Remember that time gas prices spiked drastically because of the Clean Fuels Program? No, neither do we.
Those predictions from fossil fuel companies and opponents fell flat. So far, this program has prevented the equivalent of 680,000 tailpipe emissions over the 3.5 years the program has been in effect, at a cost of pennies per gallon.
The program takes a holistic, or a “well-to-wheels,” look at how much climate pollution transportation fuels emit. This “carbon intensity” is measured for each type of fuel, with diesel and gasoline scoring the worst. The program then requires a 10% reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels over time.
That reduction is accomplished when lower carbon fuels (like electricity or sustainable biofuels e.g. waste grease biodiesel) are used in Oregon displacing petroleum fuels. We get real greenhouse gas reductions right here at home.
The program’s first year successset us on a great course. After more than three years, it is obvious how the program accrues benefits each and every year. Other states have been inspired by the benefits of our program–and are looking to leapfrog Oregon’s success. Washington and New York both introduced bills last year to create clean fuels standards that would achieve 20% reductions. Oregon should build on our success and double our standard too!
The program doesn’t stop with climate benefits. Since the start of the program it has also:
Created over 150 jobs
Supported the use of lower-cost fuels for transit buses, school districts, and local governments.
Helped family-owned businesses transition to cleaner, more affordable fuels.
Rewarded biofuels for lowering their climate impact, including a nearly 30% reduction in the carbon intensity of biodiesel.
In the last quarter alone, displaced the equivalent of 40 million gallons of gasoline and over 17 million gallons of diesel.
Reduced local air pollution. Gasoline and diesel are leading sources of air pollution, including benzene (which causes cancer), nitrogen dioxide (increases asthma attacks), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (linked to reduced fetal brain development), and particulate matter (linked to cardiovascular and lung disease).
Businesses all across the state, from Coburg to Sherwood, Klamath Falls to Boardman, and Portland to Medford are signed up and using cleaner fuels. You can check out more success stories at cleanfuelswork.com.
Oregon is at the precipice of a clean energy revolution. Right now, our state is working to meet its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Through this success, Oregon stands to uplift our environment, our communities
Oregon’s future depends on a clean, resilient power grid – one that meets increasing demand, supports thriving local economies and fosters resilient communities.
This vision for a clean-energy future is within reach.
There are countless allies across Oregon – in environmental circles, community justice, academia, government and business – who share this vision for our future. Almost one year ago to the day, OEC brought these partners together to form the Oregon Clean Grid
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just released draft rules to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program (CPP), kicking off a short public comment period. Help us restore the CPP and hold polluters accountable!
QUICK LINKS TO TAKE ACTION:
-> Send this Letter to DEQ to Restore the C
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