Alan Journet Ph.D., Co-Facilitator, Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
Co-Chair, Climate, Energy and Environment Team, Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network March 2026

It is possible to understand why Eastern Congressional legislators, living so far from the west coast and our beautiful forests, might think the single best use of our forests is exploitation for timber board feet and the short-term economic benefit of their affluent associates. What is difficult, however, is seeing an Oregon legislator adopt the same short-sighted approach

In responding to HR7603 (Congress 2025-2026), I submit these comments in two capacities. First, I comment as Cofacilitator of, and on behalf of, the 2,000 Southern Oregonians who are Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (https://www.socan.eco ). As rural and coastal Oregonians, we live on the frontlines of the impact of climate change as we experience increasing temperatures and frequency of heat waves, reducing snowpack, increasing drought frequency and extent, rising wildfire risk, rising sea level, ocean acidification and increasing flood risk. We are thus very aware of efforts at the regional, state and federal levels that are likely to mitigate these trends or accentuate them.

Second, I comment as co-chair of the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN https://www.coinoregon.org/) Climate, Energy and Environment Team. COIN is a coalition of over 75 local Indivisible groups throughout Oregon that cooperate and amplify their joint efforts to advance or oppose important federal and state legislation or proposals. We also engage with elected officials to promote progressive causes for the benefit of all Oregonians. In this context, COIN also profoundly opposes HR7603.

Continue reading the full comments below.