Reports

Report | Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

The State of Recycling in Oregon

In 2019, the state of recycling is disappointing. Our report shows that in order to tackle our plastic waste crisis, we need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics we don't need, reuse what we can, and make it possible to recycle the rest. The time to take action is now.

Report | Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

Renewables on the Rise

America is in the midst of a clean energy revolution. Currently, wind and solar energy provide nearly 10 percent of our nation’s electricity and in 2018 America produced almost five times as much renewable electricity from the sun and the wind as in 2009.  Renewables on the Rise documents the dramatic rise of clean energy over the past decade and looks toward a future that is 100 percent renewable.

Report | Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

Safe for Swimming?

The Clean Water Act, adopted in 1972 with overwhelming bi-partisan support, had the farsighted and righteous goal of making all our waterways safe for swimming. Yet 46 years later, all too often, Americans visiting their favorite beach are met by an advisory warning that the water is unsafe for swimming. 

Report | Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

Climate Solutions from Day One

New governors are getting ready to take office in 20 states, from Florida to Alaska. As America’s newly elected governors prepare to take on their states’ biggest challenges, they should prioritize taking bold action on the greatest challenge of our time: climate change.

Report | Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center

The State of Recycling in Oregon

Since 2014, Oregon’s recycling rate has steadily declined, from 41 percent to 37 percent. Although Oregon’s recycling rate remains above the national average of 34.7 percent, the results are well below the state’s goal of achieving 52 percent by 2020 and 55 percent by 2025. Note that every single major county has failed to improve their reduction of waste since 2012. This downward trend will likely continue without serious investment and programmatic change.

Pages

More