Act Today! Submit your comments on the Climate Protection Plan

Written comments on the draft Climate Protection Plan are due by Monday, October 25th!

Right now, you can help make climate protection in Oregon stronger by adding your voice to demand DEQ strengthens the draft Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. 

While the Climate Protection Program has the potential to be a meaningful tool to replace fossil fuels with clean energy, the draft Climate Protection Program has problems, which keep it from living up to its name. Thankfully, the rules for the CPP aren’t final yet!

Written comments can be as short or as long as you feel comfortable with. Simply expressing your demand for Oregon to take bold climate action in a short, personal note is helpful. Find everything need to know to submit comments in the Public Testimony Guide. 

What is the Climate Protection Plan?

The Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will set a starting ceiling or “cap” for climate pollution in Oregon from certain large polluters (oil companies, fracked gas utilities) in 2022. The cap lowers over time, requiring those polluters to reduce their climate pollution by about 2-3% per year on average through 2050.

According to science, the reduction should be closer to 7% annually to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, so we have work to do. If polluters fail to lower their pollution, they will be held accountable by environmental regulators. Polluters will have to transition off of fossil fuels by adopting clean, energy efficient technologies. The resulting investments in clean energy will improve health in our communities, lower energy costs, and create local, good-paying jobs.

Why is this important?

We’re at an inflection point. This is the climate decade. A well-designed Climate Protection Program provides Oregon a vital opportunity to demonstrate leadership and make progress in the fight for a healthy climate.

We need your help, to make sure this program is designed to maximize positive outcomes for our climate, communities, and local economies.

How to take action

Hint: It’s as easy as sending an email!

Find everything you need to know in the Public Testimony Guide including background info, how to email in your comments, and sample public comments.