Oregon's 2018 Session: Lawmakers Rush to Finalize Cap-and-Trade Details
Oregon's 2018 legislative session is underway, with lawmakers under pressure to finalize details quickly due to its short six-week duration. Among the pressing issues is the debate surrounding an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions. Our experts, Joshua Linn and Dallas Burtraw, have provided insights to balance emissions leakage reduction and program integrity in this context.
Oregon has been exploring carbon emission reduction policies for over a decade. This year, multiple bills have been introduced, including a cap-and-trade program. The success of these proposals remains uncertain. To aid policymakers, four working groups have been established to advise on policy draft issues. These groups focus on Equity and Environmental Justice, Agriculture and Forestry, Business and Economic Impacts, and Implementation and Compliance.
Linn and Burtraw highlighted four key points in their public comments. They emphasized the need to address potential emissions 'leakage' caused by state-level carbon policies. In 2015, a ballot measure for a state-level carbon tax (HB 3252) failed, underscoring the importance of careful policy design.
As Oregon lawmakers continue their deliberations, they must consider the advice of experts and working groups to ensure the success of any implemented carbon emission reduction policy. The short legislative session adds urgency to these discussions.
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