The Bulletin recently shared a report from the National Interagency Fire Center forecasting an above-average risk for significant wildfire in Central Oregon this May. On an increasingly frequent basis, Central Oregonians are being inundated by wildfire smoke events during the summer months. This is due to anthropogenic climate change driving increases in average surface temperatures that dry out vegetative fuels sooner and lead to more flammable conditions persisting for a greater amount of time each year.
Central Oregonians live throughout diverse and fire-prone landscapes. Many of our cities and towns exist within the wildland urban interface — where naturally occurring wildfire and our built communities intersect. As climate change continues to affect our region and exacerbate wildfire risk to our communities, it is essential we elect leaders who will fight for solutions and climate-resilient communities.
Tina Kotek is the only candidate in the Oregon governor race prioritizing climate action. In 2021, Kotek sponsored and passed the 100% Clean Energy for All bill, which sets us on a path to 100% clean electricity by 2040. She has also been instrumental in affecting Oregon’s transition away from dirty coal by 2030. Furthermore, one of Tina’s top climate priorities is increasing resilience for communities affected by climate change.
The kind of legislative action and climate leadership that Tina has demonstrated are what we need to create a more climate-resilient and healthy future for Central Oregon.
—Alex Hardison, Redmond