After a record-length debate following record-high temperatures in Salem, the Oregon House of Representatives last night passed the Clean Energy Jobs Act, HB 2020B, 36-24. The Senate will now next take up the bill.
“Today was a historic vote in the House of Representatives. We’ve never been closer to passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill and reaping the benefits of clean energy for all Oregonians. Now our Senate must step up and see it through,” said Meredith Connolly, Oregon State Director for Climate Solutions.
This continued momentum means Oregon is positioned to become the second state to pass an economy-wide carbon cap. The state is demonstrating climate leadership akin to that shown earlier this year by its Pacific Northwest neighbors in the Washington State Legislature.
The Clean Energy Jobs Act:
- Puts a firm and declining limit on climate pollution in Oregon;
- Holds all large polluters accountable, without exemptions or free passes; and
- Invests in job-creating clean energy projects in communities across the state, including at least half of investments to benefit communities most impacted by the climate crisis –notably with support of the Building Trades and Carpenters Unions.
