Oregon DEQ picks California nonprofit to run carbon offset program under controversial climate plan

Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality has selected a California-based nonprofit to manage the distribution of carbon offset credits under the state's Climate Protection Program. The decision ends months of uncertainty over who would administer the offset market, a key piece of Oregon's strategy to cap and reduce emissions from major polluters. The nonprofit will be responsible for verifying and issuing credits for projects that reduce greenhouse gases, such as forest conservation and methane capture. Critics have raised concerns about the program's design, including whether offsets will represent real, additional emission reductions. Supporters argue the program is necessary to meet Oregon's climate goals. The announcement provides clarity for project developers and regulated entities that have been waiting for rules to finalize before investing in offset projects. The full impact will depend on how rigorously the nonprofit validates credits and whether the program avoids the integrity problems that have plagued other offset markets.