http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/western-climate-initiative-puts-forward-cap-and-trade-system http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/western-climate-initiative-puts-forward-cap-and-trade-system Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:15:29 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/western-states-provinces-set-climate-emissions-trading-program The Western http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/western-states-provinces-set-climate-emissions-trading-program Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:18:27 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/high-desert-global-warming-debate-heats-up By Eric Rucker, KTVZ.COM No http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/high-desert-global-warming-debate-heats-up Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:02:09 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/its-been-a-hotter-century-so-far Medford's average temperature is warmest of seven Oregon sites studied since 2000 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/its-been-a-hotter-century-so-far Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:58:49 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hotter-nw-summers-consistent-with-global-warming2 PORTLAND, OR 2007-07-24 A new study of http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hotter-nw-summers-consistent-with-global-warming2 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:02:49 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hot-time-in-the-cities http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hot-time-in-the-cities Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:49:41 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/are-you-feeling-the-heat http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/are-you-feeling-the-heat Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:05:19 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/legislators-take-up-bill-to-fight-warming As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. SALEM (AP) - Pressure is mounting on Oregon lawmakers to take a lead on climate change issues as they consider bills to establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and statewide limits for pollution by electricity providers. While businessmen told the House Committee on Energy and the Environment Friday that the state should adopt the bills to secure a place in the emerging clean energy industry, low carbon economy, winemakers and ski resort representatives said they were already feeling the effects of a warmer planet. “Early movers in this situation frequently benefit the most,” said Don Furman, a senior vice president at PPM Energy, the second largest wind energy producer in the U.S. “There are hundreds of billions of capital being amassed and prepared to be invested to provide solutions to climate change - this is a massive opportunity for Oregon.” But Pat Dudley, a winemaker from Bethel Heights Vineyard, urged approval for a different reason. “In the last 10 decades the wines have been changing their character, we are seeing a shift in the growing season. They are higher sugars, higher alcohols, less finesse,” said Dudley. Heidi Logosz, a spokeswoman for Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort said two years ago the resort closed three times during the winter season for lack of snow. “Ski resorts are poised to feel the impact of global warming acutely,” said Logosz. “We are, undeniably, the poster child.” The bills would set goals to begin reducing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the state by 2010; a 10 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2050. The bill would also establish a climate change research institute for the state's university system and a commission to coordinate state and local efforts to implement climate change policies. Jeremiah Baumann, a spokesman for Oregon State Public Interest Group, said that if the state adopted the legislation it would help it “render a whole new world of regulation over the next three to 10 years.” “Getting in front of the right policies for reducing global warming pollution, our businesses will have a competitive advantage as federal programs come into play,” said Baumann. Under a second bill utilities and other major polluters would be forced to meet emission reduction targets. The so-called cap-and-trade system would allow firms to buy or sell pollution credits so the total pollution levels meet a general cap. Industry and utilities were less enthusiastic about this initiative. “There is a train moving down the track and it is called 'carbon regulation' and we actually believe it is best to get ahead of that,” said Dave Robertson, a spokesman for Portland General Electric. But Robertson said the utility favored a national or regional cap-and-trade system over a state program because there weren't enough trading partners in Oregon. “We don't believe state cap-and-trade makes much sense.” But supporters said it gives Oregon a chance to be be at the center of a regional cap-and-trade carbon market. “Just because it's a state specific program doesn't mean it couldn't be a part of a broader market trading program,” said Dave Vant Hof, a renewable energy advisor for Gov. Ted Kulongoski. If Oregon adopts the bill, the program could also be used as a model by the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, a group comprised of Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and British Columbia, which has committed to setting pollution reduction targets and emission reduction goals. --- The bills are HB 3545 and HB 3543. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/legislators-take-up-bill-to-fight-warming Wed, 16 May 2007 10:42:08 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregonians-urge-state-to-take-lead-climate-change-issues SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Pressure is mounting on Oregon lawmakers to take a lead on climate change issues as they consider bills to establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and statewide limits for pollution by electricity providers. While businessmen told the House Committee on Energy and the Environment Friday that the state should adopt the bills to secure a place in the emerging clean energy industry, low carbon economy, winemakers and ski resort representatives said they were already feeling the effects of a warmer planet. "Early movers in this situation frequently benefit the most," said Don Furman, a senior vice president at PPM Energy, the second largest wind energy producer in the U.S. "There are hundreds of billions of capital being amassed and prepared to be invested to provide solutions to climate change — this is a massive opportunity for Oregon." But Pat Dudley, a winemaker from Bethel Heights Vineyard, urged approval for a different reason. "In the last ten decades the wines have been changing their character, we are seeing a shift in the growing season. They are higher sugars, higher alcohols, less finesse," said Dudley. Heidi Logosz, a spokeswoman for Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort said two years ago the resort closed three times during the winter season for lack of snow. "Ski resorts are poised to feel the impact of global warming acutely," said Logosz. "We are, undeniably, the poster child." The bills would set goals to begin reducing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the state by 2010; a 10 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2050. The bill would also establish a climate change research institute for the state's university system and a commission to coordinate state and local efforts to implement climate change policies. Jeremiah Baumann, a spokesman for Oregon State Public Interest Group, said that if the state adopted the legislation it would help it "render a whole new world of regulation over the next three to 10 years." "Getting in front of the right policies for reducing global warming pollution, our businesses will have a competitive advantage as federal programs come into play," said Baumann. Under a second bill utilities and other major polluters would be forced to meet emission reduction targets. The so-called cap-and-trade system would allow firms to buy or sell pollution credits so the total pollution levels meet a general cap. Industry and utilities were less enthusiastic about this initiative. "There is a train moving down the track and it is called 'carbon regulation' and we actually believe it is best to get ahead of that," said Dave Robertson, a spokesman for Portland General Electric. But Robertson said the utility favored a national or regional cap-and-trade system over a state program because there weren't enough trading partners in Oregon. "We don't believe state cap-and-trade makes much sense." But supporters said it gives Oregon a chance to be be at the center of a regional cap-and-trade carbon market. "Just because it's a state specific program doesn't mean it couldn't be a part of a broader market trading program," said Dave Vant Hof, a renewable energy advisor for Gov. Ted Kulongoski. If Oregon adopts the bill, the program could also be used as a model by the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, a group comprised of Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and British Columbia, which has committed to setting pollution reduction targets and emission reduction goals. ___ The bills are HB 3545 and HB 3543. