State of Oregon Archives: on Energy & Oil
Val Hoyle:
Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards: The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have daily energy use & water use no greater
than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input
power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
- Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp
ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Legislative Outcome: Passed State Senate 19-9-2 on April 16; Passed House 40-19-1 on May 30; State Rep. Val Hoyle voted YES; Governor John Kitzhaber signed on June 13, 2013
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB 692
May 30, 2013
Val Hoyle:
Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources
Oregon's most consequential energy bill in decades--a nationally ambitious plan to wean the state off coal and boost renewable sources--has become law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1547 [Majority Leader Val Hoyle voted YES], handing
Democrats a coveted political victory that comes despite lingering concerns the legislation might raise costs for utility customers.The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop paying for
out-of-state coal power by 2030. It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.
"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of stakeholders
came to the table around Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB1547
Mar 10, 2016
Bud Pierce:
End low-carbon fuel mandate: 19 cents-a-gallon hidden tax
Bud Pierce will:- Start by not signing laws that make it more difficult for small businesses to grow good-paying jobs, as Kate Brown did in signing a 19 cents-a-gallon hidden gas tax (the low-carbon fuel mandate), a paid sick leave requirement and
new state retirement plan for small businesses.
- Make Oregon once again a great place to do business by ending job-killing regulations mandates and cutting taxes on small businesses.
- Cut taxes on low and middle-income working families so they
can keep more of their own money to spend or save for their kids' college or their own retirement.
- Push for a repeal of Kate Brown's low-carbon fuel mandate and end her 19 cents a gallon hidden gas tax in order
to put more money in pockets of working (and motoring) Oregonians
- End giveaways and special tax breaks for politically-favored corporations.
Source: 2016 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website BudPierce.com
Dec 9, 2015
Bud Pierce:
Democrats OpEd: He would undo measures on climate change
DGA Executive Director Noam Lee released the following statement on Pierce's campaign announcement: "Bud Pierce is a failed candidate whose shameful comments about women have shown he is unfit to serve in public office.
And when Pierce released his idea for the state's budget, his plans to cut jobs, reverse economic growth, and undo measures meant to reduce the harmful impacts of climate change would have had devastating consequences."
Source: DGA press release for 2022 Oregon Governor race
Dec 1, 2020
Casey Kulla:
Don't allow any new fossil fuel infrastructure investments
The International Energy Agency recommended that countries not invest in any new fossil fuel projects if the global community expects to get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and if we are to meet the pledges of the Paris Agreement. We should pledge
to not permit any new fossil fuel infrastructure, which should include, for now, freeway expansions (until grid electricity is 100% carbon-free). Such infrastructure also includes rail and marine terminals, pipelines, and natural gas power plants.
Climate change affects every community in Oregon, rural and urban. We can take action by lowering our own statewide emissions, mandating clean fuels, clean electricity, and green building codes. It does not have to cost a lot, but it will take all
Oregonians pitching in and all state agencies, from the Department of Transportation to Administrative Services, must make their decisions based upon climate action and climate justice.
Source: 2021 OR Governor campaign website KullaForOregon.com
Aug 30, 2021
Christine Drazan:
Will repeal cap-and-trade climate scheme on my first day
In March of 2020, Governor Brown signed an executive order establishing a cap-and-trade style program in Oregon. This overreach is going to harm critical industries like timber, manufacturing and trucking and result
in price increases across the board for Oregonians. I will repeal Governor Brown's climate scheme on my first day in office.
Source: 2022 Oregon Governor campaign website ChristineForOregon.com
Mar 3, 2022
Jason Beebe:
Include green energy and nuclear in energy policy
Strong and vibrant energy policy that will include green energy. We need to to be striving on all fronts, including the reintroduction of Nuclear Energy to our grids. Invest in new highways, bridges, dams, electric grids, and other infrastructure to
help our companies move the goods and services. We have an abundance of natural resources in America. If used responsibly, it can be a great source of energy as well as jobs for Americans.
