Conference Preview - Deep Decarbonization: From Energy to The Economy
Posted on September 27, 2018 by Bob Jenks
Tags, Conference & Events
Carbon emissions from Oregon’s utility sector have declined due to the significant investment Oregonians has been making in energy efficiency and renewables. Emissions will continue to decline over the next decade as we phase out coal plants, and begin adding renewable natural gas to our system.
We can be proud of the impact we have had. But we must be honest, this is not nearly enough. Carbon emissions in Oregon have declined by 14 percent since 2008. Oregon’s goal is to reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels, but today they are still above 1990 levels. To avoid the devastating effects of climate change, we must do much more.
On Friday October 19 at the Downtown Portland Hilton, CUB will gather with an assortment of utility industry professionals, regulatory staff, and others to discuss these issues at Destination: Decarbonization. This Friday, September 28 is the Early Bird registration deadline, so don’t wait to register!
One of the day’s six breakout panels, Deep Decarbonization: From Energy to The Economy will explore how we build on the success we have had in the utility sector and establish policies that will allow the deep decarbonization of Oregon’s economy.
Panelists will discuss ways to accelerate existing and future decarbonization efforts, how to bring decarbonization to the transportation sector, and how to reduce emissions from heating our homes and businesses. These changes will impact how the federal hydro system is utilized, and will require changes to how the regional grid is managed. As programs are created to support decarbonization, new programs will also be required to ensure that low-income families and vulnerable communities are not being left behind.
Finally, to accomplish deep decarbonization, public policies will have to change. Panelists will discuss the prospects for a declining cap on carbon and other policies that can drive these needed changes.
Joining me for this panel are Crystal Ball - Oregon Liaison, Bonneville Power Administration; Ryan Bracken - Senior Economist, NW Natural; Angus Duncan - Chair, Oregon Global Warming Commission; Elaine Hart - Manager, Integrated Resource Planning, Portland General Electric; and Kristen Sheeran - Energy and Climate Change Policy Advisor to Governor Kate Brown and Director of the Governor’s Carbon Policy Office.
Again, Early Bird pricing ends this Friday, so take a moment now to register for Destination: Decarbonization, and we’ll look forward to seeing you there! You can view previous breakout panel preview blogs and other reading materials here, and don’t forget to sign up for our conference updates email list. Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CUBCon18!
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09/27/18 | 0 Comments | Conference Preview - Deep Decarbonization: From Energy to The Economy