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregonians-urge-state-to-take-lead-climate-change-issues Wed, 16 May 2007 11:19:04 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-air-clears-on-climate-change-the-high-court-exposes-the-bush-administrations-failures The high court exposes the Bush administration's failures, and it gives Oregon and other states greater license to act. There's a powerful wind now at Oregon's back in its drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming. The legal clouds are gone, blown away by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the federal government, and by extension the states, have the authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In a better world, with a more enlightened administration, this historic court ruling would be met with a strong new federal response to the looming crisis of climate change. But it's not coming, not from this president. The Supreme Court's ruling is really an invitation to the states, and the next president, not this one, to lead the nation forward. So, let's go. Oregon lawmakers and Gov. Ted Kulongoski should push ahead with a sweeping package of bills encouraging alternative energy and controlling carbon dioxide. Oregon already has adopted California's plan to cut emissions from vehicles beginning in 2009, leading to a 30 percent reduction in carbon by 2016. To put their laws into effect, the states need waivers from the federal Environmental Protection Agency; now there's no excuse not to grant them. Oregon has an opportunity now to join California as one of the world's leaders in smart, creative and aggressive responses to climate change. Within the next week, the Oregon Senate will vote on Kulongoski's proposal to require utilities to get 25 percent of the energy they sell customers from renewable resources such as wind and solar by the year 2025. That's an achievable goal, and it ought to be enshrined in Oregon law. Further, the Senate is preparing to vote on incentives to encourage the development of a biofuel industry in Oregon, one that would turn farm crops such as corn and straw, and woody debris from Northwest forests, into affordable, low-emission fuels. Lawmakers also are working on bills that would create or enlarge tax credits for renewable energy projects, including new wave-energy experiments on the Oregon coast. The Legislature shouldn't stop there. On Thursday, business and environmental leaders are scheduled to gather in Portland to discuss a system that would cap emissions of greenhouse gases and allow emitters to trade emission credits among themselves. That is a proven strategy to reduce emissions. All these steps ought to be federal priorities, with the Bush administration and Congress working together to fashion nationwide emission standards for automobiles, power plants and other major sources of greenhouse gases. But for now, the leadership on climate change isn't in Washington. It's in Salem, Sacramento and other state capitals. The Supreme Court ruling means the states may go to court to demand that the federal government take action on global warming. But any legal action is likely to drag on for the remainder of Bush's term. Better that the states, including Oregon, get on with the job themselves. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-air-clears-on-climate-change-the-high-court-exposes-the-bush-administrations-failures Wed, 16 May 2007 11:16:54 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/epa-can-regulate-car-emissions-high-court-says-verdict-gives-boost-to-oregons-plan-for-tougher-rules WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ordered the federal government on Monday to take a fresh look at regulating carbon dioxide emissions from cars, a rebuke to Bush administration policy on global warming. In a 5-4 decision, the court said the Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from cars. It's a boost for Oregon's Clean Cars program, which requires cars and light trucks starting in model year 2009 to meet tougher tailpipe-emission standards. Auto manufacturers have sued about those standards, arguing that states can't regulate carbon emissions if the EPA can't. "The decision, I think, reaffirms that Americans are ready to deal with global warming and that our federal government has the tools to deal with global warming," said Jeremiah Baumann of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group. "What we need now is the political will to make real reductions in global warming pollution." Justice John Paul Stevens called greenhouse gases "air pollutants" in his majority opinion. The court's four conservative justices -- Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas -- dissented. Statesman Journal reporter Beth Casper contributed to this story. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/epa-can-regulate-car-emissions-high-court-says-verdict-gives-boost-to-oregons-plan-for-tougher-rules Wed, 16 May 2007 10:38:00 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-little-state-that-could-oregon-has-all-the-ingredients-including-leadership-to-help-pull-the-nation-ahead-on-energy-and-climate-issues O regon isn't the first state, or the largest, to set out to expand alternative fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming. Yet the day after President Bush vaguely outlined a new national strategy on energy, Oregon was one place to look for real leadership on energy security and climate change. At the state Capitol, lawmakers pressed ahead Wednesday with the first of several bills aimed at enlarging the production of alternative fuels. Later, lawmakers will consider bills to expand renewable sources of energy, encourage manufacturers to meet clean energy standards and spur more homeowners to install solar systems and energy-efficient appliances. Down the hall in the Capitol Wednesday, Gov. Ted Kulongoski met with business leaders, Oregon State University scientists and lawmakers and declared his support for capping greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. The governor endorses the same kind of emissions cap-and-trade program that 10 of the nation's largest companies, including General Electric, DuPont and BP America, outlined Monday and urged President Bush to support. In a cap-and-trade system, the government would set caps, or allowances, on permissible greenhouse gas emissions and then allow electric utilities and other companies that are major emitters of the gases to buy and sell carbon credits. The state also would auction some greenhouse gas allowances to pay for renewable energy development or energy efficiency measures. Cap-and-trade systems have worked to reduce emissions of other pollutants, and the strategy is the most promising way to attack climate change. Yes, it would be far preferable to have a national cap-and-trade system. But Kulongoski is right to propose partnering with California and Washington in a regional plan or, if that fails, going it alone in Oregon. This state has too much to lose -- its Cascade glaciers, its precious coastline, its fire-prone forests -- to stand still on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It also has much to gain if it swings into gear on alternative energy and joins California as an international center of innovation producing clean, new fuels and other energy alternatives. On Wednesday, Kulongoski pointed out that "all of the ingredients lie within our boundaries." He's right: Oregon has everything it needs to emerge as a global leader on energy and efficiency. It has ocean waves and steady winds to produce renewable electricity. It has abundant hydropower. It has plenty of land to grow the seeds and grasses that produce oils for new biofuels. Just as important, Oregon has a belief in sustainability and stewardship that runs deep into its history. It has a long record of conservation and energy efficiency and plenty of leaders, from Kulongoski on down, prepared to lead the state forward. With energy, Oregon doesn't need to wait for anyone. