Clarno rejects 2 clean-energy ballot initiatives

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Two clean-energy ballot initiatives have been rejected by Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno, drawing condemnation from climate change action advocates. They claim Clarno is bowing to pressure from polluters and business interests.

The Statesman Journal reports they added that Clarno's rejection of initiative petitions 48 and 49 represents a pattern of her siding against environmental interests. She previously rejected three petitions from the group Oregon Wild that proposed adding protections for the state's forest waters.

Clarno's staff didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.