EQC release - The Climate Protection Program will reduce climate pollution from fossil fuels by 90% by 2050.  Portland, Ore. – The Environmental Quality Commission, the governing body for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, adopted the Climate Protection Program at its meeting on November meeting. The program sets enforceable and declining limits, or caps, on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels used throughout Oregon. The program will reduce emissions in Oregon by 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.  “Oregon is committed to acting boldly and consistently to do our part to protect our climate,” Governor Kotek said. “The Climate Protection Program will keep polluters accountable and fund community investments that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon.”  The Climate Protection Program is critical to meeting Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Following the Oregon Court of Appeals’ December 2023 decision to invalidate the program’s rules due to a procedural error in the original rulemaking notice, DEQ ran a robust and inclusive rulemaking process that considered input from a wide range of interested parties. The Climate Protection Program 2024 rules include the following elements in response to this feedback:  Specific regulation of emissions-intensive, trade exposed industries to provide flexibility in how they can comply with the program.  Developing carbon intensity targets for specific manufacturing facilities to accommodate future growth and new business development.  Working with Oregon Public Utilities Commission to review natural gas rates and customer bills regularly to evaluate whether the program is having a significant impact on rates.  Providing robust auditing and oversight of Community Climate Investment projects to ensure they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit environmental justice communities across the state.  “This program maintains Oregon’s commitment to addressing climate change, transitioning our economy to remain globally competitive, and investing in our most impacted communities across the entire state,” said EQC Chair Matt Donegan.