Every option in Oregon's college savings plan invests in fossil fuels.
(And it's even bad for your wallet.)
Sign the petition
In May, the Oregon Treasury will review potential changes to our 529 lineup. If we act now by signing the petition, our voices together can bring change even this year. The Oregon Treasury is willing to listen, but they need to know we care. Join the many Oregonians working to add a low-fee, age-based option to the 529 that doesn't invest in fossil fuels.
Oof. All 40 options invest in fossil fuels.
Like so many 529s, 401(k)s, and pensions across America, every single plan to choose from includes investing in fossil fuels companies. 529 savings plans are an amazing, effective way to save for college. But the irony is thick. Parents are saving for their kids' future education while having no other option but to invest in companies that are destroying that future.
We're happy Oregon added the Social Choice Balanced fund as our so-called "climate" option. But we're disappointed it still invests over 4% in fossil fuels, while charging more than twice the fees that alternative fossil fuel free funds offer. And while past performance doesn't promise future returns, the Social Choice Fund has significantly underperformed benchmarks.
Fossil fuels have had bad returns.
Believe it or not, 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 our 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.
Add pressure (if needed)
We hope we don't need to, but we are prepared to rally to get press coverage and social media attention.
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?
