Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Oregon
65 Agricultural Groups Request Extension of EPA Comment Period on Draft Fungicide Strategy
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- A coalition of 65 agricultural organizations has urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to extend the public comment period for its Draft Fungicide Strategy to Reduce Exposure of Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species and Designated Critical Habitats from Conventional Agricultural Fungicides.
The groups, which represent a broad array of stakeholders including farmers, retailers, manufacturers, and state regulators, expressed concern that the current 6
more
7 Environmental Organizations Urge NMFS to Retain Category I Status for California Dungeness Crab Fishery
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- A coalition of seven environmental organizations submitted a public comment letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service opposing a proposal to reclassify the commercial California Dungeness crab pot fishery from Category I to Category II under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
According to the coalition, Category I status is warranted due to frequent incidental death or serious injury of marine mammals, notably humpback whales, linked to the fishery. They argue that c
more
Animal Counsel Urges NMFS to Maintain North Atlantic Right Whale Speed Limits
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Animal Counsel, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, submitted a public comment letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration opposing proposed changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The letter emphasizes the urgent need to maintain current 10-knot seasonal speed restrictions for vessels as a critical measure protecting approximately 384 North Atlantic right whales, a spe
more
Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Continue Funding Legal Services for Low-Income Americans and Vulnerable Communities
SACRAMENTO, California, June 11 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Continue Funding Legal Services for Low-Income Americans and Vulnerable Communities
*
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general, urged Congressional leaders to continue funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related
more
Attorney General Clark Joins Coalition Supporting New York Measures Ensuring Public Safety in State Buildings
MONTPELIER, Vermont, June 11 -- Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark posted the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Clark Joins Coalition Supporting New York Measures Ensuring Public Safety in State Buildings
*
Attorney General Clark Urges Court to Uphold Dismissal of Trump Administration Lawsuit
Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in defending a district court's dismissal of the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging the Protect
more
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION SUPPORTING NEW YORK MEASURES ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY IN STATE BUILDINGS
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 11 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
* * *
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION SUPPORTING NEW YORK MEASURES ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY IN STATE BUILDINGS
*
Raoul Urges Court to Uphold Dismissal of Trump Administration Lawsuit
Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in defending a district court's dismissal of the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging the Protect Our Courts Act
more
Avangrid Unveils 7th Video Campaign in Award-Winning EMPOWERED Series
ORANGE, Connecticut, June 12 -- Avangrid, an energy company, issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
* * *
Avangrid Unveils 7th Video Campaign in Award-Winning EMPOWERED Series
Latest installment in the EMPOWERED series showcases how Colorado solar project supports the local community and enables educational journeys
EMPOWERED series shows how energy projects uplift rural communities and contribute to long-term economic growth across the United States
-
ALAMOSA, Colo. -- Avangr
more
Congress Doubles Down on the Fight Against IUU Fishing
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, June 11 [Category: Food/Beverage] -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance posted the following news release:
* * *
Congress Doubles Down on the Fight Against IUU Fishing
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing undercuts the U.S. market with cheap seafood, depressing prices, and squeezing out the operators who follow the rules. Combating IUU fishing remains a high priority for U.S. commercial fishermen, environmental groups, human rights advocates, and Congress.
more
Dexter Introduces Legislation to Protect Children's Dignity and Due Process in Immigration Custody
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Dexter Introduces Legislation to Protect Children's Dignity and Due Process in Immigration Custody
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) today introduced the Dignity and Due Process for Children Act, legislation establishing clear, enforceable protections for immigrant children in federal custody.
"We have all seen the stories: babies kidnapped by ICE, elementary school ch
more
Endangered Species Protection Sought For Two Rare Pacific Northwest Wildflowers
WASHINGTON, June 11 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release:
* * *
Endangered Species Protection Sought For Two Rare Pacific Northwest Wildflowers
*
PORTLAND, Ore. -The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect two rare species of goldenweed - rough goldenweed and Palouse goldenweed -under the Endangered Species Act. The wildflowers are named for their bright yellow blooms and are found
more
Evan Bates Named Spring 2026 CPI Supervisor of the Semester
POCATELLO, Idaho, June 11 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
* * *
Evan Bates Named Spring 2026 CPI Supervisor of the Semester
*
The Career Path Internship (CPI) program is excited to announce Evan Bates as the Spring 2026 CPI Supervisor of the Semester. Bates serves in Idaho State Athletics, where he oversees marketing strategy, fan engagement, and creative initiatives while supervising CPI interns who contribute to many areas of the department.
