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Photo of Multnomah County Main Library
We did it! 100% clean and fossil-free Multnomah county buildings
April 21, 2021

Last week, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that will ensure all new county-owned buildings—including libraries, courthouses, and community centers—are built to be fossil-free and utilize 100% clean and renewable energy.

“Our kids will inherit the decisions we collectively make today about their future,” said Meredith Connolly, Oregon State Director for Climate Solutions. “One of those decisions that has a long lasting legacy is our buildings, which on average last half a century. We must build smarter and future-proof public buildings starting now. We must draw the line on embedding fossil fuels into the buildings where our families and our community gathers.” 

Dozens of organizations joined Climate Solutions to sign on in support for this action, including those representing labor, public health, building experts, environmental justice groups and climate organizations. At the hearing last week, the message of broad community support was clear: this is a critical first move for climate, health and safety, and it cannot stop there. New buildings should no longer be constructed to be reliant on fossil fuels. We have the technology to build with clean energy instead and it is time to draw the line. This commitment to fossil-free county buildings was a critical move and we commend the Multnomah County Commissioners for being the first local government in Oregon to take it!

Let's thank Multnomah County commissioners for demonstrating their climate leadership

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Public works projects should be a reflection of the values of the communities they serve. Let’s celebrate Multnomah County's leadership following through on their dedication to climate action and push more communities throughout Oregon to start investing today in our clean energy future.

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Author Bio

Jonathan Lee

Storytelling and Digital Engagement Manager, Climate Solutions

Jonathan Lee (pronouns: he/him) has over a decade of experience in nonprofit communications strategy, print and web content creation, public policy advocacy, and promoting equity, diversity and social justice. He believes in making positive change by asking sincere questions, building meaningful relationships, and collaborating equitably toward shared goals.

Jonathan studied Sociology and American Ethnic Studies at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He spends his free time reading, volunteering, hiking, and listening to jazz music, often with his partner Rose and their three dogs.