In spite of Trump, clean energy markets are exploding worldwide. We can meet the demand for more electricity with wind, solar, batteries and other sources like geothermal, and improve the quality of life for everyone. The stunning technological advances are coming fast and furious.

Public and private investments in clean energy — if jurisdictions simplify and fast-track permitting — provide jobs with broad-based prosperity and energy security, prioritizing the needs of communities, local businesses and families living in energy poverty.

It’s clear, nonrenewable energy is volatile and dangerous. The war with Iran has all but drowned out the obvious moral, scientific and economic arguments against dirty fossil fuels. We need energy sources that petro-oligarchs can’t shut down. 

The city of Eugene has excellent leadership and a staff committed to climate action. We’ve made meaningful progress but more is needed if we are to reach our goals.

Let’s go big and turn big corporate profits into local savings by supporting the Eugene Clean Energy Fund ballot initiative. We can fund the transition of our public buildings to efficient heat pumps and initiate resilient solar and battery projects with our utility to generate local clean power and reduce costs. Other Oregon cities have successfully done this.

This was the hottest winter in the history of the western United States. In April the average parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere was 431, the highest ever recorded. The safe upper limit is 350. 

We have to pick up the pace.

Patricia Hine
Eugene