OCERA launches statewide campaign to protect our right to a healthy environment and a stable climate through an amendment to the Oregon Constitution

The Oregon Coalition for an Environmental Rights Amendment (OCERA) launched a statewide campaign at the Climate Vigil held at the Capitol Mall on May 4, 2024. OCERA seeks to amend the Oregon constitution to recognize and protect our right to a healthy environment and a stable climate. OCERA is a coalition of faith, social justice, climate, environmental. and other groups from around the state. Organizations participating in the launch included: Climate Vigil; Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network; EcoFaith Recovery; Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; Electrify Oregon; GreenFaith Wy’East; Lift Every Voice Oregon; Oregon Interfaith Power and Light; Our Children’s Trust; and The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Synod of the Pacific.

To learn more or volunteer, please sign up at ClimateVigil.org.

Speakers included Rev. Cyndi Wunder, First Presbyterian Church, Baker City; Kevin Simmons, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde member; Rev. Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran, Lift Every Voice Oregon, Portland; Domyo Burk, Green Faith Wy’East and Bright Way Zen Center, Beaverton; Sara McNaughton, Climate Action Alliance, Willamette University student; Miko Vergun, Juliana et al. v. U.S. plaintiff and Oregon State University student; Peter and Rachel Fargo, Climate Vigil, Baker City; and Rabbi Michael Cahana, Congregation Beth Israel, Portland

Here’s the OCERA plan:

• 2024, we build out the coalition and raise awareness and funds and begin lobbying legislators and legislative candidates.  We may also begin the process of a citizen-initiated ballot measure.
• 2025, we focus on lobbying legislators for a legislative-referred ballot measure.  If it works, we pivot toward the “yes” campaign (for 2026 elections).  If not, we work to finish out the petition drive through our statewide coalition of inspired volunteers, businesses, and supporting organizations.
• 2026, we get the job done and get ready for elections!  When it passes, we celebrate and rest in the assurance that we accomplished a monumental feat, together, for all Oregonians and future generations.