Jeff Merkley

ON THE ISSUES

• Introduced the Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act to drastically reduce oil consumption by supporting electric vehicles, increasing gas mileage standards, and improving mass transit infrastructure
• Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant action Congress has ever taken to address climate change
• Earned a 99% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard

WHY THIS RACE MATTERS

• Holding this seat will help take back a pro-environment, pro-democracy majority in the Senate so we can make further federal climate progress
• Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations,  Environment and Public Works Committee

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND

A true environmental champion, Senator Jeff Merkley is serving his third term in the U.S. Senate representing Oregon. Previously a national security analyst and Democratic Speaker in the Oregon Legislature, Merkley was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008. Since his first vote as Senator—in favor of a bill creating new wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, and national recreation areas—Merkley has continuously championed conservation measures and a clean energy future. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, he has eloquently advocated for action against climate change and in favor of a transition to clean energy. 

Recently, Merkley introduced  the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act—the most comprehensive plan ever introduced in Congress to address the plastic pollution crisis that is poisoning our air, water, and land, and disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income Americans. He has been an outspoken opponent of drilling in the Arctic Ocean and introduced the Keep It In The Ground Act to end all new federal leases for oil, gas and coal extraction on public lands and waters.  He has supported a strong Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution that is driving climate change. His voting record in the U.S. Senate has earned him an outstanding 99% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.