HB 3477
Modifies state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Climate, Energy, and Environment
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
82%
Oppose
18%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It changes the term "global warming" to "climate change" in relevant laws and sets specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, 2040, and 2050, including a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and maintaining net-negative emissions thereafter. The bill also establishes an Oregon Climate Action Commission to advise on these efforts and develop an outreach strategy to educate the public.
Key provisions
- Increases greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
- Replaces "global warming" with "climate change" in specific laws.
- Establishes a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and net-negative emissions thereafter.
- Creates the Oregon Climate Action Commission with specific membership requirements.
- Directs the commission to track and evaluate progress toward emissions reduction goals.
- Requires the commission to recommend updates to emissions reduction goals based on scientific assessments.
- Mandates the commission to develop an outreach strategy to educate Oregonians about climate change.
- Requires the commission to submit an annual report to the Legislative Assembly.
Who is affected
- General Public
- Businesses
- State and Local Governments
- Environmental Organizations
- Oregon Residents
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill advocate for updating Oregon's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to align with current science and global agreements, aiming for a stable climate system for future generations. They emphasize the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, citing devastating impacts on public health, vulnerable populations, and local communities, such as wildfires and heat domes. Proponents argue that setting clear goals and targets will spur action to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect Oregon's natural carbon sequestration capabilities, ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. They also highlight the benefits of aligning with international standards and peer states, positioning Oregon for leadership in addressing climate change and ensuring its safety, health, and economic prosperity.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of Oregonian life. They argue that the proposed legislation allows for an overreach of power, as it enables immediate declaration of a state of emergency after passage. Additionally, they believe reducing greenhouse gas reduction goals would undermine efforts to address climate change and harm the economy. Many testifiers also express concerns about the bill's potential costs, particularly on low-income and elderly individuals, as well as its impact on forest contractors and the state's contribution to carbon sequestration. Furthermore, some argue that the bill's climate objectives are unrealistic, unattainable, or too costly, and that it would benefit special interests rather than effectively addressing climate change.