The Democratic Party of Oregon Environmental Caucus and many other groups have worked hard on the Clean Energy Jobs bill. The current version SB 1530 has flaws but is supported with some reservation by the majority of the Executive Committee of the Caucus. We strongly urge you to make your voice heard.
We’ve created an overview of the bill and recommendations for improvement. Please download and share. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v16tKK6NtF_y2HWSkmupS6wI5W2LdUxs/view?usp=sharing
Main points:
- This provides an annual declining cap (needs better targets) and mechanism to bring in money to invest in carbon reductions and climate adaptation.
- Rural Oregon gets significant investment over 50 percent to manage fire and invest in “Natural and Working lands.”
- Low- to moderate-income and all rural Oregonians will get a tax credit for gas prices.
- Forest carbon emissions are 40% of Oregon’s total and are only addressed in offsets. These items need important changes (read the handout)
- If testifying-use personal reasons for calling for climate change action.
- We know that this bill alone will not cut our emissions 76% by 2030 as recommended by IPCC climate scientists, so we must advocate for other legislative and administrative action next session. (a wish list is included in the handout).
TAKE ACTION: Please take one of the actions below.
Tuesday, February 4: Public testimony on the Cap and Trade bill, SB 1530, before the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; 3 – 5pm. State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Hearing Room C. Arrive early
Wednesday, February 5: Hearing before the Senate Wildfire Reduction and Recovery Committee. 1-3pm State Capitol, Hearing Room B. Read the letter we signed onto. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f_AH762iWxjFZAiGI3Sx4DMEtb_6R1ig/view?usp=sharing
Thursday, February 6: Press Conference at Renew Oregon office in Portland, 222 NW Davis, 3rd Floor, 10 AM. RSVP here! We need to pack the room. There will be an excellent photo opportunity with a tremendous group of children.
Renew Oregon’s “Social Media Storm” for strong climate action on Twitter and Facebook from 8am-2pm from wherever you are. Use these hashtags #orleg #orpol #ORClimateAction
Hearing Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; 3 – 5pm, State Capitol, Hearing Room C. This is the day of the Timber Unity Rally and the Oregon Public Health Association Lobby Day at the Capitol so if you plan to attend be sure to arrive early. Send testimony to senr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov
Saturday, February 8: The third (and likely final) opportunity for public testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; 3-5 pm, State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301, Hearing Room C. If you’ve been unable to attend weekday hearings, here’s your probably one and only opportunity for attending a weekend hearing. RSVP here! Be sure to arrive early and grab a seat when the committee room opens.
February 11: Call your Senator’s office and make an appointment for February if you’re going to Salem. Otherwise leave a message in support of SB 1530 and climate action now using our talking points. Rally for a strong cap and invest bill on the steps of the Capitol. Noon – 1:30. RSVP here! Bring your climate action signs, buttons, and hats!
Carpooling? Riders and Drivers > http://bit.ly/climatecarpool
Reply if you can be a lead to make appointments for a contingent for your district.
Send your personalized testimony now to senr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov. Copy your state legislators.
For our future,
Catherine Thomasson
Secretary, Environmental Caucus of DPO
503-819-1170