Protecting our Environment

James knows that protecting our air, water, and land is part of what makes Oregon unique and part of our duty to future generations. Throughout his public service, he’s been a consistent champion for our environment and preventing climate change. We can count on James to protect our natural systems and ensure our policies support our environment, our economy, and equity for all Oregonians.

As our next Secretary of State, James will play a direct role in environmental policy through the State Land Board and the office’s Auditing Division.

State Land Board

State Forests Management

As we transition more state forestland away from industrial production to support recreation, restoration, and other sustainable uses, we must ensure the state can maintain them. It is critical the Land Board work with the Department of Forestry to coordinate cost-effective management that provides for their upkeep. In addition, the Board must protect innovations like transitioning the Elliot State Forest into a publicly owned state research forest.

Wetland and Waterway Protections

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to rollback federal Clean Water Act protections for wetlands and waterways underscored why state protections are now more critical than ever. The Land Board must continue its work to ensure the protection and restoration of critical wetland and waterways across Oregon.

Offshore Wind Energy

Oregon can use the transition to a clean energy economy to tap the massive potential of wind energy off our coast. If done correctly, this can create good, union jobs, bring prosperity to the South Oregon coast, and support Tribal and vulnerable communities. The Land Board will play a critical role in this process, reviewing the environmental impacts of underwater cables connecting offshore wind platforms to locations along the coast.

Audits Division

Climate Change

Several recent policies put Oregon on track to cut climate pollution and transition to a clean energy future in an equitable way. Successfully implementing them will be essential. Performance auditing will serve a critical role in helping state and local governments achieve our climate goals and protect vulnerable communities.

Water Policy

Growing water scarcity has underscored the critical importance of water governance in our future to support communities, our economy, and the environment. A 2023 Secretary of State’s audit highlighted critical gaps in water governance in the state and the gaps in effective engagement with our Tribal nations. Further oversight of how to create integrated management of our water resources, as well as the broad legislation adopted in 2023 will be critical for ensuring a sustainable water future for Oregon.