Oregon Center for Environmental Health September 23, 2005 THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE IN PORTLAND, OREGON -- OVERVIEW Using a precautionary approach as a policy framework is an effective way to support prevention of toxic pollution and to prevent harm to the environment, human health, wildlife, and ecological systems. The precautionary principle is an approach to decision-making which requires consideration of the full range of direct and indirect costs of actions to public health and the environment. It includes taking anticipatory action to prevent harm when a threat of harm is known. It also includes evaluation based on the best available science. The duty to prevent harm is shared by government, business, community groups, and the general pubic. Precautionary Principle Workshop On April 20, 2004 the Center partnered with the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) of Portland and Multnomah County to sponsor the Precautionary Principle Workshop: A New Approach for Protecting Human Health and the Environment. Over 120 people from local government, environmental groups, academia, and the community gathered to learn about this common-sense approach to pollution prevention. Speakers included Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo De Steffey, Multnomah County Health Department Director Lillian Shirley, and Director of the San Francisco Office of the Environment, Jared Blumenfeld. View the workshop presentations. The workshop was successful in initiating a dialogue locally about prevention of toxic pollution and protection of human health. Click here to read the April 20 news story on the workshop aired on OPB Oregon Considered. Policy Change for Health and Environment One outcome of the workshop was the formation of a workgroup consisting of local leaders and members of the community. This workgroup was created to develop policy recommendations to Multnomah County and the City of Portland on toxics issues and the use of the precautionary principle. Based on the feedback from the workgroup, a joint resolution was proposed by the Center and SDC and adopted by the city and county. Read the resolution and the accompanying report. The resolution recognizes National Pollution Prevention Week and calls for a Toxics Reduction Strategy to be developed using the Precautionary Principle at Multnomah County and City of Portland government. Read the Center's news release. Oregon Center for Environmental Health 819 SE Morrison, Suite 235, Portland, Oregon 97214 ophone: 503-233-1510 ofax: 503-233-1528 info@oregon-health.org