The Northwest knows how to defend climate progress! Both Oregon and Washington have earned a reputation for leadership on clean energy and climate, and this year, both states established themselves as leaders in defending that progress. We defended policies—in Oregon by reinstating its Climate Protection Program, and in Washington by overwhelmingly rejecting an effort to repeal key provisions of the Climate Commitment Act. We also cultivated new and powerful partnerships, and demonstrated the power of the people.

More than 150 people from Climate Solutions’ community came together at Portland’s Revolution Hall on December 5 to celebrate these recent victories, made possible by lots of work and deep collaboration among community partners in both states.

Climate Solutions’ Director of Policy and Strategy Meredith Connolly served as master of ceremonies for the event, and credited the “incredible coalition effort” it took both to pass and defend the CPP. She praised the state’s progress towards 100% clean energy, noting that every community in the state must share in the benefits this transition brings.

Executive Director Gregg Small acknowledged the obvious fact that, after last month’s election, the political outlook for federal climate policy is fairly bad. Still, he added, “for anyone who thinks this is the end for climate progress in the United States, that’s not the case.” Gregg named what he called the “three big levers” for climate policy: federal policy, private sector clean energy development, and the third, the most important in Gregg’s view, state and local action. This is Climate Solutions’ key focus, and where Oregon and Washington are poised to continue leading.

With Climate Solutions’ Board President Emiko Atherton making the case for supporting Climate Solutions’ work, our Portland event raised more than $74,000. Thanks to our community for your generous support! If you haven’t had the chance to donate and would like to do so, here’s the link to donate.

Another couple of event highlights: Meredith took the opportunity to welcome Nora Apter to Climate Solutions’ team as our new Oregon Director. And we honored longtime Oregon climate leader Senator Michael Dembrow, who is retiring from the state Senate at the end of the year. Sen. Dembrow helped deliver some of the state’s biggest climate victories over his years of service, including the Climate Protection Program.

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our reception last week! We extend special thanks to the event’s Climate Protector sponsor Lisa Adatto, to Climate Partner sponsors PGE, the Port of Portland, PAE, and Rye Development, and to our Climate Friend and Climate Supporter sponsors and hosts for their partnership and support. We are also grateful to our event partners: caterer Miss’ipi Chef, venue management Mississippi Studios, and photographer Andie Petkus. Photos shared here.