Divest Forest Grove from Fossil Fuels

With the potential effects of climate change on our agriculture and viticulture surroundings, we at Forest Grove understand that climate change is not only a global problem, but a local one as well. The Oregon pinot noir that places our town on a map will not be able to grow under warmer conditions. A warmer climate will effect hydro power, our primary source of electricity. Summers will become hotter and drier; winters will be wetter and cooler.

The City has already taken great steps in committing to sustainability and mitigating climate change. At the Annual Town Meeting, citizens commented on how they would like to see more City leadership on the issue. Divesting in fossil fuels will show that the City is in fact serious about this issue and take leadership for the community to follow.

We are a community of families, students, grandparents, farmers, businessmen and women, but most of all, we are a community of people who cherish our natural surroundings, who cherish the livelihoods of people, and who understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a social and economic justice issue as well.

It is time to send a message to the fossil fuel companies that we will not tolerate greenhouse gas emissions any longer. We will not accept their profits. Divestment will send that message out to the global community that we are committed to the mitigation of climate change.