Columbia Riverkeeper's Connection to PCEF

Portland Clean Energy Fund

By Mario Mijares, Community Organizer

Social and environmental issues do not happen in a vacuum. They are synonymous with each other. The poorest of countries face the brutal brunt of our global climate crisis. In the U.S., communities of color and low-income families are on the front lines of oppression and survival when it comes to these interwoven injustices.

The Portland Clean Energy Fund aims to address the connections between the climate crisis and social justice. 

On November 6 2018, Portland voters approved the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), a ballot measure that created a new one percent local revenue tax for retail businesses that earn at least $1 billion total, and $500,000 locally, each year. The initiative is Oregon's first-ever environmental initiative created and led by communities of color. And it passed by an overwhelming 65 percent of the vote! The revenue from the new tax will be used to fund projects that primarily benefit low-income people and communities of color—two groups that have historically been excluded from environmental jobs and benefits.

Here at Columbia Riverkeeper, our mission is to protect and restore the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. Which is why we were so honored to support PCEF. Large numbers of community members throughout Portland volunteered countless hours, collecting signatures on the streets, bus lines and local events. Now, I am part of the team dedicated to implementing this incredible initiative.

Before working for Riverkeeper, I  volunteered part-time for six months to help ensure the PCEF vision became a reality. When I first heard about the initiative, I prioritized much of my time in volunteering nearly every step of this process. My favorite moment was dressing up for a direct action as “Captain Weatherization,” a PCEF mascot. We had lots of fun that day and our action was very effective. I am very excited to see the brilliant accomplishments in the years to come.

PCEF sets national precedent. Portland is the only city in the U.S. to have successfully passed an initiative that taxes major retail corporations, some of the most responsible culprits of our climate crisis and massive waste producers. This idea was formed by a small group of creative and ambitious organizers of color in the Portland community.  The estimated revenue PCEF will generate annually: $44 to $61 million. This is a game-changer for Portland.. 

In the face of climate change and federal inaction, PCEF offers a community-led vision, grounded in justice and equity, that builds citywide resilience and economic opportunity. The initiative ensures that the City of Portland’s Climate Action Plan is implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, including the development of a diverse, well-trained workforce and contractor pool in the  clean energy economy.

In 2020, keep an eye out for the launching of the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Together, Portlanders can lead the way for a just transition to clean energy.  To stay up to date on PCEF meetings and projects, visit the PCEF website here.