Press release: Oregonians demand action as extreme heat advisory extends another day
OREGON – The extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service for Oregon has been extended into August 12, with temperatures continuing to threaten 100 degrees across Oregon. As heat advisories are extended, community and climate advocates are sounding the alarm: extreme heat waves fueled by climate change are now an annual threat, and lawmakers have failed to act.
“This year, legislators ignored real, community-driven solutions to address the climate crisis,” said Joel Iboa, Executive Director of Oregon Just Transition Alliance. “Oregon is facing more extreme weather, and frontline communities are hit hardest. For many, access to cooling is a matter of life or death. It must be treated as a basic right, not a privilege.”
Extreme heat warnings are in place for multiple counties, and Multnomah County has declared a local state of emergency, opening cooling centers and expanding outreach to vulnerable residents.
“Here in Multnomah County, we’re living this reality right now,” said Xitlali Torres, Air Quality and Climate Coordinator at Verde. “Cooling centers are open, but we shouldn’t be in a position where our only option is emergency relief. Legislators need to invest in long-term solutions that reduce pollution and keep people safe before disasters hit.”
Advocates have called for energy affordability and resilience measures such as:
Community Resilience Hubs to help Oregon communities before, during, and after disasters caused by extreme heat and wildfires.
Community and rental heat pump programs for immediate relief during events like the current heatwave, and long-term relief by cutting the pollution that fuels climate change.
Despite these proposals, legislators failed to take action on the pollution driving extreme heat or on resilience programs that serve as critical lifelines. Meanwhile, the federal government is dismantling energy and resilience incentives and targeting environmental justice communities.
“It’s time for lawmakers to face the facts,” added Jamie Pang, Deputy Director of Policy and Programs at Oregon Just Transition Alliance. “The climate crisis is here, and saving lives must be Oregon’s top priority.”
Contact:
Ally Harris
Communications Manager
Oregon Just Transition Alliance
(503) 208-4180
media@ojta.org
