As the Weather Gets Chilly, CUB Heats Up
Posted on October 28, 2009 by oregoncub
Tags, Climate and Conservation
Things have been busy for CUB. Not only are we in the final weeks of planning our 25th Anniversary Celebration but also climate change policy seems to be on everyone’s mind.
First up is Boardman, Oregon’s only coal plant. Should PGE invest more money (maybe more than half a billion (that’s with a ‘b’) dollars in the plant to improve air quality or close it early to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? What would that cost? What are the trade-offs? CUB is pushing hard to have modeling done so that we can see what is least-cost and least-risk for customers. This morning Bob Jenks and Catriona McCracken addressed the PGE board of directors on this very issue, among others.
It’s no wonder that Bob was also on the short list to address a US Senate committee about climate change legislation in Congress. He was interviewed by Senate staff on CUB’s position and views on climate change. Although the decision was to have a consumer advocate from a “swing state” (fortunately, Oregon’s senators are both supporters of climate action), being on the short list demonstrates the strong reputation that CUB has in the arena of climate change and how both action and inaction could affect ratepayers.
Closer to home, local governments in Oregon are beating the feds and addressing the issue head on. Today the Portland City Council is adopting the joint climate action plan with Multnomah County, which will also take action to adopt the plan tomorrow.
The plan calls to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. It also focuses on reducing energy usage by retrofitting existing buildings and calls for increased use of renewable energy. CUB Organizing Director Jeff Bissonnette provided testimony on behalf of ratepayers in support of the plan.
It is important for CUB to be involved with these issues. That is why we need your support. Attend the dinner. If you can’t make it on November 14th then please make a donation today. Your support will enable the CUB Policy Center to work on climate policy and other important issues.
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03/21/17 | 0 Comments | As the Weather Gets Chilly, CUB Heats Up