Source: 2021 OR Senate campaign website BeebeForOregon.com
Aug 29, 2021
Jason Conger:
Voted NO on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards (Bill Passed House, 40-19); Conger voted Nay. The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must
have daily energy use & water use no greater than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26 & a maximum water consumption factor of 9.5.
- Commercial pre-rinse spray valves must
have a flow rate equal to or less than 1.6 gallons per minute.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
-
Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon Senate & House legislative voting records
May 30, 2013
Jeff Merkley:
Climate change is real, and it's bad for our economy
The carbon pollution in our atmosphere from burning fossil fuels like oil and coal is waging a direct and unchecked assault on our farming, fishing and forests: the cornerstones of Oregon's rural economy.When Jeff was young, his dad worked as a
millwright. He spent his childhood in Southern Oregon timber communities, where timber jobs were what put food on the table and kept roofs over folks' head. Fires and insect infestations are already killing trees at alarming rates across the
Northwest, and climate change will only make these threats to our forests worse. Other iconic Oregon industries like our coastal oyster hatcheries are threatened by ocean acidification, and fishing and farming alike are facing threats from declining
snowpacks and increased drought.
Congress needs to wake up. Climate change is real, and it's bad for our economy and jobs, especially in rural Oregon and the places that most depend on our abundant natural resources.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2014 Oregon Senate incumbents
Oct 24, 2014
Jo Rae Perkins:
Trees need CO2; I prefer a warmer earth
Renewable energy is not an area covered in the Constitution. If a state wants to pay that is fine. Otherwise it should be private investment dollars. Greenhouse gas emissions are buzz words & are open to interpretation. Those gases generally referred to
as contributing to the ''greenhouse'' effect are naturally occurring such as CO2. Trees need the CO2. If they do not have CO2, the plants die. If plants die, we die. Plants give us oxygen in exchange. I prefer a warmer earth and so do most plants.
Source: Vote Smart Oregon Congressional 2018 NPAT
Nov 1, 2018
Jo Rae Perkins:
Already have tools to cleanly burn fossil fuels
She'd oppose any attempt at a massive government program to combat climate change. She said the climate is always changing, but she said she doesn't think it's caused by carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. "It doesn't
mean that you burn it so that you're making the air smoggy again," she added. "We've already got the tools to cleanly burn this stuff."
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting on 2022 Oregon Senate race
Sep 28, 2020
John Kitzhaber:
Making renewable energy in state also keeps dollars in state
An economy of innovation is within our reach--a low carbon economy--one that leads the way in manufacturing and designing products that use less energy; one that rewards efficiency rather than excess. Oregon companies supplying
Oregon companies--where communities capture their local value streams--their energy savings, wind, sun, forest slash--and drive their economies by keeping that value at home instead of those dollars leaking out into the world economy for imported energy.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Oregon Jobs"
Apr 13, 2011
John Kitzhaber:
Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards: The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have daily energy use & water use no greater
than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input
power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
- Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp
ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Legislative Outcome: Passed State Senate 19-9-2 on April 16; Passed House 40-19-1 on May 30; Governor John Kitzhaber signed on June 13, 2013
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB 692
Jun 13, 2013
Julian Bell:
Combat climate change and promote clean energy
Julian Bell, 44, an Ashland doctor who runs the intensive care unit at Providence Medford Medical Center, filed election papers. Bell's website lists combating climate change and promoting clean energy among his top priorities--and he accuses elected
officials who dispute scientists who agree climate change is human caused of recklessness."At the moment there's no contingency plan in case the scientists do know more about the climate than the politicians,"
Bell's website says. "How can our politicians fail to use the best science when making their decisions about our future?
We need a radical change of direction based on ingenuity, investment, science and reality based thinking."
Earlier this month, he told the Eugene Weekly newspaper that Brown was too quiet on environmental action.
