Floating Solar on a Rogue Valley Reservoir: Oregon’s First, and What It Means
On a clear morning in early May, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley stood at the edge of a Medford Irrigation District reservoir in Central Point and watched the sun hit 1,776 solar panels. Not on a roof, not on a fence-line in the high desert, but floating on water that’s been pushing through Rogue Valley irrigation […]
Our comments to DLCD on the Wildfire Adapted Communities Recommendations
As a first step to address wildfire risk and hazards, the 2021 legislature passed Senate Bill 762, a comprehensive wildfire preparedness and resiliency bill. Under the bill, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) was tasked with developing recommendations for changes to Oregon’s land use planning rules to make our communities safer from wildfire […]
The Advocate: Rogue Advocates Newsletter (Sept 2022)
Subscribe Past Issues As we know all too well in the Rogue Valley, Oregon has faced devastating losses to human life and property from wildfires that have been severely exacerbated by climate change. The Rum Creek Fire is the latest reminder of the devastating risks posed by wildfires in our region. The fire threatens over […]
Rogue Advocates Wins Appeal Preventing the Urbanization of Forest Land in Extreme Fire Risk Area
News Coverage KDRV, Josephine County zoning change reversed by State Board, published on June 10, 2022 KTVL, Advocacy groups win land-use appeal against private developer in Merlin, published on June 15, 2022 Press Release Grants Pass, OR, June 8, 2022—The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) ruled in favor of Rogue Advocates and 1000 Friends […]
It’s time to say no to more fire-prone rural sprawl
Mail Tribune, Guest View, Local Opinions, April 3, 2022 In case you haven’t noticed we are in an ever-worsening drought in the region. It’s clear to anyone who’s watching that the climate change chickens have come home to roost with a vengeance and the Rogue Valley is once again staring down the barrel of another […]
Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking Could Change the Way Oregon Cities Develop
Have you heard of the Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking? These rules have the potential to change the way our cities develop (for the better) and are worth learning more about! The rules could make our cities more livable, walkable, and have a big impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state. These new […]
Rogue Advocates Highlights the Need for a Systemic Shift Away from Auto-Dependent Growth in Comments to LCDC’s Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking
Rogue Advocates submitted public comment in advance of the December 17 meeting on the latest draft rules developed for the Land Conservation and Development Commission’s (LCDC) Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking. The comments urge LCDC to ensure that its final rule reflects the urgency and severity of the climate crisis and corrects Oregon’s historic failure to meet its GHG emission reduction goals. Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order […]
SOCAN’s 7th Annual Master Climate Protector Course begins February 2022
Become a Master Climate Protector! Register today for Southern Oregon Climate Action Now’s 7th annual course starting on February 9, 2022. This is a 10-week course, held on Zoom every Wednesday from 6-9 pm. This course is limited to the first 20 participants; tuition payment guarantees your seat! Visit https://socanmcp.eco/ to learn more and sign up! Modeled […]
Sprawl: the climate change elephant in the room
Guest Opinion published in the Mail Tribune on September 6, 2021. Gov. Kate Brown recently appeared on CNN saying, “Climate change is here, it’s real and it’s like a hammer hitting us in the head — and we have to take action.” Brown then singled out her recent signing of a “clean energy bill” (HB […]
Ashland Climate Action Project Event
Join SOCAN’s Ashland Climate Action Project next Thursday from 7-8:30pm via Zoom for a special event: “Rethinking Streets: Lessons for Ashland” where they will be discussing community safety, health, climate, affordability, equity, and more. The free event is being hosted by the Ashland Climate Action Project and the Ashland Bicycle Advocacy Group. Join the conversation […]
Rogue Advocates Opposes Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Bill
HB 2708, introduced by Representative Zika, would authorize DLCD to approve any city’s request for a Urban Growth Boundary expansion for affordable housing, notwithstanding land use laws, including onto farm and forest land. There are several problems with this: Perpetuates the false notion that just adding more land means housing will be more affordable. Distracts […]
Citizen Alert: DLCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking
From the DLCD website: “On March 10, 2020, Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-04, directing agencies to reduce climate pollution. In response, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (commission) is working on updating Oregon’s Transportation Planning Rules and related administrative rules. The commission initiated rulemaking at its September 2020 meeting. That rulemaking will focus on significantly strengthening […]