Press Releases

Risch, Merkley Introduce Bill to Remove Roadblocks for Youth Corps Public Lands Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation to reduce federal cost-sharing requirements for public lands projects performed by qualified youth or conservation corps from 25% to 10%. “Current cost-sharing requirements prevent youth conservation corps from carrying out important public lands projects,” said Risch. “My bill reduces this

Bynum and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Protect the Deschutes River

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill reauthorizes the Deschutes River Conservancy’s (DRC) eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality improvement initiatives and conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1996, the DRC and

Merkley Joins Amicus Brief in Fight to Protect Consumer Bureau’s Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined an amicus brief of 20 current and former Members of Congress supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) appeal of a judicial decision that threatens its independent structure. The brief was filed this week in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The

Merkley Applauds EPA’s Commitment to Fuel Standards that Save Money and Cut Pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to continue the carbon pollution standards for cars and light trucks through 2025: “The EPA’s re-affirmation of the broadly supported fuel efficiency standards through 2025 is a common-sense win-win-win; these fuel

Merkley Slams Trump’s Pick of Mnuchin for Treasury

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Donald Trump picked Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, as his nominee for Treasury Secretary: “When Donald Trump promised change, I don’t think voters thought he meant putting Wall Street back in charge of the economy. He

Merkley Applauds Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that the Arctic would be put off-limits to offshore drilling in the five-year leasing plan from 2017-2022: “Drilling in the Arctic is the height of irresponsibility. I’m pleased that Secretary Jewell and President Obama

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