Energy and Environment

The state's largest provider of mass-transit is working to combat climate change. Officials with TriMet met with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici to discuss its transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. Currently, TriMet is testing a number of electric buses. They plan on making the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.

Steep slopes and poor soil make the north side of Astoria particularly vulnerable to sliding. Last year, a landslide uprooted an entire house and left it sitting on the sidewalk. But the city recently landed more than $600,000 in federal aid to upgrade drainage systems at landslide-prone sites. The money is part of a larger omnibus spending package that will fund projects throughout Northwest Oregon. U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, had advocated for the inclusion of the projects.

Each member of Congress can submit up to 10 community project funding requests for consideration. Rep. Earl Blumenauer joined Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in advocating for $2.67 million in funding for the Multnomah County Behavioral Health Resource Center, among other projects.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici wrote that the U.S. Forest Service's climate plan and 10-year wildfire strategy of hazardous fuel treatments and prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risks also must recognize the climate crisis and expand to include plans for mature and old-growth forests.