Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 184 § 184.423 — Findings and goals regarding sustainability

Findings and goals regarding sustainability. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares the following goals for the State of Oregon regarding sustainability: (1) In conducting internal operations, state agencies shall, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, seek to achieve the following objectives: (a) State purchases should be made so as to serve the broad, long term financial interests of Oregonians, including ensuring that environmental, economic and societal improvements are made so as to enhance environmental, economic and societal well-being. (b) Investments in facilities, equipment and durable goods should reflect the highest feasible efficiency and lowest life cycle costs. (c) Investments and expenditures should help promote improvements in the efficient use of energy, water and resources. (d) State operations should be located in diverse locations, including rural and distressed communities. (e) State operations and purchases should help maintain vital and active downtown and main street communities. (f) State purchases should help support opportunities for economically distressed communities and historically underemployed people. (g) State operations should reflect partnerships with communities and businesses. (h) State operations should help reduce adverse impacts on native habitats and species and help restore ecological processes. (i) State operations should be conducted in ways that significantly increase the efficient use of energy, water and resources. (j) State operations and purchases should reflect the efficient use and reuse of resources and reduction of contaminants released into the environment. (2) In supporting sustainable communities, state agencies shall seek to enable and encourage local communities to achieve the following objectives: (a) Resilient local economies that provide a diversity of economic opportunities for all citizens. (b) Workers supported by lifelong education to ensure a globally competitive workforce. (c) An independent and productive citizenry. (d) Youth supported by strong families and communities. (e) Downtowns and main street communities that are active and vital. (f) Development that wisely and efficiently uses infrastructure investments and natural resources. (g) Affordable housing available for citizens in community centers. (h) Healthy urban and rural watersheds, including habitats for fish and wildlife. (i) Clean and sufficient water for all uses. (j) Efficient use and reuse of resources and minimization of harmful emissions to the environment. (3) Intensification of efforts to increase the economic stability of communities designated as economically distressed. [2001 c.918 §4] (Sustainability Board)