Stop raiding PCEF!
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) passed by a nearly 2/3 vote of the people in 2018, and yet this popular and one-of-a-kind tax on billion-dollar corporations doing business in Portland must be defended time and again. Hardly a month goes by without someone attempting to divert these funds for purposes other than reducing climate impact and increasing environmental justice, even though the funds are already allocated through 2029.
PCEF is already propping up the City's budget, with about $130 million of PCEF funds going to City projects related to climate, clean energy, and environmental justice annually.
Right now, PCEF is fending off several attacks as Portland Mayor Keith Wilson drafts a budget for City Council to consider approving.
Mayor Wilson has suggested diverting $75 million of PCEF to remodel the Moda Center, which does not relate to PCEF's goals.
Mayor Wilson has also indicated in the press he wants to use $25 million of PCEF to build overnight shelters, which does not solve the housing crisis or relate to climate justice.
Mayor Wilson wants every City bureau and service area to slash their budget, including areas funded by PCEF. These funds should not be directed toward the general fund or other budget areas without a climate focus, but should revert back to PCEF if they're cut.
PCEF funds a large portion of the Urban Forestry budget, including a lot of the work 350PDX supports in tree planting and shade equity. This department already received deep and painful cuts in last year's budget and should not be cut further.
Redirecting PCEF money will mean cuts to existing City staff and programs, since the City of Portland budget already includes about $130 million of PCEF funds each year.
Sponsored by