Bates currently supervise
more
Forest Service Employees Advocate for Wolf Recovery Program Reforms in Colorado
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, Eugene, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the implementation of the gray wolf nonessential experimental population rule in Colorado. The letter addresses concerns related to the program's management, funding, and ecological benefits, urging the federal agency to consider the broader recovery goals mandated by the Endangered Species Act alongside the challenges pre
more
Free Press: House Blocks Extension of Section 702 Spying Powers at a Time of Widespread Concern Over Trump Administration's Crackdown on Privacy and Dissent
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- Free Press, an advocacy group that is part of the media reform or media democracy movement, issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
* * *
House Blocks Extension of Section 702 Spying Powers at a Time of Widespread Concern Over Trump Administration's Crackdown on Privacy and Dissent
On Thursday, the House of Representatives failed to advance legislation to extend the nation's surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
more
Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association Calls for Changes in Federal Wolf Management Policy in Colorado
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association, a nonprofit livestock producer organization headquartered in Gunnison, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the agency's implementation of the Gray Wolf Nonessential Experimental Population Rule in Colorado. The letter expresses concerns about the current wolf management program operated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and requests revisions to federal-state coordinatio
more
Howard College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Establish Endowed Fund to Support University Fellows
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, June 10 -- Samford University issued the following news release:
* * *
Howard College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Establish Endowed Fund to Support University Fellows
*
Stephen and Danielle Bailey
Two alumni of Samford University's Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Danielle '11 and Stephen Bailey '11, have established the James C. Brown Excellence Fund for University Fellows. This newly endowed fund will expand opportunities for Samford students to pursue research,
more
KFF: Maine Homelessness Falls, But More Than 2,600 People Still Without Stable Housing
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- Maine recorded 2,695 people experiencing homelessness according to the latest Point-in-Time survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in January 2024. Data compiled by KFF show that while the state's homeless population declined from the previous year, thousands of residents continue to experience housing instability, with the vast majority relying on shelters, transitional housing, and emergency accommodation rather than living unsheltered.
more
KFF: New Mexico Sees Growing Homelessness Challenge as Unsheltered Population Remains High
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- New Mexico is facing a homelessness challenge according to the latest Point-in-Time survey conducted by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in January 2024. Data complied by KFF show that the state continues to struggle with both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, reflecting broader national trends but with distinctive local characteristics.
According to New Mexico's 2024 count, approximately 4,649 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night.
more
KFF: North Carolina Homelessness Surges as Sheltered and Unsheltered Populations Reach Record Levels
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- North Carolina experienced a sharp rise in homelessness in 2024, with the latest Point-in-Time count showing 11,626 people experiencing homelessness on a single January night, up from 9,754 in 2023. The increase of 1,872 people represents a 19% year-over-year jump, closely matching the national increase of 18%.
The KFF data, sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness, indicate that homelessness in North
more
KFF: U.S. Homelessness Data Climbs Sharply as Unsheltered Population Remains a Major Challenge
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The number of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. reached a record level in the latest Point-in-Time count, according to data compiled by the health policy organization KFF. The figures, collected during the last 10 days of January, provide a one-night snapshot of homelessness across all states.
The table, sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness, shows that an estimated 771,480 people were e
more
King Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospitals Passes U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Sen. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, issued the following news release:
* * *
King Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospitals Passes U.S. Senate
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is celebrating Senate passage of bipartisan legislation that would allow hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare as they face unprecedented financial challenges in delivering care in rural areas. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthori
more
Merkley Leads New Bill to Prevent LNG Exports from Raising Costs on American Households, Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Merkley Leads New Bill to Prevent LNG Exports from Raising Costs on American Households, Businesses
*
Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley-a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee-introduced new legislation that would lower prices for American households by ensuring new liquefied fossil gas (also known as LNG) exports will not result in higher
more
Merkley, Padilla Lead Effort to Fight Back Against Voter Suppression and Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in U.S. Elections
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Merkley, Padilla Lead Effort to Fight Back Against Voter Suppression and Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in U.S. Elections
*
Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and California's U.S. Senator Alex Padilla reintroduced legislation to protect voters in the face of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and recent attacks on voting by the Trump Administration.
