Every option in Oregon's college savings plan invests in fossil fuels.
(And it's even bad for your wallet.)
Sign the petition
Join the many Oregonians working to add a low-fee, age-based option to the 529 that doesn't invest in fossil fuels. Saving for college shouldn't mean funding climate destruction. Let’s fix this. 💚
Oof. All 529 options invest in fossil fuels.
Like so many 529s, 401(k)s, and pensions across America, every Oregon 529 investment option is tied to fossil fuel companies.
529 plans are a powerful tool to save for college — but families are being forced to invest in the very industries destroying their children's future.
Even the ESGÂ fund still invests over 4% in fossil fuels, charges more than double the fees of true fossil-free alternatives, and has consistently underperformed its benchmarks.
Families deserve a real fossil-free option — not greenwashing.
Fossil fuels have had bad returns.
Believe it or not, Â fossil fuels have had the worst returns of any sector of the economy over the past 10 years. If you had invested $10,000 in fossil fuels 10 years ago, today's you'd have $10,004. Having a fossil free option isn't just about saving the climate, it's about having more savings for our own retirement.
Fossil fuels are the most risky.
Just like how the price of gas fluctuates a lot, it's stock price makes the most dramatic swings of any sector of the US economy. That means, the moment you need to take out the money for college, you could have less money to pull out.
Others are already taking action.
The movement to remove fossil fuels from long-term investments is growing.
Massachusetts
Citizens signed petitions and rallied at town halls to get fossil fuels out of their 529 plan. They succeeded.
In 2024, employees successfully rallied together to convince company leadership to add a fossil fuel free option to their 401(k).
Maine
In 2024, Maine's treasury department, for the first time, allocated millions of dollars of their State Trust to a fossil fuel free fund.
California
Citizens are actively petitioning right now, similar to this movement in Oregon.
Learn more
Join us.
Sign the petition to get a fossil fuel-free option in the Oregon 529.
Here's the plan.
Change is fully possible. Here is a proven process for getting a fossil-free plan added.
Meet with Oregon leadership
We had a positive meeting with Oregon Treasury leadership and agreed to continue the conversation.
Send data
We sent a lot of facts behind fossil fuel performance, alternative funds with lower fees, no fossil fuels, and better returns.
Meet with state financial advisors
Every 529 has outside financial counsel that  helps with final decisions. State leadership is reviewing having us all meet with them.
Collect signatures
By joining our voices, state leaders can confidently add a fossil-free option, knowing we will support them.
Deliver the signatures
After we have gathered, we will bring the signatures to the state treasury.
The fund gets added to the 529
With enough effort, we're very confident Oregon leadership will offer a fossil-free option.
Oregonians can finally invest in the fund
The effort isn't done yet though. People still need to know about the new option. We are preparing campaigns to drive mass attention.
Got questions?
We've got answers!
Aren’t climate funds more expensive?
How do you define fossil fuel free?
If I divest from fossil fuels, am I really making a difference?
Is there an age-based option?
Aren't fossil fuels getting really good returns right now?
