Show up in person to urge legislators to invest in climate and affordability

Nora Apter

March 20, 2025

Every two years, Oregon’s top budget writers tour the state to hear from community members about which programs and services should be funded. With all the chaos and uncertainty being unleashed at the federal level, this couldn’t be a more critical moment.

The first event in the legislature’s statewide budget roadshow is this Saturday, March 22nd, from 10 am - 12 pm at Mt. Hood Community College Theater in Gresham. If you’re local to the Portland area, please take the time to register today to speak at this Saturday’s public hearing! Simply click “register to testify” and fill out the form with your information; select “Other” as your topic area and write in “Climate” as the description.

Not sure what to say? Check out this testimony worksheet to help guide your talking points! Not in the Portland area? See below for the complete list of budget roadshow dates and locations to find a stop nearest to you! Want to make your voice heard but not able to make it in person?

You can submit written testimony here.

Oregon legislators must step up and protect our climate now, ensuring all families have access to clean air and water, protection from wildfires and other climate disasters, and relief from sky-high utility bills. But with a lot of priorities to balance, legislators need to hear from Oregonians like you.

With the onslaught of federal rollbacks underway, Oregon’s leadership in delivering climate progress is more important than ever. As Oregon families struggle with rising utility bills and worsening climate disasters, we need Oregon legislators to invest in a healthy climate future.

We need you in our fight for the future of our climate. Can we count on you to speak up at a budget roadshow near you?

You can submit written testimony here.

Road Show Dates and Times

Click a city to RSVP and sign up to testify, then check out this Testimony Worksheet to guide your talking points!

Gresham: Saturday, March 22, 10 am-12 pm, Mt. Hood Community College Theater, 26000 S.E. Stark St.
Astoria: Friday, March 28, 5-7 pm, Liberty Theatre Astoria, 1203 Commercial St.
Warm Springs: Friday, April 4, 5-7 pm, Old Warm Springs Elementary School, 1112 Wasco St.
La Grande: Friday, April 11, 5-7 pm, Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339, 1 University Blvd.
Salem (Virtual Testimony Prioritized): Wednesday, April 16, 5-7 pm, State Capitol, Hearing Room F
Klamath Falls: Friday, April 25, 5-7 pm, Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons, 7390 South 6th St.

Author Bio

Nora Apter

Oregon Director, Climate Solutions

With over a decade of experience in public policy and environmental advocacy at the state, federal, and local levels, Nora champions ambitious, equitable policies that protect Oregon’s climate, strengthen community resilience, and support local economies. At Climate Solutions, she is dedicated to fostering the long-term success and resilience of the Oregon policy team.

Nora is committed to leveraging state policy as a blueprint for climate innovation and leadership. She believes in the power of coalitions to drive meaningful change and is passionate about building collaborative relationships and diverse partnerships to achieve a healthy, just, and thriving future for Oregon’s communities and climate.

Before joining Climate Solutions, Nora served as Director of Programs and Climate Program Director for Oregon Environmental Council (OEC). In these roles, she led dynamic teams and broad coalitions to advance lasting solutions to Oregon’s environmental challenges, spearheading statewide advocacy campaigns to secure landmark climate policies and solidify Oregon’s leadership in climate action. Earlier in her career, Nora spent eight years in Washington, D.C. defending and expanding federal environmental protections. As Deputy Director of Federal Affairs for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), she guided legislative and administrative strategy across a wide-ranging environmental policy portfolio. Prior to NRDC, Nora served as a Legislative Aide to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon.

Nora earned a B.A. in International Affairs and Economics from Lewis & Clark College in Portland. She serves as a Commissioner on the Oregon Climate Action Commission, where she helps shape strategies to achieve Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Outside of work, Nora loves spending time with friends and family, exploring Portland’s vibrant food scene, seeing live music, and adventuring in Oregon’s natural landscapes.