Unions back Eugene Clean Energy Fund
This May Day, Breach Collective is proud to share that a growing list of labor unions – including IBEW Local 280, Iron Workers Local 29, SMART Local 16, CWA Local 7901, and the Eugene Education Association – have all endorsed the Eugene Clean Energy Fund – a ballot initiative for the November 2026 election that would fund clean energy, green jobs, and climate resilience by placing a 2% fee on the profits of Eugene’s billion-dollar corporations.
ECEF is a community-driven ballot initiative developed by a coalition of climate, health, housing, and racial justice organizations in Eugene. If passed, it would support four main areas of work:
Renewable energy and energy efficiency programs: 60%
Clean energy jobs training, apprenticeships, and contractor support: 25%
Green infrastructure programs that result in carbon gas sequestration: 10%
Future innovation: 5%
When trade unions endorse a climate initiative like this, it shifts the false narrative that workers have to choose between economic security and climate justice. It signals to voters that this isn’t a fringe environmental issue, but a mainstream, pro-worker, pro-community investment in Eugene’s future. For the building trades specifically, a transition to clean energy means construction: retrofitting homes, installing solar, building green infrastructure. That’s good, skilled union work.
The labor endorsements join a growing coalition that already includes environmental organizations, racial and social justice organizations, health organizations, community groups, and elected leaders. We’re building a durable, cross-movement campaign to invest in Eugene workers, frontline communities, and our collective future.
How you can help
Please help support this grassroots campaign to make billion-dollar businesses pay their share, so that we can forge a just and livable future for our community.
Visit the ECEF website to learn more.
Endorse the initiative here (for organizations, elected officials, and businesses)
Pledge to vote yes (for individuals)
Contact info@eugenecleanenergyfund.org to volunteer.
