and all involved in making the summit a success.

We said goodbye to a friend, mentor, colleague and incredible public servant recently, Harbor Fire Chief John J. Brazil. Thank you and Godspeed, Chief. Your work here is done and we will forever be grateful.

After work at the Port of Gold Beach, the dredge is seen here finishing up their work at the Port of Port Orford. Thank you to all for your assistance and  advocacy.

Let us not forget...

Lastly, I have the honor to lead the Oregon-China Sister State Relations Council's Trade Mission to China this fall and look forward to discussing how we may expand our trade opportunities across the pond. Oregon business and industry comprises roughly $5.8 Billion dollars in annual trade with China, and there is great potential for growth. I will of course report back on our work on your behalf upon my return. 

This will be my last newsletter until November as we have a Rule of the House, the "Blackout Period", that begins this week. This "Blackout Period" rule is, "The fundamental effect of the rule is that, when the member’s name appears on the ballot for any office, you may not use state resources during the blackout period for legislatively initiated mass communication." 

It is a privilege and honor to work for you as your State Representative.Thank you for the opportunity and I appreciate all that you do for our communities and their residents. I again encourage you to CLICK HERE to be directed to my Legislative Website, where you can read more about my work on behalf of our residents and also sign up for my newsletters and other information. Thank you and God Bless. 

Yours truly,

Representative David Brock Smith

Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon

House District 1
Curry, Coos, Douglas & Josephine Counties
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-379, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd