Strengthening Multnomah County’s Climate Justice Plan

Last month, we celebrated a major community victory when Multnomah County reaffirmed its climate commitments following strong public pressure not to cut its Office of Sustainability. Breach Collective and more than a dozen of our partners are continuing to engage in the next phase of that work: ensuring that the County’s Climate Justice Plan (CJP) sets bold goals and has the resources needed to meet them. 

Alongside 14 other organizations, Breach submitted formal comments in support of the draft CJP, offering strategic recommendations to help the plan deliver on its promise of centering justice in the County’s climate response. The draft plan is commendable in both scope and substance. It recognizes that the climate crisis is deeply connected to other social justice issues like housing, air and water quality, food access, and public health. That intersectional lens is a vital starting point. But to be truly effective, the plan needs resourcing, clarity, and the courage to act at the local level. 

To ensure the CJP delivers on its goals, we’re urging Multnomah County to prioritize funding for implementation, clearly define and reject “false solutions” like fossil-based hydrogen and so-called renewable natural gas, embrace equitable electrification as a proven climate and public health solution, and fully explore the County’s legal authority to regulate local pollution sources rather than deferring solely to state action. These recommendations are essential to advancing real climate justice and protecting frontline communities.

We deeply appreciate the County’s work in including community voices in the development of this plan. As the County moves from planning to implementation, we’ll continue to advocate for an approach rooted in justice, accountability, and real climate action. Read the full comments here.