On Track for Climate

Today is the start of a big week for Oregon’s climate in the state legislature. Two bills now being considered could put Oregon on the path to clean air and a healthy climate future.

We all know that our climate is changing. In fact, as far back as 2007, the Oregon Legislature adopted ambitious climate pollution reduction goals to protect our clean air, safeguard our shellfish and tourism industries, and reduce Oregon’s contribution to climate change, drought, and severe weather. But Oregon is not on track to meet these goals.

This week, Oregon has the chance to get back on track and come clean on climate pollution.

This week, lawmakers consider two bills that could transform our economy while transitioning us away from dirty coal power; increasing our output of clean, renewable energy; and investing in local jobs, rural communities and clean air solutions.

First, we can get off dirty coal: This morning, legislators heard testimony on the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan (HB 4036), a plan that sets Oregon on a path to eliminate coal from powering our homes and businesses, while simultaneously doubling the amount of clean energy – like wind and solar power – used in Oregon.

This Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan was crafted by bringing diverse parties to the table – OEC, electric utilities, environmental and consumer protection organizations, and the renewable energy industry – to devise a hugely important step forward in reducing carbon emissions in our state. Creating electricity for Oregon produces 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan will reduce those emissions by half by 2040.

As a PGE representative stated in testimony to Oregon legislators today, “We think the writing’s on the wall. The future for coal is limited.”

Since 1998, over $9.8 billion has been invested in new renewables, and 3,350 megawatts of clean power have been installed. This investment has led to over $153.8 million in local revenue and created over 5,300 jobs. The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan reaffirms this commitment to clean energy and clean air for everyone.

Second, we can put a speed limit on carbon pollution: The Healthy Climate Bill (SB 1574) will be heard this afternoon. The bill works economy-wide to limit climate pollution and account for its cost, accelerating the transition to clean energy and creating a healthy future for our children.

By enforcing our existing limits on climate pollution and putting a price on this pollution, the Healthy Climate Bill will hold polluters accountable while helping to grow the local clean energy economy with good paying jobs for Oregonians.

Oregon needs an enforceable, economy-wide climate policy – like a highway’s speed limit – that leads to a safe, affordable clean energy future that will protect those hardest hit by the effects of climate change – our rural areas and industries, low-income communities, and communities of color.

Effective climate policy requires not only an overall curb on pollution (the “speed limit”), but also targeted solutions (the “traffic signals”) for high-impact industries in order to effectively clean our air and reduce climate pollution. Passing the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan and securing renewable electricity generation for the future fits closely into plans for a complete transition across our entire economy to clean energy.

Getting carbon-intensive coal out the of the electricity grid makes it easier to put a comprehensive cap on Oregon’s carbon pollution – both by reducing the price needed to achieve the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and by engaging utilities in the fight against climate pollution.

Oregonians want a clean air future.

This week, with your support, we are getting on track. You can join us at the legislature tomorrow as we talk to legislators about these two important bills.

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Featured Air Quality Climate Protection Policy Media/PR/Statements Transportation Solutions OEC News/Updates/Events Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Eco-Healthy Homes
Sort by
wildfire smoke in oregon town

Smoke and Heat: A Deadly Climate Combo Unfolding in Oregon

Oregon’s wildfire situation has gone from bad to worse. Just a few days into August, this year has officially set the record for most acres burned in a single Oregon wildfire season. We’re cur
August 4, 2026, 2:29 pm
samp

9

southern oregon town with mountains in background and fog rolling in

Climate Protection Program Moves Forward with Community Climate Investments

Yesterday morning, the Climate Protection Program took an important step forward: The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) officially named CALSTART as the entity to carry out the program’s community climate investments (CCIs). These investments benefit Oregonians hit first and worst by climate change — including Tribal, rural, low-income, and BIPOC communities. What do these CCIs look like in practice? Here are just a few examples: Better access to efficient h
July 10, 2026, 12:42 pm
mcadmin

