We’re watching today’s hearing on Senate Bill 80, legislation that will put Oregon on a path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The bill tells agencies and industry to develop plans that will meet goals of reducing emissions at least 10% below 1990 levels by the year 2020, and at least 75% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Part of the discussion includes an ongoing argument over whether mandating these goals is a “hard cap” (a term used by opponents) or something else.
Here’s what witnesses are telling the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Andrea Durbin, Oregon Environmental Council, Supporter:
- She says the greenhouse gas reduction goals established by the 2007 Legislature are a good first step but, “We’re not going to see action in Oregon until we have a process for moving forward.” She believes the bill will make sure Oregon industry will be more competitive in a “carbon restrained world.”
Dave Robertson, Portland General Electric, Opponent:
- He says the bill will force PGE to close some power plants and build new ones, costing consumers $7 billion. Robertson says that could nearly double power bills by 2020. “A hard cap,” says Robertson, “is something we simply can’t accept.”
Tim Miller, Green Lite Motors, Supporter:
- Miller’s company is a start up that builds electric vehicles. He says EVs will help Oregon meet these reduction goals, noting that the state already has some EV manufacturers and other big companies such as Nissan and Think may build factories here, “The demand is here and the products are coming.”
Jennifer Hudson, Ash Grove Cement, Opponent:
- She says Ash Grove is the only cement manufacturer in Oregon. Located in Baker County, the plant employees more than 100 people and provides about 20% of the county’s tax base. She says if Oregon moves forward alone on global warming, it will put her plant and the state’s economy at a disadvantage. She says the state should wait for Congress to create a national plan.
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