Climate Emergency

The League worked independently and as a partner with multiple coalitions, contributing to a very productive historical 2023 Legislative session.

Over $90M Climate Budget Package Investment Legislation passes both chambers and moves to the Governor.

The League has not received a reconciliation to determine which items are missing from the promised Climate $100M Package.

Some good news from State Senator Michael Dembrow’s May 28th Update from SD 23 . Many LWVOR climate related priority and other bills are listed in the drafted Legislative Climate Funding Package, not yet posted to OLIS.

The CE priority bills had minimal activity in the last month. Most have already moved to JW&Ms. Find additional background in previous LR (report)s on the six CE priorities.

The May 17 Revenue 23-25 forecast was very favorable. Oregon is forecasted to have $1.5-2.0 B in funds not previously reflected in the Feb  forecast.

CE priority bills had minimal activity in the last few weeks. Most have already moved to JW&Ms and one to the House. Find in previous LR (report)s additional background on the six CE priorities.

This week we learned more about the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR or the Project) Project’s status from Just Crossing Alliance (JCA), which published widely about their IBR’s plans objections

Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations.

We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics.

It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank.

The League has identified the I-5 Bridge Replacement as a key project impacting Oregonians and anyone traveling the I-5 corridor.

Good news, all CE priorities have Work Sessions scheduled or have already moved forward from their policy committee.

We’re in the process of gathering support for the Resilient Buildings legislation hearings. Amended text was rolled out for SB 868-1, 869-1, and 870-1 (SB 871-1 still lags behind the others) this week and an informational hearing was held March 14, 2023.

The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics.

HB 3196-1 authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission to establish by rule a fee to be paid by community climate investment entities. The funds come from the purchase of Community Climate Investments by the covered fuel suppliers.

Two bills will be up for hearings in the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee this week. Both HB 3166 and HB 3056 are energy efficiency bills.

The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for Feb 22. It is unclear how the congressional debt ceiling issue, security market volatility, inflation – Fed/banking issues and other global risks will develop.

Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them.

We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics.

There are a number of active state and federal lawsuits, (Jan 12, 2023 update) some which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time.

Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) held a special informational meeting Jan 10 to update commissioners on measures to ensure the resource adequacy (RA) of the regional electrical grid.