Proposed ‘green energy’ bill could spike gas prices

Oregon’s gas prices could become the third-highest in the nation if a bill to cut back the state’s carbon footprint passes the Legislature and is signed into law. The question now is, would the bill’s out-of-pocket costs for Oregonians outweigh its environmental benefits? The jury is split.

At its core, House Bill 2020 sets a process in place with a goal of cutting 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Renew Oregon describes it as “an initiative to reduce climate pollution in Oregon and fund clean energy solutions. It will place a cap and price on climate pollution from about 100 large industrial polluters and oil companies. The cap will get lower and lower every year, guaranteeing less pollution over time.”

The bill is not finalized yet, but if it passes as currently proposed experts say gas prices could jump 16 cents per gallon.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports the average price per gallon now is $2.77. Under HB 2020, prices would jump to $2.93 and continue to increase over time. Only Hawaii and California would have more expensive gas than Oregon.

HB 2020 is also known as the Clean Energy Jobs Bill or the Cap and Trade Bill (depending on who you ask). Those against the bill are also calling it an energy tax.

Preston Mann, a spokesman with the Partnership for Oregon Communities Coalition, is one of those people.

“The main way Oregonians are going to pay (is in) natural gas bills and gasoline pump bills,” he said. “If you’re a senior living on a fixed income, if you’re one of the many Oregon families living on the margins right now, you don’t have the capacity to absorb a cost increase like that.”

The executive director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Jerome Rosa, said Tuesday the legislation, if passed, also will Oregonians’ overall cost of living. He told NewsChannel 21 if production prices go up, farmers and ranchers won’t be able to shoulder the cost — and families might not be able to, either, when that cost is passed along.

“The United States has the lowest food costs in the world,” Rosa explained. “When you add on these additional costs, you can bank on it that when you go to the grocery store, not only is your gasoline bill going to be higher, but also your food bill is going to be higher.”

Renew Oregon is a major supporter of HB 2020. The group’s adamant about the positive overall effects the Clean Energy Jobs bill will have.

Their website reads:

“The bill will drive investments in upgrading homes and businesses with clean power and energy saving improvements to save people money and help Oregon communities prepare for the impacts of climate change we’re experiencing now — like flooding, wildfires and drought. Funding these improvements is critical to reducing Oregon’s greenhouse gas pollution to a safe level and transitioning our economy to clean energy to be prepared for the future.”

Other anticipated benefits include:

50,000 full-time, high-paying jobs by 2050. Adding 2.5% to Oregon’s GDP. Saving Oregonians $2 billion in health care costs in less than 10 years, thanks to a reduction in pollution.

Monday night, students from all over Oregon testified in front of state senators in Salem, asking them to support the energy initiative. Kianna, an 11-year-old from Warm Springs, was one of those children.

“My elders have taught me that we need to take care of our earth,” she said. “My generation will face the impacts of climate change. It will only get worse if we fail to act.”

Kailey, from the Oregon Youth Legislative Initiative on Climate Justice, said she’s seeing the effects of global warming in her own backyard — Sweet Home.

“While Oregon isn’t the largest producer in the nation, us taking initiative with this bill will encourage others to act as well,” she said. “In my rural community, unemployment is a large problem. This bill will provide jobs to residents in need, provide a more sustainable economy.”

Mann and Rosa both told NewsChannel 21 they support reducing carbon emissions, but this Cap and Trade Bill is not the best course of action.

“There’s a lot of things that can be done and should be done, but this is not the answer,” Rosa said. “A hugely significant issue (that needs to be managed now) would be forest management on federal forest lands.”

Mann reasoned that Oregon is already a national leader when it comes to the environmental protection movement.

“It’s pretty clear (the bill) is not going to make a difference on a global basis,” he said. “Even if Oregon were to go carbon-zero tomorrow, Oregon State University’s own climate scientists have said that would have an imperceptible impact on global climate change.”

Meanwhile, Renew Oregon writes, “We can’t let this opportunity pass us by. The sooner the policy is in place, the faster the investment dollars begin flowing in our state.”

To learn more about House Bill 2020, there’s a public hearing in Bend on Saturday, March 2.

HB 2020 Public Hearing: 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Central Oregon Community College. Cascade Hall, Room 246-248. 2600 NW College Way.

To read HB 2020, click here.

To find more information in favor of HB 2020, click here.

To find more information against HB 2020, click here.