We've done big things

Friends,

“Green” is in our DNA in Oregon and on Earth Day, it’s easy to focus on the negative.

Corporate polluters put our air and water at risk across the country. Global climate change continues to threaten our country. Wildfires in Oregon are hotter and more frequent. Drought threatens water supplies for farms and habitats for endangered fish.

But we’ve also done a lot to protect the environment – and grow the economy. Outdoor recreation on Oregon’s public and private lands is responsible for over 141,000 jobs and $12.8 billion in consumer spending. Keeping our lands pristine isn’t just right – it’s responsible.

I’m also proud of the work I’ve done on Capitol Hill to get points on the board for the Earth and Oregon’s economy. We’ve taken great strides protecting old-growth forests here in Oregon and across the country. We’ve preserved Oregon’s natural treasures – like the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Badlands, Mt. Hood, and Spring Basin and Copper Salmon wilderness areas – for younger generations to enjoy.

And we’re just getting started. More and more, I see committed advocates taking action across the country to protect the environment. It’s those grassroots efforts that will make the difference and help spread the word about the work we do, and so I’m hopeful about what lies ahead.

I wish you the best on Earth Day. Thanks for standing with me.

Ron Wyden