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March 2025 Volume Two / Number Three

Hello Third Act Oregon members and welcome to our March Newsletter. Our lead story focuses on OCERA’s effort to enshrine our right to a healthy environment in the Oregon Constitution. Check out this month’s Legislative Tip and the latest updates from our Action Teams. And be sure to mark your calendars for April 5, a national mobilization effort to defend our democracy.  

The People's Right to a Healthy Environment

Everyone should have the right to live in a healthy environment. Everyone needs clean air, clean water, and a stable climate to survive and thrive.

You might expect our constitutional rights to life and liberty to include natural life support systems; that a right to a clean and healthy environment is an implied, enforceable right. It should be. Unfortunately, case law has shown that if it's not expressly stated, there's no guarantee this right will be recognized.

Third Act Oregon is partnering with OCERA, Oregon Coalition for an Environmental Rights Amendment, to promote an amendment to the Oregon State constitution that codifies these fundamental rights.

Take Back

the News

TAO's list of trusted alternatative news sources.

Check out new links.

What's your favorite?

Let us know.

SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 5

On April 5, Third Act joins the

Hands Off! National Day of Action

to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want—our democracy, our future, our rights.

Third Act will partner in this effort with Indivisible, MoveOn, and other groups. Look for our Action Alert email closer to April 5.

Introducing:

TAO's Action Resource Hub

TAKE ACTION EVERY DAY!

Resources for staying informed and finding actions you can take.

Join us online Thursday, March 27th at 4:00 p.m. to learn more about about Oregon’s Climate Superfund Bill to Make Polluters Pay

The impact of hurricanes, floods, heat waves, drought, and fires caused by climate change will cost hundreds of billions of dollars. It’s time for companies like Exxon, Chevron and Shell to pay for the damage, instead of everyday families.

Climate Superfund bills are sweeping the nation. New York and Vermont have passed Climate Superfund bills and more than ten other states including Oregon are working to force Big Oil to pay for climate damage and clean up their mess. Oregon’s Superfund bill just underwent some rewriting based on legislative feedback and is now called SB 1187. A work session and hearing should happen in the next two weeks or so. 

Learn more about this bill 4 pm on Thursday, March 27 and actions we can take to help pass it. We’ll be joined by Michael Richardson of Third Act Upstate New York who will tell us how Third Act and their many partners got the Climate Superfund bill passed in New York.

Become a Citizen Advocate

Third Act Oregon is focused on supporting three specific bills that deal with climate issues, in the upcoming Oregon Legislative Session. Each of us is empowered to share our voices with our legislators in support of these bills. Over the next few months, TAO will share simple ways for you to engage in supporting these and other climate-based legislation efforts.

Legislative Tip for March: What is lobbying? What do I need to know?

• When we advocate for specific bills, we are lobbying.
• When we inform and try to influence our elected officials’ actions and votes, we are lobbying.
• Our advocacy might include writing, calling, and visiting elected officials to share our perspectives and encourage them to take certain action.

Lobbying by ordinary people is effective because officials know we are motivated to take the time to reach out. They also know we are not paid – and we vote. Our lobbying and advocacy show how deeply we care. Through lobbying, we educate, we build constructive relationships, and we also learn!

• Watch Third Act Central’s How to Lobby webinar (Passcode: +J*30trN)

Third Act Oregon is a community of Oregonians over age 60 determined

to save our planet and protect democracy for our children. Join us!