“Timber Unity” Rally Against HB2020 at Oregon State Capitol

June 28, 2019

The June 27, 2019 “Timber Unity” rally against HB2020 at Oregon’s Capitol was an astonishing, spontaneous event. The Senate President had declared the Carbon Cap and Trade bill dead, so I assumed that would negate the need for a large rally. Boy, was I wrong!

Oregonians brought more than 2,000 trucks, tractors and other vehicles to the State Capitol to protest climate bills and other legislation that will threaten their livelihoods. I authorized a pair of our log trucks to join the event to show our support.

When I left home at 7a.m. I was stunned to see log trucks lined up on Interstate 5 Northbound slowly taking the Commercial St. exit to go to the Capitol.

Every driver was so polite and an open lane was provided so commuters to work would not be impeded. The drivers’ patience and professionalism impressed me so much.

Following a breakfast meeting where I marveled at the showing by rural Oregonians delivering their trucks to the rally, I joined thousands of people concerned about another serious threat to their livelihoods and their rural way of life.

The speakers at the “Timber Unity” rally against HB2020 were thoughtful, direct and non-confrontational. Considering the stakes at hand, I was impressed and so proud to be part of rural Oregon’s natural resource family.