9

fossil fuel emissions from power plant

BREAKING: New CPP Lawsuit Draws Broad Pushback from Statewide Community, Business, Climate and Conservation Groups

On April 16, 2026, a new lawsuit led by Oregon Business & Industry was brought forward challenging the state’s authority to implement Oregon’s landmark Climate Protection Program. OEC and our coalition partners stand in firm opposition of this latest attack, and in full support of the CPP. This critical program was designed (with careful legal oversight, and input from the business community) to benefit Oregon communities most affected by the mounting
April 17, 2026, 1:39 pm
mcadmin

9

bridge in portland, OR over the willamette river

The Toll of Climate Change on Oregon’s Transportation Infrastructure

Oregon’s transportation system is at a crossroads. While the state recently passed emergency funding to address an immediate budget shortfall, the larger challenge remains: climate change is fundamentally altering how we must think about transportation infrastructure. At the same time, a potential referendum threatens to suspend the very funding needed to maintain safe roads and bridges. As Oregon looks toward long-term solutions, the stakes have never
December 17, 2025, 3:03 pm
kristopherf

9

"stop trump

Joining Oregon’s Climate Advocates in Washington DC

This month, I joined a Climate Action Campaign advocacy trip to DC—my first time participating in this critical work since the coalition began organizing these efforts 13 years ago. This “big green” coalition has real influence, having helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and brings together a
September 18, 2025, 2:30 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

Split screen with two arrows in the center pointing in opposite directions at illustrations on either side. Left half is in magenta tones showing illustrations of a heat pump, of a globe piggy bank with a coin being added, and a community center for climate emergencies. The right half is in green tones showing a home with solar panels, transmission lines, and a child drawing a globe. The title text says "Energy Affordability Advances While Climate Action Stalls - 2025 Session"

Mixed Results on Climate in 2025: Energy Affordability Advances While Climate Action Stalls

The 2025 Oregon Legislative session delivered a tale of two climate stories. While lawmakers made meaningful progress on energy affordability and grid modernization, they failed to advance policies that would actually cut climate pollution—and worse, abandoned funding for p
July 30, 2025, 1:11 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

The words Action Alert: One Click with an image of the Oregon state capitol and dollar bills with the earth as the center of the bill.

ACT! Fund a STRONG Climate Justice Budget for Oregon

Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians. **Please Note: We recommend you
May 16, 2025, 12:34 pm
robinr

9

Image of a semi truck entering Oregon on the highway with the words "Breaking News. Clean Truck Rules Delayed. Read Our Joint Statement on the Impact to Oregon."

BREAKING: Polluters Push Oregon Backward on Clean Air, Public Health, and Climate Action

Today, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule was delayed by two years. Predictably, oil and gas interests orchestrated a multi-state campaign to derail similar policies in other states. Their successful attacks now include Oregon’s ACT rules.
May 15, 2025, 10:42 am
robinr

9

Illustrated image of a kitchen featuring an induction stovetop and wall mounted heat pump. Graphics include table/chairs kitchen sink, fridge and include a visual burst to callout the electric devices that are helping the home be more energy efficient.

A Climate Solution You Can Live In: Q&A on Building Resilience

Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control – other times they’re right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience, highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
March 3, 2025, 11:38 am
robinr

9

Modern, graphic illustration showing snow capped mountains in blue tones on the left that transitions to a coastal beach scene with a haystack rock in orange and green hues to the right. Large text says "Big Oregon Climate Win!"

Oregon’s Climate Protection Program is Restored!

Oregon just scored a major environmental victory! In a unanimous vote, the Environmental Quality Commission (ECQ) adopted the newly revised Climate Protection Program, reinstating the landmark policy at a time when climate action is critical. This marks the most significant climate action taken in the wake of the federal election.  Now, Oregon’s most influential climate policy is back on the bo
November 21, 2024, 2:13 pm
robinr

9

No Replies to "On Track for Climate"