The Fraudulent Artif
more
Moore, Bonamici, Frost, Grijalva, and Pocan Introduce Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Moore, Bonamici, Frost, Grijalva, and Pocan Introduce Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026
*
Today, Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) are introducing legislation to repeal the national federal tax credit voucher scheme included in the Republicans' so-called Big, Beautiful Bill.
Voucher
more
New Merkley Bill Clears Barriers to Renewable Energy Projects Nationwide
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
New Merkley Bill Clears Barriers to Renewable Energy Projects Nationwide
*
Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley-a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee-released new legislation to oppose discriminatory barriers to renewables enacted by states, counties, and municipalities across the United States.
As the Trump Administration increases elect
more
OHSU field surgical team flies to treat trapped patients onsite
PORTLAND, Oregon, June 11 -- Oregon Health and Science University issued the following news:
* * *
OHSU field surgical team flies to treat trapped patients onsite
*
Trauma surgeon Albert Chi, M.D., had a clear view of Mount Hood as he lifted off from the roof of OHSU Hospital aboard a Life Flight helicopter on Sunday, May 24.
Albert Chi, M.D. (OHSU)
He received the initial call shortly after 10:30 a.m.: A car-size boulder had rolled on top of a climber descending the mountain above Timbe
more
Ore. Benton County Health Dept. Urges FDA to Ban All Flavored ENDS Products Including Menthol
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The Benton County Health Department, Corvallis, Oregon, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging regulations on flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems. Citing evidence that flavored products appeal to youth and contribute to nicotine initiation, the department highlighted the ongoing public health burden of tobacco use in their community of nearly 100,000 residents.
The health department expressed support for maintaining hig
more
Oregon Coalition Urges FDA to Reject Draft Guidance on Flavored ENDS to Protect Youth
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- The Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials, Portland, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems premarket applications. The coalition raised concerns that the proposed draft guidance may undermine efforts to protect youth and young adults from ENDS-related risks.
Oregon CLHO highlighted data showing that e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among Oregon youth,
more
Oregon Health & Science University Pediatric Ophthalmologist Professor Reznick Opposes Proposed Changes to Federal Research Grant Rules
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- Leah Reznick, Elks Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Management and Budget urging the agency to withdraw proposed revisions to federal grant administration rules, arguing that the changes would undermine biomedical research, disrupt pediatric clinical trials, restrict scientific collaboration and replace expert review with political oversight.
The letter criticizes a p
more
Oregon's Education Equation: Global trends drive insurance calculations
SALEM, Oregon, June 11 [Category: Education] -- The Oregon School Boards Association posted the following news:
* * *
Oregon's Education Equation: Global trends drive insurance calculations
*
The ripple effects of insurance mean a hurricane in Florida or a legal change in California can show up in Oregon school budget discussions this time of year.
Property and liability insurance is a significant line item in schools' budgets, but much of the expense is driven by events outside a district'
more
Oregonians Deserve Access to the Best Tools in Treating Serious Disease
WASHINGTON, June 11 [Category: Medical] -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network posted the following news release:
* * *
Oregonians Deserve Access to the Best Tools in Treating Serious Disease
*
SALEM, Oregon -Improved coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing is crucial for Oregonians to have the best chance of treating and defeating cancer and other diseases. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its Oregon partners will advocate for expanded access
more
Physicians For Compassionate Care Education Foundation Raises Concerns Over Assisted Suicide Practices, Hospice Care
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Physicians For Compassionate Care Education Foundation, headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services addressing the Medicare Program: FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements rule, specifically the section titled "Request for Information Regarding Medical Aid in Dying." The organization expressed concerns regarding assisted suicide
more
Raymond Jacobson Selected as Director of the NIH Center for Scientific Review
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
* * *
Dr. Raymond Jacobson selected as director of the NIH Center for Scientific Review
The Center ensures NIH grant applications receive fair, independent, expert, and timely reviews.
