Oregon’s Climate Protection Program, a significant initiative aimed at reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, faced a major setback when an Appeals Court invalidated it last year due to a technical error. Established by former Governor Kate Brown, the program had been a cornerstone of the state’s climate strategy. Now, after months of reworking the rules, the program is one step closer to reinstatement. Environmental reporter Cale Williams provides an in-depth look at the progress and challenges involved in bringing this program back to life, in his report for KGW News.
Urgency and Environmental Stakes
Nora Apter, director of programs with the Oregon Environmental Council, emphasized the urgency of reinstating the Climate Protection Program (CPP). “We have unfortunately lost years due to the invalidation of the Climate Protection Program,” Apter said. The program’s goal is ambitious: to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035 and by 90% by 2050. The CPP aims to achieve these targets by capping emissions for certain businesses and utilities, with the caps gradually lowering over time.
The Rule-Making Process
The re-implementation of the CPP involves a diverse rule-making advisory committee, including representatives from environmental justice organizations, business groups, and utilities. Apter highlighted the dynamic nature of the committee, noting the tension between those advocating for robust climate policies and those pushing for more lenient regulations. “We are advocating for a program and hoping to maintain the integrity of this really cornerstone climate justice policy,” she explained.
Industry Concerns
Chris McCabe, executive director of the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, acknowledged that the process has been smoother the second time around. He praised the state agency for addressing previous concerns. However, McCabe remains cautious about the economic impact on industries. He warned that stringent emission restrictions could put Oregon’s mills at a competitive disadvantage, potentially leading to higher overall emissions if businesses relocate to areas with weaker environmental regulations.
Utility Company Pushback
Northwest Natural, the region’s largest gas utility, has expressed significant concerns about the CPP’s costs and effectiveness. In a statement to KGW, the utility questioned the viability of the program and its ability to achieve meaningful emission reductions. “If DEQ moves forward with this program, there are changes that must be made to protect Oregon,” the statement read, suggesting that adjustments are necessary to balance environmental goals with economic realities.
Balancing Environmental and Economic Goals
The new rules for the CPP include mechanisms designed to ease the financial burden on businesses. One such measure is the introduction of Community Climate Investments (CCIs), which allow businesses to purchase credits. The proceeds from these credits will fund community solar projects and provide heat pumps to low-income households. This approach aims to mitigate the economic impact on industries while promoting environmental justice.
Focusing on Vulnerable Communities
Xitlali Torres, Air Quality and Climate Program Coordinator at Verde, stressed the importance of directing investments toward communities most affected by climate change. “There are tons of reasons to be focused on making sure that investments are going to people who are hit first and worst,” Torres said. These communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and stand to benefit the most from targeted climate initiatives.
Financial Feasibility and Federal Support
Despite industry concerns about the costs of CCIs – estimated to start at around $130 per metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions – Apter remains optimistic. She pointed out that recent federal investments in clean energy would help alleviate the financial impact on businesses transitioning away from fossil fuels. According to Apter, the long-term benefits of clean energy, including lower costs and improved public health, far outweigh the initial expenses.
Future Steps and Public Involvement
The revised rules for the CPP are expected to be released for public comment in the coming weeks. This will be followed by a hearing and a vote on the rules, anticipated by the end of the year. The involvement of the public and stakeholders in this process is crucial for ensuring the program’s success and addressing any lingering concerns.
Ongoing Coverage
As Oregon moves closer to reinstating its Climate Protection Program, many questions remain about its implementation and impact. Will the changes proposed by Northwest Natural and other industry stakeholders be incorporated? How will the costs associated with CCIs affect businesses and consumers? These are among the critical issues that reporter Cale Williams and the KGW team will continue to follow closely.
The Role of Public Opinion
What are your thoughts? How can Oregon balance the need for strict environmental regulations with the economic realities faced by local industries? What role should public opinion play in shaping climate policy, especially when there are conflicting interests between environmental and business groups? How effective are Community Climate Investments (CCIs) in achieving both environmental justice and economic viability?
See the full video on KGW News’ YouTube channel for more details here.