Legislator Spotlight: Senator Janeen Sollman, Oregon

What motivated you to get involved with environmental issues?

Protecting the health of our planet and ensuring a thriving environment for future generations is what motivates me.

What environmental issues are you most passionate about and why?

Plastic reduction is one of my top priorities. We cannot recycle our way out of all the plastic in the environment and must work to reduce our consumption. At the state level, I have focused on bringing forward policies to reduce our dependence on single use plastics, including Oregon’s Plastic Bag Ban, the Recycling Modernization Act, a ban on polystyrene foodware, coolers and packing peanuts, and updating our Departments of Health and Agriculture codes to allow for use of reusable containers in restaurants and retail.

How has NCEL helped you in your work?

NCEL has been great at keeping me informed of what other states are working on for environmental policy. I get ideas from their frequent updates and from coming together to learn from each other at the National [Forum]. They are a valuable tool for help with research and model policy.

What is your greatest environmental policy success story?

I was so thrilled to work on passing the single use plastic bag ban in Oregon in 2019. I worked with students from my district, that were passionate about passing this policy at the state level, after they successfully lobbied for a City ordinance. They came to the Capitol and advocated for this policy alongside me. Working with youth on environmental policy that directly affects their future is what made it truly special.