Section 468A.200 - Legislative findings The Legislative Assembly finds that:
(1) In December 2004 the Governor's Advisory Group on Global Warming issued its report calling for immediate and significant action to address global warming, to reduce Oregon's exposure to the risks of global warming and to begin to prepare for the effects of global warming. The advisory group also identified 46 specific recommendations for measurable reductions in the state's greenhouse gas emissions.(2) In partnership with the Governor's advisory group, 50 scientists signed the "Scientific Consensus Statement on the Likely Impacts of Climate Change on the Pacific Northwest," which examined the potential effects of climate change on temperature, precipitation, sea level, marine ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems. The scientists recommended additional, improved scientific studies and modeling of the effects of climate change on the atmosphere, oceans and land, as well as modeling of the effects of economic and management policies.(3) Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources and environment of Oregon.(4) Oregon relies on snowpack for summer stream flows to provide energy, municipal water, watershed health and irrigation. Also, a potential rise in sea levels threatens Oregon's coastal communities. Reduced snowpack, changes in the timing of stream flows, extreme or unusual weather events, rising sea levels, increased occurrences of vector-borne diseases and impacts on forest health could significantly impact the economy, environment and quality of life in Oregon.(5) Oregon forests play a significant role in sequestering atmospheric carbon, and losing this potential to sequester carbon will have a significant negative effect on the reduction of carbon levels in the atmosphere.(6) Global warming will have detrimental effects on many of Oregon's largest industries, including agriculture, wine making, tourism, skiing, recreational and commercial fishing, forestry and hydropower generation, and will therefore negatively impact the state's workers, consumers and residents.(7) There is a need to assess the current level of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, to monitor the trend of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon over the next several decades and to take necessary action to begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent disruption of Oregon's economy and quality of life and to meet Oregon's responsibility to reduce the impacts and the pace of global warming.(8) Oregon has been a national leader in energy conservation and environmental stewardship, including the areas of energy efficiency requirements and investments, renewable energy investments, natural resource conservation, greenhouse gas offset requirements and investments, and global warming pollution standards for passenger vehicles. Significant opportunities remain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide, especially from major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, including electricity production, transportation, building construction and operation, and the residential and consumer sectors.(9) Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will reduce Oregon's reliance on foreign sources of energy, lead to the development of technology, attract new businesses to Oregon and increase energy efficiency throughout the state, resulting in benefits to the economy and to individual businesses and residents.(10) In devising measures to achieve reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon must strive to not disadvantage Oregon businesses as compared to businesses in other states with which Oregon cooperates on regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies.(11) Policies pursued, and actions taken, by Oregon will:(a) In concert with complementary policies and actions by other states and the federal government, substantially reduce the global levels of greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of those emissions;(b) Encourage similar policies and actions by various stakeholders;(c) Inform and shape national policies and actions in ways that are advantageous to Oregon residents and businesses; and(d) Directly benefit the state and local governments, businesses and residents.468A.200 to 468A.260 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 468A or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.