|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.Farrah.Chaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
Earth Day was founded by conservation activist and politician, Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired by the teach-ins held by anti war student activists in the 60’s. Nelson, who was on his way back from visiting the site of an oil spill, knew he needed to do something to force Washington to take action to affect climate change. And so, Earth Day was born — A dedicated day for teachers and activists to teach their students about the environment, and the importance of protecting it. Because of the work of environmental activists, the Environmental Protection Agency was created. In honor of Earth Day, I want to talk about some of the bills I’m sponsoring this Session to protect the environment.
HB 3477 put forward by Rep. Mark Gamba-HD 41, directs the State of Oregon to adopt the emissions standard similar to those set in place by the Paris Climate Accord in order to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5 degrees celsius. I am signed on as a Co-Sponsor!
This bill sets emissions data from 1990 as the ceiling, with reduction goals set by decade. For example, by 2020, Oregon would need to reduce its emissions by 45% from the 1990 baseline. By 2040, a reduction of 70% below the levels in 1990 would need to be achieved. This bill is supported by a myriad of constituents and climate organizations, one of which is 350.org Washington County. This is a local chapter of 350PDX, which is an activist group that focuses on climate justice policy, forest defense, and fossil fuel resistance. In their testimony they said, “Any possibility for successful outcomes for this existential crisis requires laws, regulations, and policies to mitigate climate change and its impact.”
HB 3314 would appropriate money from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the Human Access Project for harmful algae bloom mitigation in the Ross Island Lagoon. While this bill prioritizes one known site of significant concern, I wanted to bring it up so that folks are aware of the dangers of toxic algae as we head into warmer months. If you, your children, or your pets like to enjoy a swim in one of Oregon’s many beautiful natural bodies, you’ve probably heard of toxic algae blooms, also sometimes referred to as blue/green algae. These algae blooms happen when water is slow moving and warm, allowing algae to sit at the surface and bloom in bright sunlight. These overgrowths produce toxins that can be deadly to humans and animals. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are the most common cause of harmful algal blooms in freshwater.
You can visit the Oregon Health Authority website to see current known locations of toxic algae blooms. Below is a photo of the characteristic blue-green oily sheen often seen in water at the site of cyanobacteria blooms.
HB 2945 would establish a requirement that a certain percentage of school buses purchased by the State must be zero emission. The bill creates thresholds and a timeline, with the first goal being 10% of school buses purchased being zero-emission by 2035. This bill was introduced by Rep. Courtney Neron-HD 26. I, along with many of my colleagues, signed on to support this legislation because we know that electric school buses will significantly reduce the air pollution near our schools and are at near cost parity with diesel-powered school buses.
I am a member of Oregon Legislative Assembly’s Environment Caucus, which is a bi-cameral bi-partisan group of Legislators dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment. Every year, the Caucus establishes a list of priorities, voted on by the Members. In 2025, one of our top priorities is transit. Transit is one of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, accounting for 35% of total emissions according to DEQ.
By increasing access to public transit, we can reduce the amount of individual cars on the road, thereby reducing emissions significantly. In addition to transit, some other 2025 Environment Caucus priorities are utility resilience, reliability, and affordability, wildfire programs and funding, and protection for working lands.
 Starting May 7, anyone 18 years and older must present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a passport, passport card or military ID – to board a flight within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities. While DMV offers many services online, you must get a REAL ID at a DMV office. You can make an appointment online or visit a DMV office near you without an appointment. You need to bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two different documents) and lawful status in the U.S. DMV offers a document guide to help you determine what to bring. You also have to provide your Social Security number or proof you are not eligible for one. Your current legal name must be on file with the Social Security Administration.
Zack, our Policy Director, with students from Portland Community College at their lobby day.
 Policy Director, Zack Surmacz, wearing a black suit and blue tie, with 8 student representatives from Portland Community College, all wearing blue shirts featuring the PCC logo, in Rep. Chaichi's office.
Rep. Chaichi with folks from Oregon Worker Relief.
 Rep. Chaichi, in her office, wearing a dark teal top and black cardigan, pictured with 4 folks from Oregon Workers Relief, all wearing light teal shirts with an outline of the State of Oregon with text that reads, "Oregon is Home."
Sabbath, our Communications Director, and Zack, our Policy DIrector, with Monty the Mountaineer.
Left to right: Sabbath, our Communications Director, wearing a black sweater vest and black cropped trousers, Zack, our Policy Director wearing black trousers, a salmon shirt, and navy tie, Monty the Mountaineer, Western Oregon University's mascot, a mascot suit of a man with a yellow hat, white shirt, and black pants.
Please reach out to my office at any time for legislative or constituent matters. My staff and I are committed to serving the constituents of HD 35 and you can reach us at: Rep.FarrahChaichi@oregonlegislature.gov, or 503.986.1435. To keep up with my office, consider following me on Facebook or Instagram.
Thank you for taking the time to subscribe to and read my newsletter. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with and represent HD 35 in the Oregon State Legislature.
In Solidarity,
 Representative Farrah Chaichi, HD 35
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1435
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-478, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.Farrah.Chaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/chaichi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeFarrahChaichi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrahChaichi
| 
