Statement: The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission approves Climate Protection Program to reduce climate pollution in Oregon

Media Contacts
Jessie Kochaver

Environment Oregon

PORTLAND – The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) passed the Climate Protection Program on Thursday after a months-long rulemaking process that followed Governor Brown’s 2020 executive order. This new program establishes an enforceable cap on greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon from fossil fuel burning, including diesel, methane gas and propane, in residential, commercial, transportation, industrial and certain manufacturing settings.

The Climate Protection Program also sets enforceable emissions reduction goals by requiring fuel suppliers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from the products they sell by 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. Thirteen industrial facilities will also be required to reduce their emissions to half of today’s levels by 2035. 

Jessie Kochaver, climate associate with Environment Oregon, released this statement in response:

“We are excited that the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission has taken an important step to reducing climate pollution and putting our state on the path to a cleaner, greener future. We applaud every Oregonian who has made their voice heard along the way. 

“In the past 18 months, our state has seen record-breaking wildfires, drought and heat. Climate change is at our doorstep, and we need to act fast to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a safe and liveable climate. The Climate Protection Program will go a long way to ensuring a secure and viable future for Oregon and our planet.

“Thank you to Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission for your leadership, and to the broad coalition of organizations and dedicated individuals who made this happen. As 2021 draws to a close, we’re celebrating a huge year for climate action in Oregon, and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings.”

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