Dear Michelle,

Happy Earth Month!

You may have seen early blooms of the cherry blossoms, the return of birds chirping and people tending to their gardens. We welcome spring and all of the season changes!

On April 22, we celebrate Earth Day through our dedication to take care of our common home. This year the theme is the commitment to end the use of plastics, demanding a reduction of 60% in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. What actions are you taking to reduce the use of plastics?

Also this month, we recognize Faith Climate Action Week on April 19-28 with Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) congregations taking action to protect our climate with this year's theme, "Common Ground: Cultivating Connections between Food, Faith and Climate." Healthy soil is the basis of all life. Healthy soil provides food with all the nutrients we need for healthy bodies, and it draws more carbon pollution out of the atmosphere, helping to restore a healthy climate.

Please consider honoring Earth Month with a gift to EMO's Creation Justice program - either a one-time gift or become a monthly donor!

Legislative Victories

The 2024 Oregon Legislative Short Sessions completed last month. While many of the Legislative Session focused on housing regulations and drug criminalization, a lot of important bills passed. EMO testified in support of the COAL Act (HB 4083) to end state retirement investments in coal companies in favor of green investments. Other examples include the Energy Storage Siting, Roadmap for Offshore Wind Energy, Reporting to the Legislature on Regional Energy Markets, Right to Repair, Marine Reserves, Monsanto Settlement Disbursement, and Funding of the Climate Budget. However, there were also a lot that were moving along quite well but did not cross the finish line in time before the end of the session. Many of them are expected to reappear during the 2025 Long Session.

Cooling Portland

Portland Residents, the Cooling Portland program is back! EMO is distributing portable Air Conditioner units to residents in the Portland city limits who are eligible.

Eligibility for the program is for households whose income is 60% under the Area Median Income and experience at least one of the following:

• Over the age of 60
• Someone in the home has a medical condition
• Live alone

Sound the Alarm, April 20 in Salem

Climate Action Fair, April 28 in Portland

Come celebrate Earth Day on April 28 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland.

Learn what you can do by meeting dozens of environmental organizations and discover other resources for actions you can take. Hear experts speak about forestry, electrification, native plants and climate friendly foods. ASL interpretation will be provided for speakers. Enjoy activities for families. All are welcome.

***A physical PHOTO ID and a BAG SEARCH are required for building entry. We don't want you to be turned away!***

Climate Vigil, May 4 in Salem



You are invited to stand with us on the State Capitol Mall to support the Oregon movement to protect everyone’s right to a healthy environment and a stable climate! Will you be there?

Musicians will move us, tribal leaders will bless us and speakers will lift up our collective moral voices. Together, we will hold up our lights as a symbol of hope and solidarity as we take our first steps in this exciting journey toward environmental rights for all.

Earth Bill

In case you missed our special newsletter about the Earth Bill, we have included it here.

The Earth Bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it now has 10 cosponsors. View the House version of the Earth Bill: govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr598

EMO/OIPL was an early endorser of the Earth Bill. More recently, the Earth Bill has received endorsements and support from major faith-based environmental organizations working on federal policy in the District of Columbia, including Interfaith Power & Light, GreenFaith, and Creation Justice Ministries.

Our next step is finding a senator or senators to introduce a U.S. Senate version of the Earth Bill. EMO/OIPL is helping to lead this effort in Oregon by asking Senators Merkley and Wyden to do this for Earth Day 2024. 

You can help us right now by doing these two things:

1. Please sign this letter to our Senators asking them to be lead sponsors of the Earth Bill in the Senate: Sign-on Letter

2. Please share this letter widely with your family, friends and neighbors, asking them to support federal legislation to stop climate pollution by signing this letter today. We need everyone on board to stop climate pollution now!

Join EMO's Creation Justice Committee

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is looking for environmental advocates to join the Creation Justice Committee! If you are interested or have questions, reach out to Rev. Richenda Fairhurst.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org

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