Note from the Executive Director

The harsh and devastating reality of Trump 2.0 cast a dark cloud over the 2025 Legislative Session. While I would love to say that Oregon’s legislature – with Democratic supermajorities – gave us all badly needed light in that darkness, I can’t. The reality in Oregon was a series of challenges that left much work to be done and reminded us how critical our efforts will be in the years ahead.

At a time when wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather are pummeling our communities, we can’t afford to let a year go by without climate action. And with the federal government rolling back every protection on climate, air, water, and land, we expect our state to be our backstop. To hold the line and stand up for Oregonians’ strong environmental values.

Instead, we found ourselves playing defense from day one, and by the last day of session, we were left with more unfinished business than progress. At the top of the list is the failure to pass a transportation package that centers equity and climate. After that, there’s a long list of good bills that died, many of which need to be a priority in 2026.

First, Oregon must step forward and lead on climate justice, including how we defend against federal rollbacks. Second, while we came close to passing a highly negotiated step forward to protect streamflows (and the native fish that need them) in water rights transfers, it was ultimately killed behind the scenes because of Republican opposition. Third, we have a solution to fund critical conservation and wildlife programs, which, if not for a Republican Senator’s end of session procedural move, would have passed. Those are three examples, but the list keeps going.

While I can’t sugarcoat the difficulties and outright failures of this session, I can unequivocally say that we won’t give up. The bright spot from this session wasn’t what legislators passed, but all the hundreds of people – OLCV members, volunteers, partners, and advocates – that showed up. A heartfelt thank you to all of you for continuing to light up the darkness.

Through this struggle, we become stronger. It will be alongside our incredible partners and our amazing volunteers, and members from across the state that we will create a brighter future.

Together, unwavering in our values, we never give up.

Lindsey Scholten
OLCV Executive Director