Source: The Oregonian on 2016 Oregon gubernatorial race
Oct 15, 2015
Julian Bell:
Decarbonize at state level; hold corporations responsible
Climate Change: We don't have 4 years to waste.Climate change requires strong leadership and personal responsibility.
We must decarbonize at the state level, hold corporations responsible, and home by home. I'm here for all of it.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website DrJulianBell.com
May 23, 2022
Kate Brown:
Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620:- Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least
1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
-
Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.
Status:Passed Senate, 24-6-0; passed House 41-17-2; Signed by the Governor 6/11/2007 (Senator Brown voted YEA).
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620
May 29, 2007
Kate Brown:
Clean fuel bill critical; we are seeing a warming planet
I strongly support SB 324's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is difficult to deny that we are seeing the effects of a warming planet. This year, 85 percent of our state is experiencing drought, with 33 percent experiencing extreme drought.
This directly impacts 1.5 million Oregonians, hitting our rural communities the hardest.Legislative Summary: Repeals sunset on provisions related to low carbon fuel standards. Allows reinstating requirements to comply with low carbon
fuel standards. Extends target date for meeting certain emission goals under phased implementation of low carbon fuel standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules for managing and containing costs of
compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Prohibits fuels that contain biodiesel from being considered alternative fuels unless certain standards are met. Adds certain exemptions to low carbon fuel standards. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Source: Oregon.gov press release on SB324 legislative voting record
Mar 12, 2015
Kate Brown:
Angered environmentalists via compromise transportation bill
Julian Bell told the Eugene Weekly newspaper that Brown was too quiet on environmental action. The environment could be a sensitive topic for Brown. The governor signed a controversial clean fuel standard into law before working to replace the
program in hopes of salvaging a transportation funding package, something that drew the ire of environmental advocates. She has also an occasional target of protesters hoping she'll shut down plans for liquefied natural gas terminals in Oregon.
Source: The Oregonian on 2016 Oregon gubernatorial race
Oct 15, 2015
Kate Brown:
Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources
Oregon's most consequential energy bill in decades--a nationally ambitious plan to wean the state off coal and boost renewable sources--has become law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1547, handing Democrats a coveted political victory that comes
despite lingering concerns the legislation might raise costs for utility customers.The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop paying for out-of-state coal power by 2030.
It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.
"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of stakeholders came to the table around
Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."
Source: The Oregonian on voting record on Senate Bill 1547
Mar 10, 2016
Kate Brown:
Closed our last coal power plant decades ahead of schedule
In 2020, Oregon closed our last coal power plant--decades ahead of schedule. We have created a comprehensive approach to tackling the climate crisis that can serve as a model for others around the globe. We have set targets to reduce our carbon
emissions. We've established one of the most aggressive timelines in the nation for transitioning to 100% clean energy sources. And we have expanded rebates and access for electric vehicles and infrastructure.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Oregon legislature
Feb 3, 2022
Kevin Stine:
Prioritize green energy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?
A: Support.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Oregon Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 1, 2016
Kevin Stine:
End corporate handouts to fossil fuel companies
Q: What should Congress do to deal with climate change?STINE: We must end the corporate handouts to fossil fuel companies. Those companies are as profitable as ever, yet Congress continually gives them billions more each year in subsidies.
Despite overwhelming peer-reviewed evidence, most elected Republican officials in Congress deny the science of climate change.
Luckily, Oregon, with our Democratic legislature and Governor, has been a leader in the country in implementing new legislation to reduce carbon emissions.
This approach needs to be taken national. Investing in green energy is investing in our future.
Source: League of Women Voters Guide to 2016 Oregon Senate race
Sep 9, 2016
Knute Buehler:
May 2017: tax carbon; Oct.2017: oppose clean-energy jobs
In an opinion piece by Buehler over the weekend he voiced his opposition to legislation that would reduce carbon emissions, create good-paying green energy jobs and position Oregon to be an economic engine. Buehler's latest stance contradicts
statements he made earlier this year in support of programs like Clean Energy Jobs. On May 3, 2017 Buehler said: "We should be taxing things that we don't want. I mean we should start taxing things like carbon and move away from taxing people's income."
