HB 3528
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for distribution to the University of Oregon and Portland State University for water-related research and grants.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
89%
Oppose
11%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to allocate funds to the University of Oregon and Portland State University. Specifically, $3.2 million will be provided to the University of Oregon’s Climate Solutions Center for water-related research and grants focused on environmental justice communities, and $800,000 will be given to Portland State University’s Institute for Tribal Government for research and grants addressing the water needs of tribal communities. The funds are to be distributed during the 2025-2027 biennium.
Key provisions
- Allocates $3,200,000 to the University of Oregon’s Climate Solutions Center for water research and grants.
- Allocates $800,000 to Portland State University’s Institute for Tribal Government for water research and grants.
- Funds are to be distributed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
- The funding is for the 2025-2027 biennium.
- Research focuses on water needs of environmental justice and tribal communities.
Who is affected
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
- Environmental Justice Communities
- Tribal Communities
- Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Notable changes
- Provides dedicated funding for water-related research and grants at two specific universities.
- Focuses research on the unique water needs of environmental justice and tribal communities.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3528 agree that the legislation is crucial in addressing Oregon's pressing water issues, prioritizing the needs of rural communities, low-income communities, and Indigenous leaders. They emphasize the importance of ensuring all Oregonians have access to clean and safe water, with a focus on community-driven solutions and research-based approaches. The bill's provision of $4 million for research and community-based initiatives is seen as a critical step in addressing the state's water challenges, including concerns about water quality, scarcity, and contamination, particularly in agricultural communities disproportionately affected by industrial activities. By supporting HB 3528, advocates aim to promote ecological education, build relationships with tribal partners, and advance water equity for all Oregonians.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed funding for the University of Oregon's Climate Solutions Center express concerns that the vague language in the budget request may perpetuate injustices against environmental justice communities. They argue that the lack of specificity and clarity in the proposal could lead to unequal distribution of resources, exacerbating existing disparities in access to climate change mitigation efforts. Critics also contend that this ambiguity undermines the center's mission to promote equity and sustainability, potentially hindering its ability to effectively address the needs of marginalized communities.