The Oregon Coalition for an Environmental Rights Amendment (OCERA) is a grassroots effort to amend the Oregon Constitution with a fundamental, enforceable right to a healthy environment.
Why a constitutional amendment? As Oregon’s highest source of law, its state constitution cannot be overridden without the people’s consent. Fundamental rights are housed in constitutions because they are considered so essential to life and liberty that they must be protected from political interference. Because a safe and healthy environment (with clean air, clean water and a stable climate) is essential to life and liberty, it requires constitutional protection.
No matter what any administration does to roll back protections or incentivize pollution or destruction of Oregon's natural resources, a clear, constitutional standard will be a powerful legal force of protection, especially for our old growth forests, waterways, and groundwater. It also helps our state stay on track toward a sustainable future.
Did you know that, according to the 2025 US News & World Report:
• Oregon is DEAD LAST (#50 out of 50 states) in the nation for "pollution health risks"?
• Oregon is #46 out of 50 states for "pollution"?
• Oregon is #44 out of 50 states for "the natural environment"?
(Note: "Pollution from agriculture, transportation and small facilities...is not included."
Did you know, that according to OPB's coverage:
• "Oregon's nitrate ground pollution became notably WORSE in the past 10 years, report finds" (2025)
• "Groundwater pollution puts drinking water at risk in Eastern Oregon counties" (2022)
Did you know that, according to Oregon Capital Chronicle's coverage:
• "Amid drought, Oregon's new water 'strategy' is light on strategy; As wells run dry, the state says it needs more time and money to crunch numbers." (2024)
• "Oregon has the most polluted or 'impaired' waterways nationwide, new analysis says" (2022)
The way forward: A bill in the 2025 legislature would have put the Amendment on the 2026 ballot (SJR 28). It did not get the opportunity for a Senate Rules Committee vote even though a majority of the Senators indicated they would vote for it. We are now conducting an initiative campaign to put it on the Nov. 2028 ballot. For more information see www.oceraunited.org.
