Our Members

CSE is a 25-year-old environmental economics think tank that works to speed the transition to a sustainable society. We do this by analyzing the impacts of public policy, programs, and projects, by developing creative solutions for government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and educators, and by providing expert support for legislative, administrative, and legal campaigns. We keep our organization lean and effective by minimizing administrative staff and overhead and by relying on a network of distinguished fellows with expertise in the fields of ecological economics, conservation biology, sustainability analysis, and public interest law. We serve our partners by providing expertise they need but also take initiative on our own campaigns when key opportunities arise.

Our Vision

We believe that a swift transition to a New Economy based on the principles of sustainable development is the only way to emerge from the converging crises of global economic collapse, climate change, and resource depletion in a manner that is just, rapid, and minimizes harm, especially to those least well-off. Hallmarks of the New Economy have been well-researched. It is the transition that needs to happen now. We need to marshal vast knowledge, skills, and resource of humanity to create a New Economy that:

• Measures progress by improvements in well-being and not expansion of the scale and scope of market economic activity.
• Recognizes the immense value and importance of relationships and activities outside the so called formal sector.
• Is based on a renewable energy platform, guarantees basic human needs, discourages wasteful consumption, and invests in rather than depletes natural, physical, social and cultural capital.
• Replaces brutal and wasteful competition between nations, businesses, and individuals with one that binds us together in cooperative frameworks for solving civilization’s most urgent problems.
• Is firmly ensconced within the Earth’s ecological limits and guided by our spiritual and ethical traditions.
• Is diverse, adaptable, localized, and resilient.

OREP’s Mission: Advancing the renewable energy transformation through innovative public policy solutions.

OREP’s Vision: Oregon communities powered by clean, renewable energy.

100% Renewable Oregon Cities
The time is right to plan for a bold vision for the future powered by renewable energy. Local leaders around the country and world know that a commitment to an all-renewable energy future will not only result in cleaner air and water, it will be good for the climate, improve health, create family-wage jobs, and boost the economy.

In 2016 OREP is working with cities and communities around the state to explore the path to 100% Renewable Oregon Cities. Our organization is engaging stakeholders to discuss what it will take to become 100% renewable. We will facilitate local planning and goal-setting towards the energy future we need and a future that will benefit all Oregonians.

San Diego, CA and Vancouver, BC are two of many cities that have committed to power all of their city’s energy needs with 100 percent clean energy within 20 to 35 years. The state of Hawaii has signed into law a requirement to switch their electricity sources to 100% renewables in the next couple decades. Portland made a step in the right direction this year, resolving to oppose new fossil fuel infrastructure and presenting the city’s efforts at the 2015 UN Climate negotiations in Paris. Oregonians for Renewable Energy Progress is committed to this vision and the Pacific Northwest has all the resources to go further, making a 100% Renewable future our reality.

OREP is a nonprofit group of citizens who support & work towards state, county & city policies and regulations favorable to distributed, locally-owned, home grown, profitable renewable energy solutions. Not only do distributed renewable energy solutions create increased reliability for consumers and utilities—in the form of community energy generation, residential storage and microgrids—it promotes local energy production that is not just in the hands of large investors.

Climate Jobs PDX was started by Jobs with Justice activists who were concerned about climate change, the lack of living wage jobs and the tension between labor and environmentalists.

MISSION

Work with allies in the labor, environmental, economic and social justice movements to educate about and fight for the massive jobs program necessary to prevent more damage to our planet’s climate.

GOALS

• Spread the word about the climate crisis and the need for a massive 21st Century jobs program to unions and working people.
• Educate environmental groups about the need to fight for a massive climate jobs program as well as to emphasize a just transition for workers.
• Fight for local and state initiatives that will create climate jobs, e.g. statewide carbon tax, alternative energy programs, improved mass transit, weatherization programs and more.
• Assist unions, religious congregations, and individuals in installing solar or in weatherizing their buildings