Is Oregon A Model For Pushing Clean Energy?
In August 2015, President Obama announced a new Clean Power Plan (CPP), which seeks to dramatically reduce the levels of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the United States. While some states across the nation begin to take steps to fulfill the CPP, others have already developed bold plans, which may serve as effective models for climate action. In Oregon, one plan in particular stands out.
The policy, passed by the legislature 6 years ago is the states latest attempt to slash greenhouse gas emissions, and is finally going into effect. The goal is to decrease emissions from transportation by 10% over the next 10 years, and to reduce all emissions to 1990 levels by 2050. It is the hope of elected officials throughout the state that this move will pressure industry to invest in cleaner burning fuels that are more environmentally friendly.
What makes Oregon’s plan to reduce transportation-based fossil fuels so important is that it is modeled on a similar plan implemented in California. Officials from both states, along with Washington, Alaska and British Colombia, have joined forces by creating the Pacific Coast Collaboration. Together, they have been able to join resources, share ideas, and collaborate on the development and implementation of climate solutions. Their actions illustrate the power of effective climate leadership, and that acting on climate can be a political winner, and be a win for residents in their communities. Find out how to network with leaders in your area by joining Path to Positive Communities.
New Oregon program aims to show another way to push clean fuels
By Kyle Feldscher | The Washington Examiner | January 1, 2016
An Oregon program aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting cleaner fuels is a new step in a regional partnership that could provide a guide for the federal government as President Obama pushes his climate agenda.
Beginning Jan. 1, more than six years after the Oregon legislature passed it, the Clean Fuels Program requires distributors to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels by 10 percent by 2025. The state defines the carbon intensity of a fuel as the total amount of pollution caused by the production, transportation, storage and use of a vehicle’s fuel.
Cory-Ann Wind, program manager for the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, said the program aims to motivate fuel distributors to develop forms of fuel that have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline.