Paxton Rothwell speaks as teenagers with Sunrise PDX rally outside Mahonia Hall, home of Gov. Kate Brown, on July 15, 2021 to urge action to cut the state’s carbon emissions. (Courtesy/Sunrise PDX)
A few dozen Oregon teenagers rallied outside Gov. Kate Brown’s mansion in Salem on Thursday urging a veto of proposed transportation spending and other actions to cut the state’s carbon emissions.
The group of about 30 was organized by Sunrise PDX, a chapter of the nationwide youth climate group Sunrise Movement.
According to a news release, the teens took the train from Portland to Salem. Joining them in Salem were activists with local groups including 350 Salem, the Interfaith Network and the Salem Democratic Socialists of America.
They urged Brown to veto HB 3055, the state’s omnibus transportation bill for 2021, which they criticized for including funds for several projects to add freeway capacity in the Portland Metro area.
In a statement, the group said the recent Pacific Northwest heat wave shows the need for serious steps to cut the state’s carbon emissions. The heat wave killed over 100 Oregonians, including more than a dozen deaths in the Salem area, according to preliminary medical examiner reports.
“We, the youth of Sunrise Movement PDX are demanding not only a livable future, but a livable present as well,” said Josh Spector, an organizer with Sunrise PDX, in a prepared statement.
-Rachel Alexander
