Oregon’s Global Warming Roadmap Needs Your Input
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Christopher Lee
Tags, Climate and Conservation, Public Involvement and Coalitions
The Oregon Global Warming Commission OGWC is seeking public comment on its recommendations for reducing Oregon greenhouse gas emissions that were published as The Interim Roadmap to 2020. This roadmap was created to help Oregon meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 10% by 2020 and 75% by 2050. Read on for more information on the roadmap and the history of the OGWC.
In 2007, the Oregon legislature passed House Bill 3543, which set targets for reducing Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions. CUB was a key part of the coalition that supported the bill and former staff attorney Jason Eisdorfer was part of the negotiating team that finalized the bill. Although data is not yet available for greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, the 2011 Report states that “emissions trajectory will stay flat (on average) through 2010.” The objectives set forth in HB 3543 are as follows:
- By 2010, arrest the growth of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- By 2020, achieve greenhouse gas levels that are 10 percent below 1990 levels.
- By 2050, achieve greenhouse gas levels that are at least 75 percent below 1990 levels.
In addition to establishing reduction goals, HB 3543 created the Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) and the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) to facilitate the achievement of emissions reductions. The OGWC came to life in March 2008 when then Governor Kulongoski appointed the 11 voting members of the 25 member commission. The commission submitted its first Biennial Report to the Oregon Legislature in 2009 and in 2010 began the “Roadmap to 2020” project, which gives recommendations on how Oregon can meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2020 and start addressing its 2050 goals.
As of October 2010, the OGWC has completed its initial recommendations for the “Roadmap to 2020” project. This document is a compilation of work from six technical committees and is incorporated into the Commission’s 2011 report to the legislature. In order for the interim label to be removed from the OGWC document, it will go through three refinement processes. One refinement will improve the quantitative basis of the roadmap. Another refinement will balance the actions recommended by each of the six technical committees. The third refinement will be a public comment process, which will review all of the Commission’s recommendations. The feedback gathered during public review will be taken into consideration for revisions before the document is finalized.
There are two ways that you can get involved with the review process for this document. First, you can take the OGWC online survey. The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes when answered thoroughly and is open through the end of May. Survey questions are a combination of multiple choice and open ended comments that ask questions about climate, your recreation habits, and energy preferences.
Second, public workshops are being held throughout the State in May and June. Please see the schedule below or click here to find the workshop that is closest to you.
City of Eugene - May 26, 6 - 9 pm, Eugene Hilton - Please RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or to the City of Eugene Office of Sustainability (541) 682‐5649
City of Bend - June 2, 7 -9 pm, Location TBD
City of Portland/Multnomah County METRO - June 9, 7 - 9 pm, Location TBD
Your input is a valuable component to developing a roadmap that incorporates all of Oregon’s stakeholders. Although “the Commission members represent a diverse range of experts in the social, environmental, cultural and economic interests of the state,” the public process is crucial for involving all of Oregon’s citizens. It’s important to note that there has been little additional action taken up by the legislature since 2007, even on very narrow proposals to develop better data to inform future policy discussions. Oregon can’t afford to sit back on our laurels when it comes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and playing a lead role in the issue nationally. Emission reduction efforts to date have been able to stop increases in State greenhouse gas emissions, but achieving the 2020 and 2050 goals will require input and effort from every Oregonian.
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03/23/17 | 0 Comments | Oregon’s Global Warming Roadmap Needs Your Input