Oregon’s Climate Protection Program is Restored!

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.

Now, Oregon's most influential climate policy is back on the books thanks to the thoughtful work of Governor Kotek's office and the Department of Environmental Quality staff. It couldn't have been done without collective dedication and grit. Thousands of Oregonians, including OEC members and action takers, stood up and made their voices heard by writing representatives, giving testimony, and spreading the word.

This victory comes after nearly three years of tireless work from OEC and our partners in the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice . We collaborated with state agencies, environmental justice organizations, and so many more to bring the Climate Protection Program back (after fossil fuel special interests sued to overturn it in early 2022). Read the full coalition press release .

Once again, Oregon is on track to cut 90% of carbon emissions by 2050, all while investing millions into communities most affected by climate change.

With restored protections in place, Oregonians are ultimately poised to receive tens of millions of dollars to help combat climate change. The Climate Protection Program goes beyond current pollution rules by directing fossil fuel funds to impacted communities.

"Finally, polluters will have to pay for their harms, and that money will protect those hit hardest by the climate crisis," said Joel Iboa, Executive Director of Oregon Just Transition Alliance. This includes low-income, Indigenous, coastal, rural, and communities of color across Oregon, with 15% of the funds specifically earmarked for federally recognized Tribes and Tribal communities.

The rules are set up so that communities who live with climate harm benefit the most from clean energy investments. "This holds polluters accountable while uplifting community-led solutions," said Xitlali Torres, Air Quality and Climate Program Coordinator at Verde. "It directly addresses the harmful pollution that burdens low-income communities of color while building cleaner air, safer homes, and a livable future for all."

Oregon's new climate rules will also deliver significant economic growth. In 2023, clean energy jobs in the state grew twice as fast as the overall economy. Tim Miller, Director of Oregon Business for Climate, praised the program's ability to balance environmental protections with business concerns, "by driving innovation and creating opportunities for business and job growth."

OEC will continue working with agencies and lawmakers to ensure the Climate Protection Program is rolled out and implemented effectively, and will keep fighting to ensure the biggest polluters in our state are held accountable at every turn.

"Oregon's actions today are a beacon of hope," said Jana Gastellum, OEC's Executive Director, in a recent article by OPB . "Every state deserves a program like the Climate Protection Program to not only cut pollution but also generate funds for community projects and business innovation. It's a win for the people, especially those in frontline communities who've long been impacted by climate change."

For more reporting, check out additional coverage on this historic milestone: