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!

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.