-
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., today announced the selection of Raymond H. Jacobson, Ph.D., as the director of NIH's
more
Rep. Andrea Salinas Calls on Trump to Uphold His Promise to the American People
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Rep. Andrea Salinas Calls on Trump to Uphold His Promise to the American People
*
Click here (link is external) to watch Rep. Salinas' full floor remarks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered remarks on the House Floor condemning President Trump's failure to fulfill his promises to lower costs for the American people. As families struggle with rising gas, energ
more
Republicans Block Wyden Bill to Extend FISA for Five Weeks To Cover Up Ongoing Surveillance Abuses
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Republicans Block Wyden Bill to Extend FISA for Five Weeks To Cover Up Ongoing Surveillance Abuses
*
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after Senate Republicans objected to Wyden's request to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for five weeks, with basic new transparency requirements about warrantless government surveillance.
"
more
Republicans Block Wyden Legislation to Protect Roadless Rule
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Republicans Block Wyden Legislation to Protect Roadless Rule
*
Roadless Rule currently protects 58 million acres of national forest from new road construction, mining, logging, and other commercial projects
Washington, D.C. - Senate Republicans today blocked an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., during a key Senate committee vote to preserve a 25-year-old rule that protects more than
more
Rhode Island Lawmakers Pass Teamsters-Supported Warehouse Worker Protection Act
WASHINGTON, June 11 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
* * *
Rhode Island Lawmakers Pass Teamsters-Supported Warehouse Worker Protection Act
*
Press Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (771) 241-0015 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) - Teamsters are celebrating the passage of S2504A/H7364A, the Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act, out of the General Assembly. The legislation will prevent companies like Amazon f
more
Rocky Mountain Wolf Project Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Support Colorado's Gray Wolf Restoration Efforts
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, Durango, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the implementation of the gray wolf nonessential experimental population rule under the Endangered Species Act in Colorado. The letter addresses multiple issues related to wolf restoration, management, conflict mitigation, and state-federal cooperation.
RMWP highlighted the critical role the 10(j) rule plays in the success of Colorado's
more
Senate Energy & Natural Resources Ranking Member Heinrich Calls for Consideration of Conservation Bills, Bipartisan Cooperation on ENR Legislation
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
* * *
Heinrich Calls for Consideration of Conservation Bills, Bipartisan Cooperation on ENR Legislation
During a business meeting on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to consider pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, criticized Chairman Mike
more
State Behavioral Health Investments Create More Than 1,600 New Treatment Beds
SALEM, Oregon, June 11 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
State Behavioral Health Investments Create More Than 1,600 New Treatment Beds
*
Salem, OR - Governor Tina Kotek today announced significant growth in Oregon's mental health and addiction care treatment capacity, marking a major step forward in her administration's effort to strengthen a system long stretched beyond its limits and ensure Oregonians can access treatment when they need it.
"Oregonian
more
Washington Civil & Disability Advocate Urges CMS to Address Assisted Suicide Discrimination in Hospice Care
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Washington Civil and Disability Advocate, based in Seattle, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The letter addresses concerns regarding medical aid in dying and calls on CMS to enforce federal civil rights protections for people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The organization highlights an allegedly discriminatory double standard in end-of-life care sett
more
Willamette Riverkeeper Demands Stronger EPA Actions on PFAS and Microplastics in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Willamette Riverkeeper, Portland, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addressing the Draft Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). The organization critiques the EPA's approach to emerging contaminants, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, urging the agency to move beyond acknowledgment and implement enforceable regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
In i
more
Wyden Statement on Federal Raids on Immigration Lawyers
WASHINGTON, June 12 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement on June 11, 2026:
* * *
Wyden Statement on Federal Raids on Immigration Lawyers
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement after legal service providers for immigrants reported widespread raids by federal law enforcement to their offices, seeking individualized information on clients.
"Once again, Trump and his cr
more
Wyden, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Guard First Amendment Speech Rights Against Government Jawboning
WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Wyden, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Guard First Amendment Speech Rights Against Government Jawboning
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act (JAWBONE) Act, legislation to hold the government accountable for censorship and violations of
more