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-little-state-that-could-oregon-has-all-the-ingredients-including-leadership-to-help-pull-the-nation-ahead-on-energy-and-climate-issues Wed, 16 May 2007 08:53:59 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-wants-cap-on-co2-emissions-greenhouse-gas---a-plan-for-an-emissions-trading-system-also-aims-to-boost-oregons-economy Gov. Ted Kulongoski called Wednesday for capping carbon dioxide emissions in Oregon and creating a trading system designed to reduce the state's output of the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. He said he would work with other Western governors to pursue a regional cap-and-trade program, but also urged the Legislature to look at a system for Oregon alone. Flanked by business leaders, Oregon State University scientists and friendly legislators, Kulongoski said global warming is among the most serious issues facing the state. Its impact is already evident in melting glaciers on Mount Hood, changing stream flows and increasingly intense forest fires, he said. "We cannot wait any longer to begin addressing these dramatic changes to our environment that also affect our economy," he said. "The only viable pathway for this state and this nation is to move aggressively forward in combating global warming, investing in and diversifying our renewable energy sources and transitioning to a unique energy economy, which is not reliant upon fossil fuels." The governor's comments came after a public meeting where he heard reports from global warming task forces he appointed. "Climate change is real, and it's happening," OSU professor Jane Lubchenco told the governor. The internationally known marine ecologist chaired one of the task forces. The shift away from fossil fuels comes with new business opportunities that could pay off for the state, Kulongoski said. He met this week with officials from Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street investment firm, to discuss renewable energy development. "You know we've turned a corner when Wall Street banks are telling you that investments in renewable energy and other technologies to combat global warming are among the largest economic opportunities now and in the coming decades," he said. "It's going to happen," the governor said. "It's just a matter of whether we're going to chase it or we're going to lead it." He did not propose a specific cap-and-trade program, but a task force he chartered outlined how one might work in Oregon. It focused mainly on electricity generated or consumed in Oregon. Utilities that burn coal, natural gas or other fossil fuels to produce electricity would be allowed to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide, and the allowances would gradually shrink. Utilities that reduce their emissions below their cap could make money by selling allowances they do not use. The state also would auction some allowances and use the proceeds to pay for renewable energy development or energy efficiency measures. Although basic electric rates might rise, consumers would pay less because they would use less electricity as steps are taken to improve efficiency, the task force concluded. The generation of electricity accounts for 42 percent of Oregon's output of greenhouse gases. Most of the remaining comes from vehicles burning fossil fuel. Kulongoski said he sees utilities as "tremendous partners" in reaching his goals of reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below its 1990 levels by 2020, and 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. While the governor will pursue a cap-and-trade system, he said his immediate focus is to advance bills in the Legislature that would promote biofuels and require a quarter of Oregon's energy to come from renewable sources, such as wind, by 2025. Michael Milstein: 503-294-7689 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-wants-cap-on-co2-emissions-greenhouse-gas---a-plan-for-an-emissions-trading-system-also-aims-to-boost-oregons-economy Wed, 16 May 2007 08:50:03 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-urges-cap-and-trade-plan-to-reduce-greenhouse-gases SALEM - A day after President Bush pushed renewable energy into living rooms across the country, the topic took center stage Wednesday in the Oregon Capitol. But Gov. Ted Kulongoski and lawmakers made clear that their push for renewable sources of electricity and motor vehicle fuel derived from crops was under way long before the president took up the issue Tuesday in his State of the Union speech. Kulongoski convened a roundtable of working groups he appointed months ago to recommend ways to reduce greenhouse pollution to fight global warming and to wean Oregonians off foreign oil. Citing a newly released report from one of his clean-energy work groups, Kulongoski said he would expand his agenda by establishing a "cap and trade" system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The governor said he would pursue an in-state version and work with other Western states to create a regional version. Such a system would allow companies that clean up their carbon emissions to earn credits and sell them to businesses that need more time to curb their emissions of gases that contribute to global warming. That same day, the state House Environment and Energy Committee kicked off a series of hearings on a bill with incentives and requirements meant to create a stable market for biofuels and encourage their production in the state. That proposal, House Bill 2210, is one of several being jointly pursued by Kulongoski and lawmakers. Kulongoski acknowledged that Oregon won't be the first state to aggressively pursue the development of renewable energy resources. However, Oregon is better positioned than most states to achieve its goals "because all of the ingredients lie within our boundaries," he said, referring to Oregon's geographic, geologic and climatic abilities to generate geothermal energy, harness the ocean's waves, and reap electricity from wind and fuel from crops that can be added to gasoline and diesel fuels. Rep. Jackie Dingfelder, the Portland Democrat who heads the committee considering the bill, told panel and audience members that many of the elements should be familiar, since they were taken from a near-identical proposal she backed in 2005, but which failed to win passage in the session's final days. The bill would: • Expand tax incentives for producers of biofuel and its raw materials. • Create an income-tax incentive for consumers' use of biofuel, available over four years. • Set fuel standards for biodiesel and ethanol based on in-state production. • Ban the sale of gasoline containing certain additives found to degrade water or air quality. • Set the same standard for the use of biodiesel to fuel state-owned vehicles already in place for ethanol. • Allow on-farm biofuel production facilities on rural land zoned for exclusive farm use. At this first hearing, only invited speakers testified. Thomas Endicott, managing partner of SeQuential Biofuels, said his company relies on used vegetable oil from restaurants and food processors. But with competition growing for this limited resource, it made sense to create tax incentives and market certainties for Oregon farmers to grow crops such as canola seed for oil that can be used in biodiesel, said Endicott, who helped found the company in Eugene. It now has stations up and down Oregon's Interstate 5 corridor. Kulongoski supports the biofuels push. He also is promoting bills that would: • Set a "renewable portfolio standard" for Oregon's electric utilities to derive 25 percent of their power from renewable resources - biomass, wind, wave, geothermal and hydrodams that meet certain environmental standards - by 2025. • Expand tax credits for companies that meet clean energy standards in manufacturing and production. • Make it easier for people to qualify for the residential energy tax credit. Examples include allowing the credit for more than one project - such as buying a solar electric system and an energy-efficient appliance - in the same year. ON THE WEB Here's where you can find more information on Gov. Ted Kulongoski's clean-energy task force and work groups: Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions report: http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/docs/GWReport -Final.pdf Carbon Allocation Task Force report: http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/CATF-Rpt-Ltrs.shtml Climate Change Integration Group report: http://oregon .gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/docs/CCIG_Interim_Report_Final.pdf http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-urges-cap-and-trade-plan-to-reduce-greenhouse-gases Wed, 16 May 2007 09:11:51 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-wants-cap-on-co2-emissions-greenhouse-gas---a-plan-for-an-emissions-trading-system-also-aims-to-boost-oregons-economy2 Gov. Ted Kulongoski called