MultDems, like Democrats everywhere, are concerned about our changing climate. To that end, they support the Oregon Senate’s proposed “green amendment” this session. If Senate Joint Resolution 28 (SJR 28) passes, Oregon voters will then decide whether to amend the state Constitution to ensure citizens’ right to a clean, safe and healthy environment. 

At the February 13, 2025 central committee meeting, the Multnomah County Democratic Party unanimously passed a resolution supporting SJR 28.

Resolution Overview

Current environmental protections in Oregon are insufficient. Notably, the Oregon Constitution does not guarantee citizens’ rights to a clean environment. Additionally, a recent lawsuit filed by Our Children’s Trust asserts that Oregon’s Public Trust Doctrine doesn’t protect against air/climate pollution.

In response, environmental protection is stated as an objective in both the Oregon Democratic Platform (Article 3) and Multnomah County Platform (Plank 1). Specifically, the Democratic Party of Multnomah County:

• Supports the passage of Oregon SJR 28, which would amend the state constitution to establish a fundamental right to a clean, safe, healthy environment.
• Calls on Multnomah County Democratic legislators to support SJR 28
• Commits to advancing community knowledge and support for a related ballot measure planned for 2026.

The resolution acknowledges numerous environmental challenges including climate change impacts, pollution, resource management issues, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem decline, all of which affect human rights.

The full resolution is available here.

What You Can Do

Track the legislation on the Oregon Legislative Information site, here.

Contact your Oregon senator to show your support. Find your state senator at this link.

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