Photo Credit: Boardman Coal Generation facility- Alan Journet
Ethan Quin, KOBI5 News Medford, December 27th 2024
OREGON – Oregon has become the third state in the nation to require divestment from coal companies, following the passage of House Bill 4083. The bill, which was supported by environmental groups such as Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, mandates that the Oregon Investment Council divest from publicly traded coal companies.
Alan Journet, co-facilitator of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, testified in support of the bill. He stressed the inconsistency of Oregon’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously investing taxpayer money in fossil fuel companies.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” Journet stated, making a point the need for Oregon to align its investments with its commitment to addressing the climate crisis. He further argued that divestment from fossil fuels is not only environmentally sound but also financially prudent, citing research indicating a better investment portfolio upon eliminating fossil fuels.
