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OBA 2009 Legislative Agenda - A Pragmatic Path Forward on Energy and Climate Policy

Oregon has emerged as a leader in attracting sustainable businesses. A commitment to the environment not only protects the state's quality of life, but has become an important component of Oregon's economic development efforts. While there are many challenges that must be dealt with, Oregon is in a good position to take advantage of shifting national policies related to renewable energy and to become a leader in innovative initiatives that address climate change and other critical issues.

The OBA Environment Committee has identified the following policy priorities to help Oregon advance as a leader in sustainability practices.

ENVIRONMENT

Focus Efforts on Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Energy efficiency is key to reducing carbon and has the opportunity to create jobs and reduce costs for ratepayers and businesses. Oregon should explore expanding existing tools to increase energy efficiency efforts, such as the Business Energy Tax Credit and Energy Trust of Oregon, as well as implementing new initiatives to drive increased efficiencies.

OBA believes energy efficiency initiatives should be the first priority to implement the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Address Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

Oregon and other western states and provinces have adopted greenhouse gas reductions goals and initiated the Western Climate Initiative to design a regional cap and trade system to address climate change. Designing a cap and trade system will be complex and should take into consideration economic costs and opportunities for current and future Oregon businesses and residents.

OBA supports the following related to cap and trade/greenhouse gas reduction goals:

Complementary measures should be the first priority
A federal solution is the preferred approach
Support for a process to evaluate and design a cap and trade system that aligns with the goals of the Western Climate Initiative design guidelines and takes into account impacts to Oregon businesses and residents, led by the EQC with input from relevant state agencies and interested stakeholders, provided the proposal returns to the 2011 legislature for adoption
Support for exploring alternatives to a regional cap and trade system that achieves greenhouse gas reduction goals

Expand Oregon's Bottle Bill

Oregon Business Association supported the expansion of the bottle bill last session and supports the recommendations of the Bottle Bill Tast Force, created by the 2007 Legislature. Expanding the bottle bill will result in less waste going to land fills and encourage more recycling. The interrelated recommendations should be monitored to ensure current redemption levels are sustained or enhanced and implementation does not negatively impact the transportation system.

OBA supports adopting the following recommendations of the Bottle Bill Task Force:

Establishing redemption centers
Expanding the list of beverages
Increasing the refund value
Limiting redemption of containers purchased out of state
Collecting and utilizing the refund value of unredeemed containers