Guest article by Nicole Wobus, Summit Blue.

Oregon is one of seventeen states with greenhouse gas emissions targets. Late last month, Governor Ted Kulongoski moved the state’s climate change agenda forward when he appointed members to the Oregon Global Warming Commission, a 25-person policy advisory group. The Commission, established through the state’s climate change bill, HB 3543, is tasked with recommending a package of policy initiatives for the Governor to introduce during the 2009 legislative session. It will build on findings and recommendations put forth by Oregon’s Climate Change Integration Group. That group’s upcoming final report will highlight steps the state is taking to adapt to a changing climate and will recommend further actions.

The Governor intends to make growth in the state’s “green economy” a centerpiece in the policy package. In comments to the Commission on January 24 the Governor stated, “[d]ealing with global warming is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic imperative” that will create a “business climate ideal for investment in renewable and clean energy technologies.”

Other components of the Governor’s 2009 climate change policy agenda include a proposal for a greenhouse gas emissions cap and trade system, measures to increase energy efficiency and green building and to boost the state’s “green collar” workforce, resources to help state and local government analyze climate change impacts and implement policies, and steps to address the state’s low summer water levels resulting from decreased snow pack. Oregon’s climate change agenda, coupled with its Renewable Portfolio Standard and generous renewable energy tax incentives, will certainly stimulate investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy. While Pacific Northwest states are known for their extensive use of hydropower, Oregon’s energy mix includes nearly as much coal power as hydro. Coal-fired generators likely will pass along their compliance costs in the form higher wholesale electricity prices, which would make investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy more financially attractive. Renewable advocates expect that the energy and cost savings that result from these investments could mitigate the cost impacts of reducing carbon emissions.

Appointees to the Oregon Global Warming Commission include scientists and civic leaders, as well as representatives from state government and the private sector. The Commission will be chaired by Angus Duncan, President and CEO of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

The climate change legislation passed in August requires Oregon to halt growth of greenhouse gas emissions by 2010. The state must also cut emissions to 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and to 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Oregon is part of the Western Climate Initiative, a group of seven states including Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Launched in February 2007, the group of states has committed to set a regional emissions target and establish a cap and trade or other market-based system by August 2008.

For further information about this topic, please contact Akin Gump.