Source: Democratic Party of Oregon on 2018 Oregon Governor race
Oct 23, 2017
Mark Callahan:
Energy independence: based on the free market
ISSUE STANCES & PLATFORM:- Energy Independence: Based on the Free Market, not "Venture Socialism" or Cronyism.
- The Iran Nuclear Deal: I am fully against the Iran Nuclear Deal!
- Education: Eliminate Common Core; Close the U.S.
Department of Education; Return Education Decisions to the Local Level
- Immigration: Enforce Existing Laws; Secure the Borders; Work on Stopping Illegal Immigration; Say No to Amnesty
- Foreign Policy: Pro-Israel
-
Politicians/Term Limits: I Support Term Limits
- I support legislation for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- Pro-Military: I Support & Sincerely Thank Our Military & Veterans For Their Service
-
Pro-Life: Life Begins at Conception
- Pro-Gun: I Strongly Support and Believe in the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
- Pro-God: I Believe in Religious Freedom
- Pro-Family
Source: 2016 Oregon Senate campaign website, CallahanForOregon.com
Oct 9, 2015
Mark Callahan:
Do nothing about global warming; it's a fraudulent invention
Q: What should Congress do to deal with climate change?CALLAHAN: Nothing, Absolutely Nothing! Climate Change, or what was formerly called Global Warming, is a fraudulent invention by the far left-wing liberal environmentalists, and is an
over-exaggeration of what I, and most rational / common sense thinking people, call Weather. Of course, when the global warming was proven to be false, due to the earth not actually warming, as was fraudulently predicted by the far left-wing liberal
environmentalists, the name had to be changed to Climate Change in order to fit their narrative, to be more nebulous, to continue deceiving people through deceptive marketing, so they could continue with their fraud. Climate Change is about
controlling people's behavior, and not about the environment. It is an effort to guilt people into falling prey to the Green Agenda, and global socialism/communism, as described in the United Nation's Agenda 21 / Agenda 2030.
Source: League of Women Voters Guide to 2016 Oregon Senate race
Sep 9, 2016
Monica Wehby:
Complete the Keystone Pipeline; end EPA overreach
Dr. Wehby believes that we need leaders in Washington who will take a truly balanced approach when it comes to protecting our state's jobs and natural resources. The federal government telling our state we can't use our vast timber resources is like
telling Texans they can't drill for oil. There is a human cost to over-regulation that comes from a federal bureaucracy in Washington D.C. that doesn't seem to care about the impact their policies have on working families. Dr. Wehby supports:-
A top-to-bottom review of federal regulations to target and strip the mindless red tape that's killing jobs.
- An end to the regulatory overreach of agencies like the EPA.
- Tax relief and simplification so our small businesses can focus on growth and
creating jobs, rather than complying with a burdensome tax code.
- Completing the Keystone Pipeline to lower energy costs and create jobs here and across the nation.
Source: 2014 Oregon Senate campaign website, MonicaForOregon.com
Sep 1, 2014
Ron Wyden:
Biomass is a clean energy source & a job machine
In his opening remarks, Huffman wasted no time linking Wyden to Oregon's long-term unemployment problems. "It is no coincidence that during (Wyden's) term, Oregon unemployment is above the national average," Huffman said.The two went on to outline
their plans to foster small businesses in the face of a lousy economy. Huffman said that he believes in a moratorium on new federal regulations on businesses, a payroll tax holiday and an extension of the Bush tax cuts would help small businesses survive
the downturn. "I believe small business is the most important employer in this state," he said.
Wyden pointed to his bipartisan work on a bill to help small businesses finance equipment they need to grow and his support of biomass as a job machine that
would greatly benefit Southern Oregon. Wyden criticized the Obama administration's lumping biomass in with fossil fuels in terms of pollutants. "(Biomass) is a clean energy source for our state," he said.