Wednesday for capping carbon dioxide emissions in Oregon and creating a trading system designed to reduce the state's output of the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. He said he would work with other Western governors to pursue a regional cap-and-trade program, but also urged the Legislature to look at a system for Oregon alone. Flanked by business leaders, Oregon State University scientists and friendly legislators, Kulongoski said global warming is among the most serious issues facing the state. Its impact is already evident in melting glaciers on Mount Hood, changing stream flows and increasingly intense forest fires, he said. "We cannot wait any longer to begin addressing these dramatic changes to our environment that also affect our economy," he said. "The only viable pathway for this state and this nation is to move aggressively forward in combating global warming, investing in and diversifying our renewable energy sources and transitioning to a unique energy economy, which is not reliant upon fossil fuels." The governor's comments came after a public meeting where he heard reports from global warming task forces he appointed. "Climate change is real, and it's happening," OSU professor Jane Lubchenco told the governor. The internationally known marine ecologist chaired one of the task forces. The shift away from fossil fuels comes with new business opportunities that could pay off for the state, Kulongoski said. He met this week with officials from Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street investment firm, to discuss renewable energy development. "You know we've turned a corner when Wall Street banks are telling you that investments in renewable energy and other technologies to combat global warming are among the largest economic opportunities now and in the coming decades," he said. "It's going to happen," the governor said. "It's just a matter of whether we're going to chase it or we're going to lead it." He did not propose a specific cap-and-trade program, but a task force he chartered outlined how one might work in Oregon. It focused mainly on electricity generated or consumed in Oregon. Utilities that burn coal, natural gas or other fossil fuels to produce electricity would be allowed to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide, and the allowances would gradually shrink. Utilities that reduce their emissions below their cap could make money by selling allowances they do not use. The state also would auction some allowances and use the proceeds to pay for renewable energy development or energy efficiency measures. Although basic electric rates might rise, consumers would pay less because they would use less electricity as steps are taken to improve efficiency, the task force concluded. The generation of electricity accounts for 42 percent of Oregon's output of greenhouse gases. Most of the remaining comes from vehicles burning fossil fuel. Kulongoski said he sees utilities as "tremendous partners" in reaching his goals of reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below its 1990 levels by 2020, and 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. While the governor will pursue a cap-and-trade system, he said his immediate focus is to advance bills in the Legislature that would promote biofuels and require a quarter of Oregon's energy to come from renewable sources, such as wind, by 2025. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/governor-wants-cap-on-co2-emissions-greenhouse-gas---a-plan-for-an-emissions-trading-system-also-aims-to-boost-oregons-economy2 Wed, 16 May 2007 10:54:03 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/a-warmer-earth-a-cleaner-oregon-as-top-scientists-confirm-that-the-earth-is-getting-hotter-oregon-adopts-the-nations-toughest-emission-standards If Oregon needed any more encouragement to join California and lead a national effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the National Academy of Sciences provided it Thursday. A panel of top climate scientists reported to Congress that the Earth is the hottest it has been in at least 400 years, probably even longer. Global warming is real. And so is the need for the stricter emission standards for new cars and light trucks formally adopted Thursday by the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission. The new standards, which take effect with the 2009 model year, are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon by 14 percent over the next decade. Good for Oregon. And good for Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who has stood up to car manufacturers, auto dealers, global warming skeptics and some of his political foes, who argue variously that global warming is not occurring, or that it's too expensive, or too large and inevitable, to do anything about. Yes, there are costs associated with the stricter emission standards. By some estimates, new vehicles could cost an average of $1,200 more by 2016, when all of the emission control equipment is phased in. But there will be substantial cost savings, too. The emission standards, which now will be in place up and down the West Coast, will drive auto makers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles. In an era of $3-a-gallon gasoline, the fuel savings will add up. Kulongoski is absolutely right to lead this state forward on global warming and on greater production and use of renewable sources of energy to reduce Oregon's, and the nation's, dependence on foreign oil. Kulongoski has made renewable energy a key platform of his re-election campaign, while his political opponents, notably Republican Ron Saxton, have had little constructive to say about global warming or reducing Oregon's dependence on fossil fuels. The National Academy's report is a timely and direct answer to all those who deny or ignore the overwhelming evidence of warming. The chairman of the House Science Committee, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., requested the report last year after some members of Congress attacked research from the late 1990s that concluded the Northern Hemisphere was the warmest it had been in 2,000 years. The National Academy scientists studied tree rings, corals, glaciers and ice cores, cave deposits, ocean and lake sediments, bore holes and other sources. In all, they found the 1990s' research conclusions "very close to being right." The panel members said they have "a high level of confidence that the last few decades of the 20th century were warmer than any comparable period in the last 400 years." The scientists said the evidence of temperatures before 1600 is less certain. But, they said, it is reliable enough to conclude that sharp spikes in carbon dioxide and methane, the two greenhouse gases associated with trapping heat in the atmosphere, began in the 20th century, after remaining fairly level for 12,000 years. Those are the greenhouse gases that Oregon is acting strongly to reduce in the coming years. The National Academy report is another powerful call to action on global warming. This state, for one, has heard enough. ©2006 The Oregonian http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/a-warmer-earth-a-cleaner-oregon-as-top-scientists-confirm-that-the-earth-is-getting-hotter-oregon-adopts-the-nations-toughest-emission-standards Wed, 16 May 2007 10:21:53 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/that-new-car-smell-just-got-costlier-emissions-most-people-seem-to-back-new-standards Oregon adopted the nation's toughest regulations on tailpipe emissions Thursday, capping a yearlong debate and handing Gov. Ted Kulongoski a green victory. The Environmental Quality Commission unanimously adopted permanent rules that start with 2009 cars and light trucks, saying tougher standards will reduce smog, bolster public health and help combat global warming. Commissioners did so over the objections of the auto industry, whose members say the requirements will increase sticker prices and do little to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The industry is suing in federal court to try to overturn the rules. Oregon joined Washington and nine other states that have adopted or are in the process of adopting the strict standards pioneered by California. Automakers would have to equip new cars not only for the West Coast, but also for New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other Northeast states. "If it was Oregon by ourselves, we may have a problem. But if you have California and Oregon and Washington together, it's going to be a big market and the automobile industry will meet the demand on this," Kulongoski said. The regulations apply only to new and used vehicles with fewer than 7,500 miles, starting with model year 2009. The rules won't change emissions inspections for current vehicles. It would be too difficult