On May 9, DEQ Director Leah Feldon, celebrated Public Service Recognition Week nominees during the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission meeting in Bend, Oregon. This year, DEQ selected three Public Service Ambassadors: Amanda Ingmire, Kara Master and Erica Timm out of a total of eight nominees.
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Oregon Celebrates Food Waste Prevention Week 2025 with events and community partnerships
New events added April 4, 2024, 4:15 p.m. For the fourth year in a row, Oregon leads the way nationally throughout Food Waste Prevention Week, April 7-13, 2025. This annual campaign brings together communities, businesses, schools, and individuals to tackle food waste through education, action, and celebration.
Oregon DEQ Announces New Food Systems Strategic Plan
The newly adopted Reducing Food Impacts: A Strategic Plan for Oregon (2025) establishes an updated vision for Oregon’s Materials Management Program. The plan emphasizes a whole-systems, equity-centered approach to food. This plan outlines the three key priority areas for DEQ’s future work in food systems: Sustainable Food Production, Sustainable Food Consumption and Sustainable Food Waste Management.Continue reading “Oregon DEQ Announces New Food Systems Strategic Plan”
Oregon’s Climate Protection Program: Cutting Emissions by 90% by 2050
The Climate Protection Program will reduce climate pollution from fossil fuels by 90% by 2050. The Environmental Quality Commission, the governing body for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, unanimously adopted the Climate Protection Program at its meeting on Nov. 21, 2024. The program sets enforceable and declining limits, or caps, on greenhouse gas emissionsContinue reading “Oregon’s Climate Protection Program: Cutting Emissions by 90% by 2050”
Servant leadership: from the military to DEQ
As Veterans Day approaches, I ordinarily take this time to reflect on my military service, its influence on my life journey and where I am today. This will be my second Veterans Day since separating from the Air Force and my first Veterans Day at DEQ. Although I often measure periods of my life byContinue reading “Servant leadership: from the military to DEQ “
Oregon’s efforts to address climate change get nearly $200M boost in federal funds
Funds will advance Oregon’s efforts to meet climate goals On July 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the State of Oregon will receive $197 million from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Director Leah Feldon said, “This is an immense honor and demonstration of trust from EPAContinue reading “Oregon’s efforts to address climate change get nearly $200M boost in federal funds”
Photos: DEQ staff capture images of the spectacular Northern Lights
It’s a phenomenon that features amazing colored light displays that reminds us the world is beautiful and full of wonder. The Northern Lights, officially known in the Northern hemisphere as Aurora Borealis, are produced by millions of explosions of magnetic energy. In May 2024, the lights danced around the Pacific Northwest skies in dazzling hues.Continue reading “Photos: DEQ staff capture images of the spectacular Northern Lights”
DEQ needs more resources to do its work and address climate change, audit says
The recent Secretary of State audit of DEQ’s strategic planning process confirms what we already knew: we need more resources to address climate change and protect human health and the environment in Oregon..
DEQ revamps Supplemental Environmental Project policy
For years, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has offered pollution violators the option to pay for environmentally friendly projects to partially offset assessed fines. Now the department is working to ensure communities have a role in deciding what projects these fines will fund.
Pacific Coast Leaders Release Strategy for Building More with Less Carbon
“Together, we’re building the regional green economy and shaping the next chapter on environmental leadership.” said Leah Feldon, Director of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, said Leah Feldon, Director of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality