The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability was recognized by Neighbors for Clean Air (NCA) as one of this year's Clean Air Champions at their Nov. 20 Clean Air Gala. The award is given to individuals and organizations who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving air quality. This year's recognition was especially meaningful because it marked NCA’s 15th year as a clean air advocacy organization.
“For most of our history, Multnomah County has been a close collaborator and partner in the fight for clean air,” said NCA Co-executive Director Mary Peveto. “And the Office of Sustainability has been core to our success in collaborating with the County and a leader in advancing clean air policies and programs.”
The Office of Sustainability was recognized for its role in advancing clean air policies and programs in Multnomah County, and for contributing to the advocacy that has led to statewide clean air wins. This includes the development of a wood-smoke curtailment program that limits wood burning on bad air days, and a wood stove replacement program that swapped out dirty and inefficient wood heat for cleaner and more efficient heat pumps.
The office also led the process of establishing the Clean Air Construction Program. The program combines the purchasing power of six local governments to require the use of cleaner diesel-powered construction equipment on public construction projects.
For years, NCA had advocated for stronger protections from toxic industrial emissions to protect human health. When a moss study revealed toxic metal contamination in two neighborhoods, NCA and the Office of Sustainability, along with the Multnomah County Health Department, pushed for new air quality regulations. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality listened, creating its Cleaner Air Oregon program, which established stricter protections from air pollution, particularly when the source of the pollution is close to where people live, work or play.
“I am honored and humbled by this award,” said Multnomah County Office of Sustainability Director John Wasiutynski. “NCA is one of the most effective environmental advocacy organizations around and to have them recognize our work feels like a real achievement. The award is a credit not only to our office, but also the elected officials and County staff who have worked to put human health and wellbeing at the center of our air quality and environmental policy work.”
“This recognition from Neighbors for Clean Air for the Office of Sustainability is definitely well earned,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “Everyone on this planet deserves to breathe clean air. Multnomah County’s commitment to that is exemplified by the work of our Office of Sustainability, who is leading the fight against climate change locally, advancing environmental justice, and helping create a healthy environment for everyone who lives here.”
