Oregon Extends Public Comment Period for Climate Protection Program
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted an extension for public comments on the Climate Protection Program. Initially set to close earlier, the public now has until September 27 to provide feedback. This move comes after a formal request from environmental regulators and various business groups.
This is the second attempt by the state to draft rules for the Climate Protection Program. An Oregon Court of Appeals decision had invalidated the previous rules late last year, prompting the need for revised regulations. The new draft rules aim to be more comprehensive and inclusive.
Lauren Wirtis, DEQ’s communications manager, emphasized the complexity of the rules. “We want people to have time to look at them, think about them, and provide us with public comments,” she said. The agency strives to accommodate such requests during public comment periods.
A coalition of over 20 business groups, including those from fossil fuel industries, initially requested a 45-day extension. However, to remain on schedule, DEQ decided to extend the period by 30 days instead. This extension is vital for stakeholders to evaluate and comment on the proposals.
Key Proposals in the New Climate Protection Program
The reworked program incorporates feedback from an advisory committee and retains many elements from the previous rule. The proposed draft rules aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 for oil and gas companies. This ambitious target is a cornerstone of the new regulations.
Additional measures include regulating heavy carbon emitters and collaborating with the Oregon Public Utility Commission on monitoring gas bills for customers. These steps are designed to ensure accountability and transparency in emission reductions.
Key aspects of the draft rules include:
- Emission Caps: Setting strict limits on emissions for oil and gas companies.
- Carbon Credit Programs: Expanding benefits to more communities affected by climate change.
- Monitoring: Working with utility commissions to track gas bill impacts on customers.
The program is not starting from scratch despite the court’s invalidation. The DEQ is using existing rules and enhancing them with new input to ensure the program’s success and longevity.
Public Response and Future Steps
The DEQ has already received over 3,500 comments on the new draft rules and expects more by the extended deadline. “People are commenting, and we still got a month left of the public comment period,” said Wirtis. The agency values this feedback and aims to incorporate it where necessary.
A second virtual public hearing on the draft rules is scheduled for September 26. This hearing provides another platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and suggest changes. The DEQ is committed to a transparent and inclusive process.
The extension and volume of feedback highlight the program’s significance. It underscores the need for thorough evaluation and stakeholder input. The DEQ’s goal from the beginning has been to implement the program by 2025, and they are working diligently to stay on track.
Wirtis reassured that the agency reads every comment it receives. This meticulous process ensures that the final rules are well-informed and effective in achieving the state’s climate goals. The public’s role in this process is crucial for the program’s success.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Climate Protection Program faces several challenges, including balancing the interests of various stakeholders. Business groups have emphasized the need for ample time to understand and comply with the new rules. This underscores the program’s potential impact on the industry.
The extension reflects a commitment to thorough and inclusive rulemaking. The DEQ aims to address concerns and ensure that the program is robust and effective. The involvement of diverse groups in the feedback process is a positive step towards comprehensive climate action.
As the DEQ moves forward, the next steps will involve integrating public feedback into the final rules. The focus will be on creating a balanced and effective program that can withstand legal scrutiny and achieve its ambitious targets.
The public comment period and virtual hearings are essential for refining the program. The DEQ’s openness to feedback and willingness to adapt highlight the dynamic nature of the rulemaking process. The agency is committed to a future where Oregon leads in climate protection.
Isaiah_Galaxy
Great move by DEQ! More time for public input can only make the program better. Keep it up!
Caleb
Hope this doesn’t end up being all talk and no action like many other initiatives.
paisley3
Is there a link where I can read the draft rules? I’d love to dig into the details!
joseph
Thanks for extending the deadline! This gives us more time to provide thoughtful feedback.
john
Why wasn’t the initial public comment period sufficient? Seems like poor planning to me.
stella_dreamwalker
Wow, reducing emissions by 90% by 2050 is ambitious! How realistic is this goal? 😊