Past Actions | PDXclimatecouncil

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We began as a group of youth dedicated to taking climate action. We began to meet, researching ways we could influence climate policy. In the spring of 2017, we began meeting with city officials to determine a way in which we could be most effective. We read the City’s drafts for the 100% Renewable Energy Resolution and realized that youth were not included in the list of communities affected by climate change. We decided to propose an amendment that would ask for the creation of a Youth Climate Council. After establishing the language we wanted, we testified at City Council and succeeded in adding the amendment. This is what we proposed:

“WHEREAS youth and future generations will be significantly more impacted by climate disruption than those currently in positions of power. We must recognize that youth will inherit the effects of the bad decisions of the past, have the most to lose from a lack of action in the present, and will spend their lives leading the transition to a truly green and sustainable economy”.

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the city will establish a Youth Climate Council to provide regular support and advice to the city in meeting our climate goals through strong, science-based action.”

Comprised of youth from around Portland, PYCC has been meeting nearly every week since the passing of the 100 Percent Renewable Energy Resolution to create meaningful and effective change.

What We Want to Accomplish:

Create and influence climate recovery legislation in Portland. Our City Council took an important first step towards this by adopting the 100% Renewable Energy Resolution in 2017. We want to help reach these goals by partnering with the City, and by holding our government accountable.

Prevent new fossil fuel infrastructure and policy. These projects are detrimental to the health of the climate. We have no time to make mistakes, so we want to be proactive in how we produce our energy.

Give youth a voice in decision making. Youth have a unique perspective on this issue, which is why it is so important for our voices to be at the forefront of climate discussions.

Spark youth interest in environmental activism and community involvement. We want to provide a space for other youth to develop their passion for environmentalism and learn how to shape policy.

In the past PYCC has:

Organized a youth forum to discuss transit equity with other youth groups in the Portland-metro area

Attended and testified at TriMet’s monthly HB2017 Advisory Meetings

Testified at TriMet’s Division St. Expansion Project Advisory meeting

Collected signatures in support of YouthPass & attended rally at City Hall

Participated with native youth in Water is Life event to educate community about the Jordan Cove Energy Project and the dangers of fracked gas

Signed onto Willamette Week ad calling out Portland Business Alliance on support for Jordan Cove.

Participated in equity and outreach trainings

Attended Journey to 100 luncheon

Trained and collecting signatures for Portland Clean Energy Fund Initiative

Worked with the City officially form the council, and to develop connections between the city and PYCC (including working with city liaison to PYCC, Amy Rathfelder)

Advised the City on issues related to Climate policy

Tackled multiple issues, such as diesel policy in Oregon, the Portland Clean Energy Jobs Bill, and Zenith
Worked on the Portland Tree Code, both in relation to industrial and commercial exemptions, and the increased mitigation fee sunset clause.
Worked with the City on the Climate Emergency Declaration and the concept of a youth climate summit
Worked on the City's carbon shadow price legislation.
Discussed bus electrification and youth pass with both Trimet and City officials.

Addressed many other City climate issues

An abbreviated list of some of the actions PYCC members have taken in the past include:

Created the video, LNG: Just Another Dirty Fossil Fuel, about two liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals proposed in Oregon; presented to Senators Merkley & Wyden, Governor Kate Brown and State Treasurer (now Mayor) Ted Wheeler

Attended State Land Board hearings and town hall meetings

Met with Senator Wyden’s staff to discuss the Jordan Cove Energy Project

Testified in support of the resolutions banning new fossil fuel infrastructure, oil trains, home energy score, and the 100% Renewable Energy Resolution.

Invited to speak at Mayor Hales and Commissioner Fritz’s press conference prior to introducing the resolution to ban new fossil fuel Infrastructure

Invited by Mayor Hales to attend the State of the City address

Testified and spoke at rallies opposing the Tesoro Savage (Vancouver Energy) oil terminal in Vancouver

Testified at Public Utilities Commission in opposition to Carty-Boardman gas plants

Participated in the People’s Climate March in April 2017

Original members of the High School Environmental Leadership Project (HELP)

Formed a Youth Climate Action Now (YouCAN) chapter in Portland

Educated elementary youth about climate justice in schools

Founded and led climate/environmental justice clubs in schools across Portland

Organized Reclaiming Earth Week activities in Portland Public High Schools

Organized a Climate Change Relay at Grant High School

Presented and attended workshops at the Tend the World youth conference organized by World Oregon at Portland State University

Helped draft Climate Justice Resolution unanimously passed by PPS School Board, May 2016; continuing to participate in implementation

Presented to PPS teachers at 2 day professional development training

Attended hearings in Eugene for the atmospheric trust litigation brought by Our Children’s Trust (Juliana v US).

Trained by Al Gore with The Climate Reality Project

Activism training in Portland and in Longview, WA

Helped organize PPS climate walkouts

Fought Zenith expansions

Participated in NUMEROUS other events and actions