OSPIRG campaign benefits

polluted Willamette
I want to address a problem that is being ignored by the governor, namely the clean-up of the Willamette River. Many companies along the river dump tons of toxins into it, and much of the state’s garbage finds its way into the river as well. These polluters are working hard to keep the taxpayers paying for the clean-up, not themselves. The level of toxins in the Willamette is so bad that swimming and fishing have been prohibited throughout much of the river. Originally from Los Angeles, I came to Oregon to study at the University in part because of all the great outdoors activities Oregon has to offer. I am disappointed to hear of the condition of one of Oregon’s most precious resources. That is why I joined the group OSPIRG to help deal with this problem.
The main way OSPIRG students are trying to change this situation is by applying pressure to Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to make him keep his campaign promise of cleaning up our river. We need Kulongoski to force the Department of Environmental Quality to enforce existing laws and force big-time polluters to take responsibility for their actions. For our part, OSPIRG organized a river walk in Eugene on Oct. 25, and volunteers picked up two hundred pounds of trash. There will be another one on Nov. 16, and many University students are going to help and show our support for cleaning up the Willamette.

Luis Garcia

freshman

psychology

Public should take action to help clean Willamette
I am writing because I am concerned about the Willamette River. The river is a source of recreation for many Oregonians and now, because of toxic emissions, fishing and swimming have been prohibited in many areas throughout it. Right now, there are point sources along the river where pollution is being discharged by industries that have expired permits. These chemicals not only affect the purity of the water but cause serious effects to the species living there. This fall, the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group is continuing its efforts to make the Willamette River clean again. OSPIRG is working on pressuring Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to keep his gubernatorial candidacy promise to take charge of the Willamette River restoration. If he uses his power, he can pressure the Department of Environmental Quality to enforce pollution permits along the Willamette River.
By holding educational events, exposing big polluters of the Willamette River and working to enhance the public’s awareness, this issue can grab the attention of the governor, who has the power to do something. But the public should care the most about this problem. They are the people who can no longer swim or fish in the river. Most importantly, they are the people who elected Kulongoski because he pledged to clean it up. Educate yourselves and find out what you can do. Volunteer at river clean-ups, find out what products are safe for our river, or write a letter to Kulongoski asking him to keep his promise and clean the Willamette River.

Laura Church

sophomore

undeclared

OSPIRG intern