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.
The transition to electric vehicles – which dramatically cut air and climate pollution – is clearly underway. Global and national automakers are planning to phase out gas and diesel engines, spurred by national and state mandates to convert all new car sales to 100% electric as soon as 2035. The federal government and private sector companies are making huge investments in a national EV charging network.
To ensure small local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve also benefit fro
On September 29, 2023, OEC gathered with a growing coalition of community-based organizations, lawmakers, and business groups following oral arguments heard by the Oregon Court of Appeals to rally behind the Oregon Climate Protection Program (CPP), which is under attack from the fossil fuel industry.OREGON’S CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM
Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP) is a cornerstone in our st
Everyone deserves the right to safe, accessible, climate-friendly transportation options. And everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely, regardless of their transportation choice. Yet the need for investments in transportation safety could not be more urgent as this year’s back-to-school season is met with a 40-year peak in pedestrian deaths, nationwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2023Media Contact:
Patty Wentz, patty@wentzjackson.com
503-970-7929
As Oregon experiences record breaking heat driven by climate change, it is important to note the one-year anniversary of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which will invest at least $370 billion–and potentially upwards of $1 trillion–nationwide to a
At the end of the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session, OEC is proud to have secured several major policy victories that will benefit Oregonians and our shared environment. Thanks to our coalition partners, supporters, and legislative champions, the Oregon legislature delivered critical action to reduce climate and air pollution, support healthy, affordable, resilient communities, and leverage once-in-a-lifetime federal funding for clean energy and clean water infrastructure.
Healthy
Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session ended with a momentous victory in the fight against climate change with the passage of the bipartisan Climate Resilience Package (HB 3409 & HB 3630). With over $90 million in funding and strategic leveraging of federal investments, this victory represents significant progress in our relentless pursuit of a climate-resilient future for Oregon.
In a resounding victory for the health and well-being of Oregonians, Oregon Environmental Council and coalition partners successfully advocated for the passage of two crucial environmental health bills in the 2023 legislative session. Despite facing staunch opposition from the chemical industry, our coalition’s unwavering commitment and tenacity paid off, as we se
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2023
Media Contact
Kat Driessen, kat@empirical.media
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority today released a comprehensive report on the public health impacts of climate change in Oregon. The “2021-2022 Climate and Health in Oregon Rep
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Contact:
Jana Gastellum, janag@oeconline.org, (360) 618-2722
SALEM, Ore.– Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) called on State Senators who have walked out of the Capitol to return to work and vote on critical environmental legislation.
