Supporters of a tougher federal climate policy gathered outside Eugene’s federal courthouse today. And some represented small businesses.
Speakers advocated for investing in clean energy and transportation initiatives, and creating jobs to go with it.
Hakan Hekimogolu, co-owner of Electric Avenue, spoke alongside one of his store’s electric bikes. He said bikes remain one of the most eco-friendly forms of transport, and an ally in combating climate change.
“From 2010 to 2020, Oregon has experienced twelve extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages," said Hekimogolu. "These events have alerted the landscape of some of Oregon’s most precious natural habitats.”
The event was part of a $10 million campaign across twelve states calling for reduced carbon emissions.
A bipartisan infrastructure plan is being reconciled in the House of Representatives, though many environmentalists say it needs to go further in modernizing infrastructure.
Dylan Plummer of the Sierra Club said they support the $3.5 trillion package championed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. And Joseph McKinney of Oregon Roads Inc. added that much of the language in the most recently-passed version of the infrastructure bill supported outdated forms of transportation, and wanted more in terms of "infrastructure of the future."
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