Why have more than 100 businesses, organizations, unions and community leaders endorsed Measure 20-388, the Eugene Clean Energy Fund? Because they recognize that the climate crisis is already here, and that Eugene needs real resources to protect our community and build a more resilient future.

Now is the time to take a stand. We can no longer afford the status quo to address the climate crisis. This is an existential challenge. Eugene has talked about climate action for years. Now we have an opportunity to put real resources behind those commitments and turn them into meaningful action.

The Eugene Clean Energy Fund offers a practical solution: Ask the wealthiest corporations doing business in Eugene to contribute just 2% of their local gross profits to fund clean energy, home energy upgrades, climate resilience and good local jobs. Instead of allowing all those profits to flow out of our community, a small portion would be reinvested in the people that helped generate them.

Large business interests are fighting the measure, warning that it will hurt consumers. But whose interests are they protecting? Families struggling with rising energy bills, or the corporations focused on protecting profits and satisfying shareholders?

More than 100 endorsements demonstrate the breadth of support for the Eugene Clean Energy Fund. These are people and organizations who care deeply about Eugene and are willing to invest in its future. Look around town and see all the signs for the Eugene Clean Energy Fund.

This vote asks: Do we continue to prioritize corporate profits, or do we invest in the well-being of our community?

Tomoko Sekiguchi
Eugene