The Sustainable Section supports several study groups dedicated to topics relating to sustainability. Contact us for more information or to get involved in any of our study groups.

Animal Welfare—Sustainability
Through its Animal Welfare—Sustainability Study Group, the Sustainable Future Section is studying the interface between sustainability and emerging animal welfare rating systems and standards for meat products.  These animal welfare rating systems and standards, including the Global Animal Partnership and Certified Humane, are designed to encourage sound management practices that promote farm animal welfare and ensure sufficient space for animals to perform their normal behavior.  Animal welfare has sustainability implications, including impacts on soil, water, and non-domestic species.  The study group will examine the interface between sustainability and animal welfare, identifying areas of compatibility and conflict.

Office of Legal Guardian
The Office of Legal Guardian Study Group is examining the feasibility of an Office of Legal Guardian in Oregon to examine the impact of proposed Oregon legislation and administrative rules on the interests of future generations.  The functions and authority of the Office of Legal Guardian are based in part on the Office of the Hungarian Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations and recommendations in the 2009 report entitledRecalibrating the Law of Humans with the Laws of Nature: Climate Change, Human Rights, and Intergenerational Justice.  The study group has examined the issues associated with a governmental Office of Legal Guardian created by executive order or legislation and is currently analyzing the feasibility of a private sector office.