2017 Environmental Scorecard for the Oregon Legislature

SB 3

OCN Priority Bill
Protecting Oregon's Rivers

Suction dredge mining — a form of recreational gold mining — involves vacuuming up riverbeds through a hose using a motorized floating dredge. It harms streams and native fish; smothers critical spawning gravel for salmon; kills aquatic insects, fish eggs, and young fish; degrades stream habitats; and stirs up mercury. A temporary, partial moratorium was in place, and our legislation created permanent protections. This legislation was initiated by the late Senator Alan Bates, an avid Rogue River fly fisherman who worked for many years to prevent and reverse environmental damage caused by suction dredge mining.

Yes is the pro-environment vote.
Status: Passed the Senate 21-9 | Passed the House 38-20
pro-environment voteanti-environment voteabsent or excusedlegislator whose score is 90% or greater
 
 

About OLCV

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization with a simple mission: to pass laws that protect Oregon's environmental legacy, elect pro-environment candidates to office, and hold all of our elected officials accountable.

For more information about OLCV, visit our website at olcv.org.

About the Scorecard

For more than 40 years, OLCV has protected Oregon's natural legacy. An essential part of our work is holding our elected officials accountable. The OLCV Environmental Scorecard is not only one of our most important accountability tools, but also a tradition. The first scorecard was published in 1973.

By sharing how each member of the Legislature voted on the most critical conservation bills, we help Oregonians understand whether legislators listened to their constituents, or if they listened to special interest groups instead. It also serves as a summary of environmental bills and includes special recognition of the legislative champions.