HB 4036-Renewable Portfolio Standard-Support with Amendments
HB 4036 was voted out of the House Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday and it now heads to the House floor for a vote. AOC, along with the Community Renewable Energy Association (CREA), is attempting to amend the bill so that the 8 percent community renewable goal becomes a requirement. Efforts are ongoing to introduce this amendment on the House side but at this time it appears as if AOC/CREA will have to get it introduced on the Senate side.
SB 1563-Low Income Onsite Septic Loan Program-Support with Amendments
SB 1563-3 received a public hearing and work session late Thursday evening in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Senator Olsen joined Senator Roblan as a chief sponsor and the bill was voted out of committee on a 4-0 vote. It was encouraging to hear Senators from both parties working so well together even after an afternoon-long contentious floor vote. SB 1563 now heads to the full Ways and Means Committee for further discussion.
SB 1517-Oregon Farm Bureau Wetlands Bill-Support with Amendments
SB 1517-4 passed out of committee late Thursday night on a 3-1 vote. The dash 4 amendments narrow the scope of the bill to a pilot project for Tillamook County and encourages a collaborative process for the siting and creation of wetlands in EFU land. AOC and the Farm Bureau are still trying to get the Governor’s endorsement by negotiating a couple amendments on the House side. A Senate floor vote is expected early next week.
HB 4101-Greenhouse Gas Policy Impacts-Support
HB 4101 received a public hearing Thursday in House Energy and Environment. No further action is expected.

 

EPA Webinar: Scientific Report Showing U.S. Coastal Waters a Mix of Good and Fair Health

Join the EPA on Thursday, February 25, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern for a Webcast presenting results from EPA’s recently released National Coastal Condition Assessment 2010 report. This report shows that more than half of the nation’s coastal and Great Lakes nearshore waters are rated good for biological and sediment quality, while about one-third are rated good for water quality. In almost all coastal waters, however, contaminants in fish tissue pose a threat to sensitive predator fish, birds and wildlife. The webcast will provide a brief overview of the National Aquatic Resource Surveys that provide information on lakes, rivers and streams, coastal waters and wetlands, and will also highlight the key findings from the NCCA 2010 report.  Register now.

 

NACo Conference Call: EELU Update Clean Power Plan Stay – What Does it Mean for Cities and States?
The Supreme Court has put the Clean Power Plan (CPP) on hold for the time being. Tom Lorenzen, Crowell & Moring, will provide background on the CPP and an overview of the legal issues. Michael Burger, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law will discuss how the stay will work and what it means for states and local governments.
Date: February 22
Time: 1:30 EST
Code: 758-293-4439
For more information contact MarkNystrom, AOC energy, environment, and land use policy manger.