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Healthy Environment + Healthy People = Less Hunger
Healthy Environment + Healthy People = Less Hunger
HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT + HEALTHY PEOPLE = LESS HUNGER
A healthy environment plays a vital role in our collective health and well-being – from the food we eat and water we drink to the broader array of resources our families need to thrive. The worsening climate crisis leads to increased rates of hunger and negative health outcomes across our state. Children and women face higher risks of health impacts from toxic chemicals, and frontline communities are left to experience the climate crisis first and worst.
Our Policy Leadership Council prioritized these issues due to impacts on our collective health and well-being, and we’re beyond excited to have passed the most comprehensive climate package in Oregon history! We are grateful for the leadership of many organizations who made this milestone possible — including Beyond Toxics, Oregon Environmental Council, Our Children Oregon - Children’s Agenda, Community Resilience Hubs Coalition, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, Unite Oregon, Adelante Mujeres, Building Resilience Coalition, Climate Solutions, Rogue Climate and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.
Among our shared wins this session is real progress to improve the health and well-being of Oregon families:
✅Community Resilience Hubs (HB 3409, formerly HB 2990)
The combined House Bill 3409 strengthens Oregon’s resilience to natural disasters by establishing Community Resilience Hubs across the state. Resilience hubs are trusted places with networks of care designed by and for communities that activate before, during and after major disruptions.
✅Healthy Heating & Cooling For All (HB 3409, formerly SB 868)
House Bill 3409 makes energy-efficient options more accessible for low-income households. The bill aims to provide 500,000 new heat pumps to low-income families and those at highest risk from extreme weather — alongside financial assistance and other help for purchase and installation.
✅Build Smart from the Start (HB 3409, formerly SB 869)
House Bill 3409 also ensures that building codes for energy efficiency and materials in new construction align with state climate goals — and are more resilient to expected climate impacts.
✅Building Performance Standards (HB 3409, formerly SB 870)
In addition, House Bill d409 sets standards for energy efficiency and pollution reduction for large, commercial buildings — with enough transition time and financial incentives for owners to make necessary upgrades.
✅Smart State Buildings (HB 3409, formerly SB 871)
Finally, House Bill 3409 removes barriers to energy retrofits and upgrades in state buildings — which have a significant footprint in communities across Oregon.
✅One Stop Shop for Consumers (HB 3630, formerly HB 3166)
House Bill 3630 improves access to clean energy and energy efficiency programs by creating a "One Stop Shop" that allows Oregonians to easily compare and pursue federal and state energy efficiency incentives.
✅Toxic Free Kids (HB 3043)
House Bill 3043 strengthens protections for children’s health and improves transparency of chemicals in children’s products.
✅Toxic Free Cosmetics (SB 546)
Senate Bill 546 reduces Oregonians’ (particularly women and children’s) exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday personal care products.
There is still work ahead to build on these important victories and continue moving toward our healthy people agenda:
❌Toxic Free Schools (SB 426)
Though it did not pass, Senate Bill 426 would have added additional health protections by providing resources to support schools in reducing harmful pesticide use — and improving transparency around pesticide use in Oregon schools.
The Oregon Food Bank Network provides vital support for more than a million people facing food insecurity each year. Yet we know we can’t end hunger for good through food alone — we have to address the policies and systems that drive poverty in our communities. Sign up to stay informed on state and federal policies that will help eliminate hunger at its roots!
