Oregon Republicans and Democrats Revisit Cap-and-Invest Carbon Market After 2019 Walkout
forestgrovenewstimes.comOregon lawmakers from both parties are meeting to consider replacing the state's Climate Protection Program with a cap-and-invest carbon market linked to California, Washington, and Quebec. The push comes seven years after Senate Republicans walked out over a similar proposal. Gas companies, including NW Natural, say the current program's offset costs are too high, around $129 per credit versus roughly $30 in California's market. The bipartisan workgroup has met three times and may bring a proposal to the 2027 legislative session. Supporters argue a linked market could lower compliance costs and align Oregon with West Coast carbon pricing. Critics say the timing is too slow and that delaying the existing program only benefits polluters. The debate hinges on whether a market approach can cut emissions while keeping costs manageable for ratepayers.
