Our Story
OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon emerged from the Portland-area Environmental Justice Action Group (EJAG) in 2005, uniting regional movement leaders to address pressing environmental health concerns. Initially focused on public housing residents in North Portland, OPAL pivoted towards transportation justice, founding Bus Riders Unite (BRU) in 2011 to advocate for equitable transit access. This grassroots movement expanded into East Portland, where OPAL launched the Organizers In Training program, empowering the next generation of leaders. The 2015 cohort established the Youth Environmental Justice Alliance (YEJA), advocating for transportation justice in schools facing inequitable access to transit services.
In 2017, OPAL became a founding member of the Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA), promoting a new narrative around climate justice rooted in community-based organizing. OPAL has evolved from addressing air quality issues along the I-205 corridor to tackling the intersections of transportation, housing, land use, public health, and climate policy. With a leadership team reflecting the communities served, OPAL is committed to authentic advocacy and building a statewide movement for environmental and climate justice.