Will Oregon pass a carbon tax?

Nearly 200 people from across Oregon have submitted written testimony on legislation that would set statewide greenhouse gas emission limits and eventually put a price on emissions.

“Climate change is not going to wait. Its effects are currently costing our citizens and government millions of dollars to fight wildfires, deal with decreased amounts of water for crops and consumption, and acidification of the ocean,” Corvallis resident Catherine Frischmann wrote the House Rules Committee.

The Oregon Legislature adopted non-binding greenhouse gas reduction goals in 2007.

They called for limits by 2020 that are at least 10 percent below 1990 levels and by 2050 that are at least 75 percent below 1990 levels.

House Bill 3470 would require the state Environmental Quality Commission to adopt those limits by rule, and to adopt interim limits every 5 years that will ensure the 2050 target is met.

It also would authorize the commission to require registration and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and to establish a schedule of fees.

California adopted a similar approach in 2006. British Columbia also taxes carbon emissions.

The bill was scheduled for a work session May 18, but has been carried over five times since then. But backers say it could move next week.

“Oregonians are already paying for climate change, through damaged shellfish, lost snowpack and increased wildfires,” said Kristin Eberhard of the Sightline Institute. “Climate models predict that, without urgent action, the Oregon drought could morph into something like the California mega-drought. It’s time to act.”

In 2013, the Legislature allocated $200,000 from the general fund to study what a carbon tax might look like here.

The study, by Portland State University’s Northwest Economic Research Center, was completed last November.

It found that imposing a fee on carbon emissions could significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions without impacting the state’s overall economy. However, there would be winners and losers, and mechanisms would have to be put in place to make sure it didn’t hit low-income residents the hardest.

The majority of the testimony is in support of the bill.

“While reducing greenhouse gases in Oregon may have only a small effect on global climate change, every state needs to do its part to combat this global threat,” Salem resident Sally Hollemon said.

However, some organizations oppose it.

In written testimony, the Northwest Food Processors Association said its members already have a voluntary greenhouse gas reduction program, and that a lack of reliable and inexpensive energy will lead to higher food costs and a loss of jobs.

And IBEW Local 48, the electrical workers union, is concerned that the legislation will lead to a loss of jobs for its workers, business manager Gary Young said.

tloew@statesmanjournal.com, (503) 399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/SJWatchdog

About the bill

House Bill 3470 requires the state to phase in greenhouse gas emission limits between 2020 and 2050.

It also authorizes the state Environmental Quality Commission to require registration and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by any source and establish a schedule of fees.

The bill was approved by the House Committee on Energy and Environment on April 21. It has stalled in the House Rules Committee but may get a work session next week.