On its February 13, 2020 meeting, the PSU-AAUP Executive Council took a supporting position on the following bill:
SB 1530: SUPPORT
Relating to greenhouse gas emissions; declaring an emergency.
Modifies statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Establishes Oregon Greenhouse Gas Initiative and related provisions, operative January 1, 2022. Authorizes Public Utility Commission to allow rate or rate schedule to include differential rates or to reflect amounts for programs that enable public utilities to assist low-income residential customers. Authorizes commission to allow electric companies and natural gas utilities to recoer costs for prudent investments in or expenses for infrastructure measures that support adoption of alternative forms of transportation. Amends greenhouse gas reporting statute. Repeals Energy Facility Siting Council carbon dioxide emissions standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt by rule standards and requirements for reducing methane emissions from landfills. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to regulate use of hydrofluorocarbons in certain products. Abolishes Oregon Global Warming Commission. Modifies requirements for ethanol content in gasoline. Prohibits sale or offer for sale of general service lamps that do not meet certain efficiency standards. Authorizes State Department of Energy to modify prohibition by rule to align with laws of adjacent states. Provides for direct, expedited judicial review by Oregon Supreme Court of certain constitutional questions related to Oregon Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Requires certain reports and reviews related to Oregon Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Establishes, within Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reduction Board, Administrator of the Office of Greenhouse Gas Regulation and Office of greenhouse Gas Regulation and sets forth duties of board, administrator and office. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Rationale: Because many of our members engage in climate research and because we generally support research-informed public policy, the Legislative Committee recommends support for SB 1530. We do not intend to directly lobby on behalf of the bill, but would add our logo and name as a supportive organization. SB 1530 is substantively similar to HB 2020, which we supported in the 2019 legislative session.