Source: Mail Tribune coverage of 2010 Oregon Senate debate
Oct 22, 2010
Ron Wyden:
Boost renewable energy and the low-carbon economy
Q: What should Congress do to deal with climate change?WYDEN: Climate change is here, and it's already affecting the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of scientists agree that it is caused by humans, and that
if we don't do something it's going to get strikingly worse. Congress must find ways to take meaningful action on climate change by boosting renewable energy and the low-carbon economy.
I have put forward a proposal to revolutionize the outdated crazy quilt of clean energy tax credits--replacing it with a stronger, smarter way of promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean fuels, and energy storage.
I've also pushed to renew expired tax benefits for clean energy--the tax benefits that are largely responsible for the major investment in carbon-cutting wind and solar energy across Oregon over the past decade.
Source: League of Women Voters Guide to 2016 Oregon Senate race
Sep 9, 2016
Ted Kulongoski:
Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620:- Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least
1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
-
Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.
Status:Passed Senate, 24-6-0; passed House 41-17-2; Signed by the Governor 6/11/2007.
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620
Jun 11, 2007
Tina Kotek:
State on its way to meet renewable energy goal by 2040
Whoever is elected to the governor's office will have a laundry list of immediate crises, from climate change to homelessness to the pandemic. Kotek says the state is on its way to meeting the renewable energy goal by 2040, but
Oregon will need assistance from the federal government to go further. And the next challenge is to get Oregonians in electric vehicles and build an infrastructure that supports the shift from fossil fuels.
Source: Eugene Weekly on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Nov 24, 2021
Tina Kotek:
Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources
Oregon's most consequential energy bill in decades--a nationally ambitious plan to wean the state off coal and boost renewable sources--has become law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1547 [House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES],
handing Democrats a coveted political victory that comes despite lingering concerns the legislation might raise costs for utility customers.The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop
paying for out-of-state coal power by 2030. It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.
"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of
stakeholders came to the table around Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB1547
Mar 10, 2016
Tina Kotek:
Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards: The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have daily energy use & water use no greater
than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input
power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
- Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp
ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Legislative Outcome: Passed State Senate 19-9-2 on April 16; Passed House 40-19-1 on May 30; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Governor John Kitzhaber signed on June 13, 2013
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB 692
May 30, 2013
Tina Kotek:
Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620:-
Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least 1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
-
Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate, 24-6-0 on May 29; passed House 41-17-2 on May 7; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski 6/11/2007.
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620
May 7, 2007
Tina Kotek:
Voted YES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Governor's press release:I strongly support SB 324's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is difficult to deny that we are seeing the effects of a warming planet. This year, 85% of our state is experiencing drought, with 33%
experiencing extreme drought. This directly impacts 1.5 million Oregonians, hitting our rural communities the hardest.Legislative Summary: Repeals sunset on provisions related to low carbon fuel standards. Allows reinstating requirements
to comply with low carbon fuel standards. Extends target date for meeting certain emission goals under phased implementation of low carbon fuel standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules for managing and containing costs of
compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Prohibits fuels that contain biodiesel from being considered alternative fuels unless certain standards are met. Adds certain exemptions to low carbon fuel standards. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Source: Oregon.gov press release on SB324 legislative voting record
Mar 12, 2015
Tobias Read:
Investing in clean energy and green jobs a top priority
As Treasurer, Tobias uses the state's leverage to help place environmental advocates on the boards of major energy companies and move them away from fossil fuels. And under his leadership, the state has dramatically increased its investment in
renewable energy. Tobias supports Oregon's groundbreaking law that would require 100% clean energy by 2040, and would make investing in clean energy sources and green jobs a top priority.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website TobiasRead.com
Dec 14, 2021
Tobias Read:
Supports smart regulations that address climate change
Q: There is some accounting for Oregon's total investments in fossil fuels? Read: Yes there is, there is accounting, but I'm giving a broader trend over the last couple of years. That's a trajectory. It's easier to talk about those in longer terms
than points in time.
