engel

For those who used the ENGEL blog to find out about climate-saving action in Washington County, I'm pleased to announce the launching of the new site from which such info will be distributed: http://exposeintel.blogspot.com/ For now, the blog's focus is on the Expose Intel campaign, which in coming months will shed light on the anti-environmental lobbying activities of a major Oregon employer that likes to paint itself as "green." However, also look for updates about the Cool Washington County campaign and other projects. -Nick

Oregon's environmental movement is constantly changing, with exciting new developments all the time.  Accordingly, the "engel" blog will in a few months be replaced with a new blog, at a slightly different address, that can better address local actions in Oregon's Washington County area.  Look forward to more diverse posts from multiple authors, as well as an expanded focus that takes into account the way major businesses in our area influence government.  Laying a foundation for this new approach will require some time - thus the blog is out of service for a while.  Check back here around July for access to the new blog.  And in the meantime, you can still sign the PETITION TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD in support of strong action against global warming.

-Nick

 I'm happy to report that Forest Grove has become the thirteenth city in Oregon (out of more than 800 across the nation) to endorse the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement - thereby making a public commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  While the Agreement is not binding, it is one more way for cities to show their good intentions, and provides citizens with a tool to hold their local governments accountable.  Forest Grove's decision follows its approval of a new Vision Statement, "Goal 1" of which is to "Promote safe, livable, and sustainable neighborhoods and a prosperous dynamic green city."  And not long ago, Forest Grove became the first city in Oregon to officially oppose all Liquefied Natural Gas terminals and pipelines in the state.  Even to a skeptic like me, it's becoming more and more apparent that this city is serious about going green. 

Forest Grove also joins Beaverton and Hillsboro as the third city in Washington County to endorse the Mayors Climate Agreement.  This might just give a little extra ammunition to citizens who suggest that perhaps Washington County itself should endorse the county-level version of the same document - the Cool Counties Declaration.  If you live in Washington County, ask the Board of Commissioners to consider doing just that - SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!

-Nick

On April 1st, Fossil Fools Day, about ten of us students at Pacific University - accompanied by two staff members from the Oregon Sierra Club - set out to march around the Pacific campus and into downtown Forest Grove, letting everyone we met know that we think fossil fuels are just plain foolish!  We built up petitions, talked to passers-by, and had a good time; we even got a little press coverage.  Ours was one of over 100 actions taking place across the country in protest of the fossil fuel industries - such as coal, oil, and liquefied natural gas.  It's time to make these bad investments a thing of the past!

-Nick

   

 Pacific University Students for Environmental Activism will be celebrating "Fossil Fools Day" on April 1st by reminding our Forest Grove community why investment in fossil fuels is a bad investment for everyone.  Read our news advisory for the event below!

-Nick

News Advisory

For April 1, 2008           
Contact: Nick Engelfried, 503-737-7666, enge5135@pacificu.edu                                         

Pacific University Students Call for a Clean Energy Future on “Fossil Fools Day”                          

Who: Pacific University Students for Environmental Activism                                                 

What: Fossil Fools Day is a national day of action against fossil fuel development, with over 100 actions planned nationwide.  For the Forest Grove event, &quoton't be a Fool: Say No to Fossil Fuels,” Pacific University students will parade through their campus, then into downtown Forest Grove with signs and creative costumes that bring attention to the “foolishness” of investing in dirty energy sources like coal, oil, and liquefied natural gas.                               

When: The parade will start at 12:00 pm, finishing with a news conference at 12:45 pm            

Where: The parade will circle the Pacific campus, then go down Pacific Avenue, onto B St, and back down 21^st Avenue.  Press conference will be at Trombely Square on-campus.

Why: Pacific students are utilizing this national day of action to draw attention to some of the dirty energy projects currently threatening western Washington County.  In keeping with our slogan, “Say No to Fossil Fuels,” we hope to encourage residents to take action against fossil fuel development in their community.  At the press conference, students will highlight a few of the major fossil fuel threats our area faces.
For more information on the national event, please see www.FossilFools08.org

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