PORTLAND, OR – In a win for state climate leadership, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) voted today to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program.
The reinstatement of this critical policy will regulate climate pollution from oil companies, fossil gas utilities, and major industrial facilities. The program will also enable millions of dollars annually in investments toward clean energy projects in environmental justice and other Oregon communities, enhancing public health, economic vitality, and climate resilience across the state.
The Climate Protection Program is central to achieving Oregon’s climate pollution reduction goals and delivering justice to Oregon communities– especially Black, Indigenous, people of color, low-income, rural, and other communities who stand to benefit the most from emissions reductions and economic prosperity under the program.
The following is a statement from Angus Duncan, NRDC Northwest Consultant and Chair Emeritus of Oregon’s Global Warming Commission:
“Oregon’s leadership comes at a time when federal climate protections face rollbacks, underscoring the pivotal role of state-level action in driving climate progress during this decisive decade for action. State programs like Oregon’s are essential to filling the void in federal leadership. The EQC’s action to reinstate the program demonstrates Oregon’s unwavering commitment to climate action in the face of federal rollbacks and delays.
“Mounting droughts, wildfires, heat waves, and other climate-fueled impacts demand continued leadership from states like Oregon. With federal climate action hanging in the balance, Oregon is rightfully doubling down on its commitment to slash harmful climate pollution through a strong Climate Protection Program. Addressing the climate crisis demands an all-hands-on-deck effort. Oregon’s Climate Protection Program exemplifies the leadership needed to safeguard our communities, our economy, and our planet for future generations.”
Originally adopted in December 2021 following a robust, 18 month stakeholder engagement process, the Climate Protection Program was invalidated based on procedural grounds after the oil and gas industry and their allies challenged the rule. NRDC intervened defensively in the case alongside a coalition of Oregon-based environmental justice, climate, and business organizations.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
