Councilor Claire Sillett recalls efforts to insult climate science
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When the Fossil Free Eugene campaign launched in November 2020, we knew we had to fight. But nearly two years after this campaign, our grassroots coalition has taken countless steps in the David vs. Goliath struggle to reduce emissions and regulate NW Natural, Oregon’s largest fossil fuel company. winning. Not only does it have broad public support, but the City Council is also fully supportive of the campaign, developing the progressive policies the city needs.
Through constant organizing from coalition partners such as the NAACP Eugene-Springfield, the 350 Eugene and Springfield Eugene Tenants Association (SETA), we have directly confronted the lies and propaganda of NW Natural and the fossil fuel industry at large to assist the City Council. We are moving towards concrete policies to reduce our dependence on methane gas pollution. Specifically, our coalition will work with the city to pass a policy requiring new construction in the city to be 100% electric, waiving the impracticality of businesses that currently cannot function without fossil fuels. and make sure long-term policies are fair. By 2035, we will transition existing homes and businesses to all-electric systems and appliances.
Eugene was the first in Oregon to pass an electrification policy of its kind and has the opportunity to join the growing movement of cities across the country that are already taking steps toward moving away from methane. Similar policies regarding the electrification of new and existing buildings have been passed in her more than 50 cities in California, as well as other major cities such as Seattle, Denver and New York City.
Still, we can’t do it without our City Council Climate Champions. Sylhet has established itself as a leader on this issue. From drafting and implementing significant motions to false accusations against NW Natural, Congressman Syrett has been an unwavering advocate for a just transition to clean, renewable power.
Syrett is now facing a recall campaign funded by ultra-rich and ultra-conservative business owners. These oligarch candidates denounced her as one of the city’s most powerful fighters for workers and the climate, and intimidated the rest of Congress into the popular progressive they have pursued in recent years. We want to stay away from the agenda. .
This recall election is clearly anti-democratic and will be held on September 6th, the day after Labor Day, to suppress votes. The shadow coalition behind the recall knows that voters are behind her and her leader, and if just a fraction of Ward 7 residents don’t turn out to vote, she will landslide. will keep her seat.
Eugene has an opportunity to continue building progressive power, lead the state on critical climate policies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and make homes and buildings safer. We can’t do that without our legislators. That’s why Sierra her club and Sunrise her Eugene supported her in their campaign against this undemocratic recall election. For the sake of our community and the climate, we have to keep Sylhet at Eugene City Council. If you live in Ward 7, vote AGAINST the recall and turn in your ballot by Tuesday, September 6th.
Ryan Kounovsky is Chairman of the Sierra Club’s Many Rivers Group. Aeron Lerch is the host of Sunrise Eugene.
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