Democrats will pursue carbon emissions plan
SALEM — Democratic lawmakers say they finally may have enough momentum to enact a "cap and invest" greenhouse gas-reduction program in 2018.
State Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) and Rep. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton) convened work groups Sept. 21 to help refine a proposal that has evolved over the past few years.
"I think there is a path to get this done in 2018," Dembrow said. "The sooner we do it, the sooner we can do the work and get the investment going."
House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) and Gov. Kate Brown have both backed the effort.
Similar to a program in California, the Oregon proposal would limit the amount of carbon dioxide or equivalent emissions a business could emit each year. After exceeding the cap, the business would be required to buy market-priced allowances for any additional emissions.
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