Oregon Business Association

May 13, 2009

Legislative Update: Environment

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.

ENVIRONMENT - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

OBA Priority I: Focus Efforts on Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Mid-Session Report: OBA has advocated strongly for a series of bills designed to increase energy effiency including the following:

1.  HB 2626 - 'EEAST Loan Program' - Creates the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology Loan Program for residential and small commercial property owners for energy efficiency improvements and allows property owners to access long-term loans paid back on their utility bill.  Implementation of the program will be facilitated through pilot projects to ensure success of the full program. 

The concept for this important piece of legislation originated with the first gathering of the OBA Centered Leadership Forum.  Rep. Jules Bailey, D-Portland, Rep. Tim Freeman, R-Roseburg and Rep. Tobias Read, D-Beaverton have come together to spearhead this effort after participating in the first of many OBA leadership forums.  OBA has endorsed this bill in both the House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee and the House Revenue Committee.

2.  SB 79 - Increases energy efficiency requirements in residential and commercial building codes, institutes a "reach code", which includes non-mandatory standards for efficiencies greater than the adopted mandatory code, and establishes a taskforce on energy performance scores for residential and commercial structures.  OBA worked with Senate Environment Committee Chair Sen. Jackie Dingfelder who passed the bill out of her committee and to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

 

OBA Priority II: Address Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

Mid-Session Report: OBA has played a crucial role in the ongoing negotiations involving the two major climate change bills: SB 80 and HB 2186. 

1.  SB 80 - 'Governor's Cap and Trade Bill' - Though no longer cap and trade legislation, significant effort remains underway to reach a compromise to move this bill forward.  SB 80 passed out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources.  OBA participated in a work group on SB 80 and continues to encourage parties to work toward a compromise and supports concepts such as creation of an agency coordinating council and greenhouse gas reduction plans by sector.

2.  HB 2186 - 'Low Carbon Fuel' - Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to develop a low carbon fuels standard and establish rules to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of medium and heavy trucks.  HB 2186 passed the House floor and moves to the Senate. OBA supports this legislation with the expectation that amendments will be made in the Senate to incorporate studying the economic impact of such initiatives during rule making.

3.  SB 101 - Establishes greenhouse gas emissions standard for electrical generation and prohibits electricity suppliers from entering into long-term financial commitment unless electricity acquired meets standard.  SB 101 passed out of the Senate Business and Transportation Committee to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources.