Here’s how this groundbreaking law stands to benefit consumers, the economy, and the planet:

• Consumer Empowerment: Oregon’s Right to Repair law is a game-changer for consumer empowerment and financial savings. By breaking down the monopolistic barriers erected by manufacturers—such as proprietary parts and software locks—this legislation enables Oregonians to choose their repair provider or to perform repairs themselves. This newfound freedom promises significant economic benefits, notably the potential for households to save money. According to the U.S. PIRG study “Repair Saves People Big”, repair could save at least $330 per household.
  
  Beyond individual savings, this law fosters a competitive repair market, stimulating local economies and encouraging a sustainable culture of reuse over replacement. In essence, the Right to Repair empowers Oregonians with the autonomy over their devices they rightfully deserve, making repairs more accessible, affordable, and beneficial for the environment.

• Repair Is Necessary and Popular: Consumer Reports reveals that an overwhelming majority of Americans (81%) have found themselves replacing items due to malfunction, and over half (53%) have done so earlier than anticipated, hindered by the difficulty in locating a satisfactory repair service. This frustration, coupled with the often prohibitive costs of repairs, has led a significant majority (84%) to endorse policies mandating manufacturers to provide access to repair manuals and parts to both independent technicians and owners alike.
  
  In Oregon, this sentiment resonates strongly, with Oregon Consumer Justice reporting that 70% of residents are in favor of Right to Repair legislation. This broad-based support underscores the public's desire for more sustainable consumption options and the empowerment to choose repair over replacement, reflecting a nationwide call for change towards greater repairability and longevity of products.

• Repair Benefits the Environment: The increase of electronic waste presents a significant environmental challenge. On average, Americans replace their cell phones every 2 to 3 years and their computers every 4 to 5 years, contributing to a cycle that demands intensive rare earth mining, generates greenhouse gas emissions, and produces hazardous waste. Daily, over 400,000 cell phones are thrown away in the U.S., with around 4,800 of these in Oregon alone. Of these discarded devices, merely a third are recycled, with certain materials, like plastics, being non-recoverable. The remainder ends up in landfills, leaking toxic substances that pose risks to our health.

  The solution lies in repairing and extending the life of our electronics. Despite this, manufacturers continue to push for annual upgrades, often designing devices to be difficult to repair. This business model of consumption and disposal is not just unsustainable; it disregards the energy, materials, and labor invested in producing these devices. Creating a future where we prioritize repairing, salvaging, and refurbishing our electronics is crucial for environmental sustainability. Adopting a circular economy, where resources are reused and conserved, is essential. Repairing electronics is a key step towards this goal, ensuring a healthier planet by reducing waste and conserving resources.