and far too costly to try to retrofit current vehicles with such state-of-the-art equipment. The stricter emissions standards would be phased in gradually. Officials said greenhouse gas emissions from cars and passenger trucks should be down 18 percent by 2020 and 27 percent by 2030. Oregon officials, relying on analysis by the California Air Resource Board, estimated the new requirements will increase the cost of an average vehicle by $200 for 2009 models, including $17 to satisfy greenhouse gas reduction regulations. Costs would increase as much as $1,200 on average by 2016. But consumers would save about $25 a month because engine efficiency would reduce fuel consumption, Oregon officials said. That's assuming that gas stays at $3 a gallon. Last summer, Kulongoski convened a group to study adopting California's standards. A few months later, he lobbied the five-member Environmental Quality Commission to approve temporary rules to give automakers notice. Not all sold on strategy On Thursday, it took about half an hour for commission members --all appointed by the governor --to hear the issue and vote. Judy Uherbelau, a former state representative from Ashland, was the only commissioner to voice concerns at the meeting. She worried over the burden to automakers and said she has reservations that the rules will reduce global warming. "If we think that we are going to have a great benefit from this, I think we should rethink. There are other things that are much more beneficial," she said. The three new requirements boil down to this: Automakers must develop vehicles that reduce smog contributors, such as nitrogen oxides. The rules also encourage manufacturers to develop cleaner vehicles that run on batteries and other alternative fuel sources. But the primary motivation for adopting the new rules is to require new cars, minivans and trucks to spew less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollutants that contribute to global warming. Environmental quality agency officials project that the new regulations will reduce emissions by 9,000 tons a day by 2020 and 16,000 tons a day by 2030. "It's always hard to be an early adopter, but that's what we're doing, and we're projecting it's going to pay off for us," Commissioner Ken Williamson said. Public support seemed squarely on the side of stricter regulations. The agency received nearly 5,200 comments in favor of the permanent rule changes and 100 against. Supporters included a coalition of environmental groups, businesses, and religious and health organizations. About 165,000 new passenger vehicles are sold each year in Oregon, the Oregon Auto Dealers Association says. Industry warns of costs Thursday's vote came as no surprise to automakers and some auto dealers in Oregon. Ed Tonkin, vice president of Ron Tonkin Dealerships, said the new regulations would not affect sales as manufacturers will pass the costs on to consumers. But the Oregon Auto Dealers Association opposed the rules, he said, because it smacked of politics with Kulongoski pandering to environmentalists. "He's going to cost consumers unnecessarily at the end of the day because they'll be paying roughly $1,000 more a vehicle to comply with these emissions requirements," Tonkin said, "when it will affect a minuscule amount of our air quality." The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers --which pegs the average price increase closer to $3,000 a vehicle --has fiercely opposed the rules in Oregon and other states. It sued Kulongoski in state court last year, arguing he lacked the authority to direct the environmental agency to take up the California rules. Earlier this year, a Marion County Circuit Court judge sided with Kulongoski, and now the alliance has pinned its hopes on a federal lawsuit arguing that California overstepped its authority by dictating fuel economy standards, which only the federal government can set. Trial is set for January. Kulongoski, a Democrat seeking re-election this fall, has made global warming a priority of his administration. Earlier Thursday in Portland, he announced a new program to help long-haul truckers buy kits that will cut down on diesel consumption. The state will kick in $5 million in tax credits and loans. The governor said automakers will come around, once they lose in court and realize they can't ignore the demand. "I ultimately think we will prevail," he said, "and I think it's going to be good for America." http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/that-new-car-smell-just-got-costlier-emissions-most-people-seem-to-back-new-standards Wed, 16 May 2007 10:23:36 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregon-judge-upholds-clean-car-decision SALEM, Ore. — A judge Thursday upheld a move by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Oregon environmental officials to adopt California's tough new vehicle-emission standards to reduce greenhouse gases. Marion County Circuit Judge Mary Mertens James rejected arguments by the auto industry and by Republican lawmakers who said the Democratic governor ignored the wishes of the Legislature by having the state Department of Environmental Quality move to adopt the new standards. Specifically, the judge said Kulongoski acted within his authority when he used a procedure known as a line-item veto to clear the way for the tougher tailpipe standards. Kulongoski used that veto to delete a provision that lawmakers tucked into an environmental budget bill in 2005 to bar the administration from spending money to adopt California's strict vehicle-emissions standards. Kulongoski's veto of that provision touched off the lawsuit by Republican Senate Leader Ted Ferrioli, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and more than a dozen car dealers seeking to block the tougher rules. Acting at Kulongoski's behest, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in December adopted new standards that will take effect in the 2009 model year. They will apply only to new cars and light trucks, not vehicles already on the road. "The Clean Cars program is one of the most important environmental decisions in Oregon's storied environmental history. It marks the beginning of Oregon's effort to combat global warming," said Jeremiah Bauman of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group. Adoption of the California standards by Oregon will create a "clean car corridor" from Canada to Mexico. That's because the Washington Legislature passed a similar measure last year with a provision that the requirement would take effect only if Oregon institutes the stricter standards. Seven Eastern states also have moved to adopt the tougher standards — New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island. State environmental officials estimate that the California rules will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from cars and light-duty trucks 18 percent by 2020. Kulongoski praised Thursday's court ruling as a major step toward cleaner cars. "This is a victory for everyone who cares about global warming, the air we breathe and our children's health," he said. But car-industry representatives have said the California standards won't make cars that much cleaner but could add as much as $3,000 to the cost of a new vehicle. Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli, who joined with the auto industry in challenging Kulongoski's move, said no decision had been made whether to pursue a legal appeal to try to block the rules or to bring up the issue in the Legislature again. Ferrioli accused the governor of ignoring the Legislature. "He presents the image of one who supports public debate but shows his true colors as one who believes that his ends justify any means," the GOP leader said. Thursday's court ruling didn't deal with environmental issues but instead focused entirely on the way Kulongoski put the state on track to adopt the new tailpipe standards. The lawsuit filed by the auto industry and the Republicans contends that the governor can use his authority to delete a single spending program from appropriations bills but not a "legislative condition" set on a particular program. But the judge sided with the state's lawyers who argued that the Oregon constitution gives the governor the authority to line-item veto a "single item" from a budget bill, but doesn't specifically limit what kind of item that can be. