Oregon lawmakers approve bill with greenhouse gas targets

By AARON CLARK
Associated Press Writer

SALEM — Oregon will have some of the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets in the country under a bill the Senate passed Monday that aims to cut the state’s emissions 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

The bill creates a commission on global warming to recommend to state and local governments ways to reduce the emissions. It earmarks $180,000 for a climate change institute at Oregon State.

The measure is one of the final measures of a session dominated by energy and environmental legislation that aims at positioning the state as a leader in the emerging clean energy economy.

A bill passed earlier this session requires Oregon’s largest electric utilities to draw 25 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025.

Supporters of the measure passed Monday said it allows Oregon to take even more aggressive steps to curb climate change soon.

Under the bill, the state will aim to stop growth of greenhouse gas emissions by 2010; reduce the emissions 10 percent below 1990 by 2020; and arrive at 75 percent below 1990 levels in 2050.

The commission is likely to consider a cap and trade system for the state’s electric utilities. Such a system would reduce pollution by requiring utilities to meet tough emissions standards. Utilities that cut their emissions even further could then sell the right to emit what they don’t.

The bill now goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski — an enthusiastic supporter — for signing.

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The bill number is HB 3543.