March 1, 2007—Oregon House of Representatives Votes to Adopt a Statewide Renewable Fuel Standard
HB 2210 overwhelmingly approved, creating unprecedented opportunity for Oregon growers, strengthening local economies and promoting energy independence
PORTLAND, Ore.—March 1, 2007—The Oregon House of Representatives today approved House Bill 2210 and House Bill 2211, sending them to the Oregon State Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Oregon would be only the third state in the nation to adopt a statewide renewable fuels standard.
HB 2210 establishes a
production tax credit for Oregon
growers to produce locally grown biofuel feedstocks such as canola, camelina,
wheat and flax and
incentives for in-state biofuels processing. They also create a tax credit
for Oregonians who use higher blends of biodiesel and ethanol in their cars,
trucks and home heating oil systems, among other provisions.
“Passage of biofuels
legislation is great news for Oregonians all the way around. We salute the Oregon House for its leadership,”
said Kevin Considine, sustainable economy program director at the Oregon
Environmental Council. “Biofuels promote greater energy independence in Oregon, limit global warming pollution and provide an exciting economic opportunity for Oregon’s agricultural
communities.”
Minnesota, which passed comparable legislation in 1997, has been reaping economic benefits ever since. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota’s renewable fuel standard has spurred robust in-state biofuels production, generating over $2.8 billion in economic benefits and supporting over 10,300 jobs in 2006 alone.
In addition to realizing potential economic benefits and tax incentives for locally grown biofuels feedstocks, this legislation helps refine an effective and consistent climate change policy for a healthier Oregon. According to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy, biodiesel results in a 78% lifecycle reduction in carbon dioxide – the primary greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Using biodiesel fuel also reduces the emissions of particulate matter, air toxics, carbon monoxide and sulfur oxides, making it a preferred alternative to petroleum diesel, the number one air toxic in Oregon.
About the Oregon Environmental Council
Founded in 1968, the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with members throughout the state. We bring Oregonians together for a healthy environment. Through programs such as the Bottle Bill, curbside recycling and the creation of local watershed councils, OEC has played a leadership role in helping Oregonians be part of the solution to environmental problems. Our current programs focus on protecting kids’ health from toxic pollution, cleaning up Oregon’s rivers, slowing global warming, and building a sustainable economy.
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