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregon-judge-upholds-clean-car-decision Wed, 16 May 2007 10:31:57 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/judge-clears-tougher-rules-for-emissions-she-says-governor-had-authority-to-act-automakers-cant-sue As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. A Marion County judge on Thursday upheld Gov. Ted Kulongoski's authority to push forward with stricter vehicle-emissions standards. In August, Kulongoski asked the state Environmental Quality Commission to draft new emissions regulations that are identical to California's. The program, called Clean Cars for Oregon, would reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, which scientists say contribute to global warming. State environmental officials estimate that the California rules would reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from cars and light trucks 18 percent by 2020. Legislators in the 2005 session had sought to bar the new standards by inserting a note in the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's budget that prevented agency staff members from working on the new rules. Kulongoski vetoed the budget provision, touching off a lawsuit by Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and more than a dozen car dealers seeking to block the tougher tailpipe-emission standards. Circuit Court Judge Mary James ruled that the governor had the constitutional authority to veto the prohibition. She also ruled that the automakers had no legal grounds to sue. The governor called the ruling a major win for Oregonians and the entire West Coast. "This is a victory for everyone who cares about global warming, the air we breathe and our children's health," Kulongoski said. "This is a victory for Oregon's future." Some legislators still think the governor overstepped his authority. "The governor bypassed the legislative process and has acted unilaterally to do what by all rights should be the product of debate and compromise," Ferrioli said. "He presents the image of one who supports public debate and an open process but shows his true colors as one who believes that his ends justify any means." Acting at Kulongoski's behest, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in December temporarily adopted the new standards, which will take effect in the 2009 model year. Adoption of the California standards by Oregon will create a "clean-car corridor" from Canada to Mexico. That's because the Washington Legislature passed a similar measure last year with a provision that the requirement would take effect only if Oregon institutes the stricter standards. Ferrioli, of John Day, said the new standards only will hurt consumers. "This outcome guarantees that every new car sold in Oregon will increase in cost by $1,000 to $3,000," Ferrioli said. Jeremiah Baumann, an environmental advocate with Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, said thousands of Oregonians sent comments about the program and showed up at public hearings in support of the stricter standards. "I think people support it because they have seen the consensus that global warming is happening and they understand it is not just our environment but precious Oregon resources like our coast and the Cascades, where snowpack is already shrinking, that would be affected," Baumann said. "And they just understand this is an issue we need to move on quickly, and if ever there was a time we need Oregon to be a national leader in environmental issues, this is it." The Associated Press contributed to this story. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/judge-clears-tougher-rules-for-emissions-she-says-governor-had-authority-to-act-automakers-cant-sue Wed, 16 May 2007 10:19:08 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/judge-upholds-governor-on-clean-car-rules SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A judge Thursday upheld a move by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Oregon environmental officials to adopt California's tough new vehicle emission standards to reduce greenhouse gases. Marion County Circuit Judge Mary Mertens James rejected arguments by the auto industry and by Republican lawmakers who said the Democratic governor ignored the wishes of the Legislature by having the state Department of Environmental Quality move to adopt the new standards. Specifically, the judge said Kulongoski acted within his authority when he used a procedure known as a lineitem veto to clear the way for the tougher tailpipe standards. Kulongoski used that veto to delete a provision that lawmakers tucked into an environmental budget bill in 2005 to bar the administration from spending money to adopt California's strict vehicle emissions standards. Kulongoski's veto of that provision touched off the lawsuit by Republican Senate Leader Ted Ferrioli, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and more than a dozen car dealers seeking to block the tougher rules. Acting at Kulongoski's behest, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in December adopted new standards that will take effect in the 2009 model year. They will apply only to new cars and light trucks, not vehicles already on the road. "The Clean Cars program is one of the most important environmental decisions in Oregon's storied environmental history. It marks the beginning of Oregon's effort to combat global warming," said Jeremiah Bauman of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group. Adoption of the California standards by Oregon will create a "clean car corridor" from Canada to Mexico. That's because the Washington Legislature passed a similar measure last year with a provision that the requirement would take effect only if Oregon institutes the stricter standards. Seven Eastern states also have moved to adopt the tougher standards — New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island. State environmental officials estimate that the California rules will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars and light-duty trucks 18 percent by 2020. Kulongoski praised Thursday's court ruling as a major step toward cleaner cars. "This is a victory for everyone who cares about global warming, the air we breathe and our children's health," he said. But car industry representatives have said the California standards won't make cars that much cleaner but could add as much as $3,000 to the cost of a new vehicle. Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli, who joined with the auto industry in challenging Kulongoski's move, said no decision had been made whether to pursue a legal appeal to try to block the rules or to bring up the issue in the Legislature again. Ferrioli accused the governor of ignoring the Legislature. "He presents the image of one who supports public debate but shows his true colors as one who believes that his ends justify any means," the GOP leader said. Thursday's court ruling didn't deal with environmental issues but instead focused entirely on the way Kulongoski put the state on track to adopt the new tailpipe standards. The lawsuit filed by the auto industry and the Republicans contends that the governor can use his authority to delete a single spending program from appropriations bills but not a "legislative condition" set on a particular program. But the judge sided the state's lawyers who argued that the Oregon constitution gives the governor the authority to line-item veto a "single item" from a budget bill, but doesn't specifically limit what kind of item that can be. Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/judge-upholds-governor-on-clean-car-rules Wed, 16 May 2007 10:13:49 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-officials-list-environmental-benefits-deq-hearing-set-for-thursday-in-pendleton-city-hall-building As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. There http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-officials-list-environmental-benefits-deq-hearing-set-for-thursday-in-pendleton-city-hall-building Fri, 18 May 2007 11:03:13 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-proposed-emissions-standards-for-state-regulations-would-match-californias-strict-vehicle-policy As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Residents will have a chance to sound off tonight on proposed tougher emissions standards for all new vehicles sold in Oregon, starting in 2009. State officials are considering adopting California's strict standards for new vehicles in an attempt to curb global warming and reduce smog. Public hearings are being held across the state this week and next. According to the proposed Clean Cars program, new cars sold in Oregon will meet California's emissions standards, emitting 30 percent less greenhouse gases beginning in 2009. The program would also reduce toxic gases that create smog and exacerbate certain health conditions like asthma. And new cars and trucks would have to go farther on a gallon of gas. Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring compounds - including carbon dioxide - that trap some of the sun's energy, making Earth's atmosphere inhabitable. But scientists believe that unnaturally high levels of greenhouse gases are now causing long-term climate change, or global warming. Even if the new Clean Car rules are put into effect, not all Oregonians would immediately replace their cars with new, less polluting ones. So it would take decades for the regulations to take full effect. Still, officials predict the regulations would help cut greenhouse gases emitted by the statewide vehicle fleet by 12 percent to 18 percent by 2020. Proponents of the Clean Cars program say that greater fuel efficiency would help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save money at the pump. Jeremy Baumann, of the nonprofit Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, conducted a recent study that came out in support of the proposed program. Automakers are likely to comply with the Clean Cars standards by improving gas mileage, he said. By Baumann's calculations, that means Oregon drivers will save about $8.2 million in annual gas costs by 2016, assuming gas prices top $3 per gallon by then. Savings at the pump will more than offset the slight increase expected in the cost of a new car under the program, he said. "The Clean Cars program really is a win-win situation," he said in a statement. "It will curb global warming and save consumers money." Not everyone agrees. Eron Shosteck, director of communications for the national Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the program could actually cost consumers more. By his estimates, the regulations would drive up the cost of a typical vehicle by about $3,000. "The technology that is required (to meet the emissions standards) is extremely expensive," he said. "And a lot of it is available today for consumers who want to spend the extra money. Some consumers don't want to, and they should be able to make that choice and not have it forced upon them." The proposal was developed by an advisory committee that Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed to research ways to curb vehicle emissions. The Democratic governor created the committee after attending a conference with the other two West Coast governors, each of whom pledged to take strides to curb air pollution. A final decision on whether to impose the regulations in Oregon will be made later this year by the state Environmental Quality Commission, a group of five people appointed by the governor. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 3. They may be mailed to Oregon DEQ, Air Quality Division, Attention: Dave Nordberg, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204. Comments may also be faxed to 503-229-5675 or e-mailed to Oregon.LEV@deq.state.or.us. Lily Raff can be reached at 541-617-7836 Copyright 2006 The Bulletin http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-proposed-emissions-standards-for-state-regulations-would-match-californias-strict-vehicle-policy Wed, 16 May 2007 10:17:00 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-proposed-emissions-standards-for-state As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Residents http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-proposed-emissions-standards-for-state Fri, 18 May 2007 11:05:35 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/group-offers-rewards-to-student-bikers-ospirg-is-taking-part-in-bikes-for-global-warming-a-program-that-aims-to-reduce-car-emissions As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Student cyclists on campus are being rewarded for riding their bicycles to campus. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/group-offers-rewards-to-student-bikers-ospirg-is-taking-part-in-bikes-for-global-warming-a-program-that-aims-to-reduce-car-emissions Fri, 18 May 2007 11:07:47 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-clean-car-programs--gov_-kulongoskis-plan-would-match-neighboring-states-in-increasing-the-fuel-efficiency-of-new-cars As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Curbing http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/hearing-to-address-clean-car-programs--gov_-kulongoskis-plan-would-match-neighboring-states-in-increasing-the-fuel-efficiency-of-new-cars Fri, 18 May 2007 11:09:15 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-oregon-factor Many Oregonians feel frustrated by their seeming inability to make a meaningful difference in addressing mega-issues such as global warming. A new study by the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group suggests that a sense of powerlessness isn't war- ranted. The study shows that tough new automotive emissions rules in Oregon and nine other states could cut greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 by 64 million metric tons per year. That's equivalent to the combined emissions of 140 nations. It includes as much carbon dioxide (the gas that's primarily responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere) as coal-fired power plants would have to emit to generate power for nearly a fourth of all U.S. homes. Despite such potentially huge gains in the fight against global warming and air pollution, the Bush administration continues its efforts to block individual states from tightening the federal rules for auto emissions standards. Under rules tentatively approved last December by Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission, cars and light-duty trucks sold in the state would emit 18 percent less carbon dioxide after 2020 and 27 percent less after 2030. The state would also see significant reductions in other emissions that cause smog and toxic air pollution. In 2004, California became the first state to propose limiting vehicle emissions, touching off a legal battle with the Bush administration. Oregon and Washington, along with seven Northeastern states, followed California's lead. As the OSPIRG study attests, the bloc approach would have a far greater impact than any state acting on its own. Instead of embracing this powerful states-based initiative, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Safety Administration are resisting California's request for the federal waiver it needs to require automakers to meet the new standards. If that waiver is denied, Oregon and other states also would be unable to finalize the new rules. The administration's efforts also run starkly counter to the president's promise in his State of the Union address two weeks ago to break this country's addiction to foreign oil. OSPIRG estimates that the states' efforts could reduce gasoline consumption by as much as 7.2 billion gallons per year in 2020 - nearly as much as is consumed annually by the state of Florida. Consumers would save an estimated $17 billion annually at the pump, more than offsetting the increased cost of new cars. Oregonians can help make these changes happen by urging the state Environmental Quality Commission to vote at its June meeting to make the new rules permanent (e-mail: Oregon.LEV@deq.state.or.us or snail mail: Dave Nordberg, Environmental Quality Commission, 811 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204-1390). They can also contact the White House (e-mail: comments@ whitehouse.gov or regular mail: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20500) and urge the administration to drop its opposition to states adopting tougher emissions rules. In the glaring absence of federal leadership on global warming, perhaps Oregon - and Oregonians - really can make a difference. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/the-oregon-factor Wed, 16 May 2007 10:28:13 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/air-still-hazy-around-oregons-efforts-to-adopt-emission-standards As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. PORTLAND, http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/air-still-hazy-around-oregons-efforts-to-adopt-emission-standards Fri, 18 May 2007 11:14:04 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/pdx-mercedes-dealer-picketed-over-emission-standards-opposition As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Protesters planned demonstrations Saturday outside the Mercedes-Benz dealership of Portland. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/pdx-mercedes-dealer-picketed-over-emission-standards-opposition Fri, 18 May 2007 11:15:28 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/kulongoski-bucks-latest-trend-he-says-hes-sticking-with-his-safe-lincoln-town-car As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. SALEM http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/kulongoski-bucks-latest-trend-he-says-hes-sticking-with-his-safe-lincoln-town-car Fri, 18 May 2007 11:19:15 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/study-requiring-cleaner-cars-could-reduce-greenhouse-gases As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. EUGENE, http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/study-requiring-cleaner-cars-could-reduce-greenhouse-gases Fri, 18 May 2007 11:20:24 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/report-new-rules-will-slash-car-pollution As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Oregon's http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/report-new-rules-will-slash-car-pollution Fri, 18 May 2007 11:21:54 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-policy-would-benefit-state-study-finds-it-says-plan-would-be-equal-to-removing-350000-cars-by-2020 As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Deanna Garcia commutes to Albany from Salem in what she describes as a "boat." http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/clean-cars-policy-would-benefit-state-study-finds-it-says-plan-would-be-equal-to-removing-350000-cars-by-2020 Fri, 18 May 2007 11:23:48 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/kulongoski-tightens-auto-standards As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Gov. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/kulongoski-tightens-auto-standards Fri, 18 May 2007 11:36:10 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/veto-makes-way-for-tougher-emission-standards As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. PORTLAND, http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/veto-makes-way-for-tougher-emission-standards Fri, 18 May 2007 11:32:11 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/new-fuel-standards-stop-short-environmentalists-say Aug http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/new-fuel-standards-stop-short-environmentalists-say Fri, 18 May 2007 11:38:14 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/emissions-fight-gathers-speed-with-his-veto-the-governor-is-expected-to-steer-oregon-toward-californias-stricter-rules-a-move-critics-say-will-cost-consumers As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. In http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/emissions-fight-gathers-speed-with-his-veto-the-governor-is-expected-to-steer-oregon-toward-californias-stricter-rules-a-move-critics-say-will-cost-consumers Fri, 18 May 2007 11:40:04 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregons-official-weatherman-has-good-news-about-global-warming-it-doesnt-exist As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. George http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/oregons-official-weatherman-has-good-news-about-global-warming-it-doesnt-exist Fri, 18 May 2007 11:43:16 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/we-brake-for-efficiency As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Rob Sargent is the senior energy policy analyst for the National Association of State Public Interest Research Groups (State PIRGs). Jeremiah Baumann is the energy advocate for the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG). In the 1,725 pages of the energy bill enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush, you won’t find acknowledgment of—let alone a plan to address—one of the world’s top energy-related challenges: global warming triggered by fossil fuel consumption. But while Congress and the president continue to ignore the mounting evidence of a changing climate, state governments are taking action. One of their first targets is global warming pollution from cars and trucks. The most recent battleground is Oregon, where Gov. Ted Kulongoski has committed to implement California’s upcoming standards on global warming pollution from vehicles. If the standards are implemented, new cars sold in Oregon would emit one-third less global warming pollution in 2016 than they do today and new light trucks would emit one-quarter less. These cleaner vehicles would cost more, but the cost increase would be offset by savings in operating costs, particularly for fuel—saving consumers money overall. Moving to replace polluting cars on the road today with cleaner versions should be one of the top priorities for government at all levels. Today’s cars and light trucks are among the biggest sources of global warming pollution—responsible for about one-fifth of America’s outsized contribution to one of the world’s most significant environmental problems. On top of that, automobile pollution is a serious health threat; more than half of all Americans live in areas where the air is unhealthy to breathe, with car pollution a major culprit. Sales of hybrid-electric vehicles have exploded in recent years, showing consumers’ willingness to participate in a solution, but the environmentally friendly options in the new car showroom are few. If Kulongoski prevails, Oregon will join a growing group of states that have adopted California’s clean car standards, which reduce emissions of smog-forming pollutants from cars, encourage the sale of advanced technology vehicles (such as ultra-clean gasoline-burning vehicles and hybrids), and, starting in 2009, will cap emissions of global warming pollutants. To address their air pollution problems, several northeastern states—including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine—adopted California standards beginning in the 1990s. In the last two years, additional states including New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island have followed suit. Most of these states have already committed to adopting California’s new standards for global warming pollution once they go into force in 2009. The drive toward cleaner cars in the states has been heavily challenged by car makers who have applied their lobbying clout and substantial resources to defeating stronger emission controls. Manufacturers are currently suing in federal court to void California’s global warming emission standards and are angling to convince Congress and federal officials to make it harder for other states with air pollution problems to follow California’s lead. The automakers are also working directly in the state legislatures to derail clean car efforts. In Oregon, they won a temporary victory several weeks ago when the legislature passed a budget bill with a provision prohibiting the state from adopting the clean car standards. Gov. Kulongoski has vowed to veto the provision, but the debate will continue. The outcome in Oregon will have repercussions beyond the state’s borders. Earlier this year, Washington state agreed to adopt the global warming standards, but only if Oregon does so as well. And a clean cars victory in Oregon could bolster the effectiveness of a recent agreement by the three West Coast governors to reduce global warming pollution. On a broader scale, a victory in Oregon would build the momentum for cleaner cars in other states. The southwestern states, where there is growing desire to take action on global warming (as well as severe air pollution in cities like Phoenix), and states with chronic smog problems (such as Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania), would all benefit from adopting clean car standards. Gov. Kulongoski should be commended for standing up to the automobile makers and encouraged to use his administrative authority to adopt the standards this year. Officials in other states should take note: As the public grows increasingly restless over unhealthy air and inefficient vehicles, and the federal government continues to be unwilling to take on global warming, the crucial choice of whether to put cleaner cars on the road must be made locally. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/we-brake-for-efficiency Wed, 16 May 2007 10:35:24 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/we-brake-for-efficiency2 As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Rob http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/we-brake-for-efficiency2 Fri, 18 May 2007 11:48:40 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/gov_-kulongoski-should-veto-language-prohibiting-oregon-from-joining-other--states-in-requiring-cleaner-cars As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. The auto industry lobby and its defenders in the Legislature left a http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/gov_-kulongoski-should-veto-language-prohibiting-oregon-from-joining-other--states-in-requiring-cleaner-cars Fri, 18 May 2007 11:51:20 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/draw-a-line-on-energy-bill As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Sen. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/draw-a-line-on-energy-bill Fri, 18 May 2007 11:52:33 -0500 http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/senate-squashes-cleaner-car-effort As the new home of OSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Oregon can be contacted regarding this article. Oregon has a long history of forward thinking on issues of sustainability. http://www.environmentoregon.org/in-the-news/global-warming/global-warming/senate-squashes-cleaner-car-effort Fri, 18 May 2007 11:53:36 -0500