Q: And is it fair to say that overall it's gone down because the investments have been seen as less favorable?
Read: Look, when I have my fiduciary hat off, when I am a father, an Oregonian, I am strongly in favor of smart
regulations and policies that address the real impact of climate change. When I have my fiduciary hat on, I have to be concerned about generating returns for beneficiaries, and that's the motivation for the investment decisions we make. But they align
in that respect, that a company that is not prepared for how to be successful in a climate constrained world is not the sort of place we want to be invested in. So, they're aligned, but I have different roles at different times.
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Jul 19, 2021
Tobias Read:
Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources
Oregon's most consequential energy bill in decades--a nationally ambitious plan to wean the state off coal and boost renewable sources--has become law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1547 [State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES],
handing Democrats a coveted political victory that comes despite lingering concerns the legislation might raise costs for utility customers.The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop
paying for out-of-state coal power by 2030. It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.
"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of
stakeholders came to the table around Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB1547
Mar 10, 2016
Tobias Read:
Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards: The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have daily energy use & water use no greater
than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input
power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
- Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp
ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Legislative Outcome: Passed State Senate 19-9-2 on April 16; Passed House 40-19-1 on May 30; State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES; Governor John Kitzhaber signed on June 13, 2013
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB 692
May 30, 2013
Tobias Read:
Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620:-
Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least 1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
-
Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate, 24-6-0 on May 29; passed House 41-17-2 on May 7; State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES; Signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski 6/11/2007.
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620
May 7, 2007
Tobias Read:
Voted YES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Governor's press release:I strongly support SB 324's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is difficult to deny that we are seeing the effects of a warming planet. This year, 85% of our state is experiencing drought, with 33%
experiencing extreme drought. This directly impacts 1.5 million Oregonians, hitting our rural communities the hardest.Legislative Summary: Repeals sunset on provisions related to low carbon fuel standards. Allows reinstating requirements
to comply with low carbon fuel standards. Extends target date for meeting certain emission goals under phased implementation of low carbon fuel standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules for managing and containing costs of
compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Prohibits fuels that contain biodiesel from being considered alternative fuels unless certain standards are met. Adds certain exemptions to low carbon fuel standards. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Source: Oregon.gov press release on SB324 legislative voting record
Mar 12, 2015
Winona LaDuke:
Support alternative energy & industrial hemp
If she's elected vice president, LaDuke says, she would lobby Congress to halt corporate subsidies and give the money to rural and urban communities in need of revitalization. She would encourage public agencies and
private companies to work together to explore alternatives to nuclear energy, such as wind and solar power, and would promote recycling and the growing of industrial hemp.
Source: The Oregonian, "Activist Fire"
Jul 12, 2000
Betsy Johnson:
Support green energy but don't destroy good paying jobs
As Oregon's independent governor, I will lead the climate fight with practical, common-sense solutions: better forest management, green energy, and greater innovation in emission-reducing technologies.
Democrats are right--we need to do more to reduce carbon pollution. But Republicans are right too--we don't need to destroy good paying jobs and rural economies to do it.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com
Oct 6, 2022
Betsy Johnson:
Voted NO on electronic energy efficiency standards
SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards (Passed House, 40-19); Johnson voted Nay.The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:- Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have
daily energy use & water use no greater than state-determined applicable values.
- Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26 & a maximum water consumption factor of 9.5.
- Commercial pre-rinse spray valves must have
a flow rate equal to or less than 1.6 gallons per minute.
- Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
- Illuminated exit signs must have an input power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
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Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp ballast.
- Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting record SB692
May 30, 2013
Betsy Johnson:
Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction
Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620:- Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least
1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
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Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate, 24-6-0; passed House 41-17-2; Signed by the Governor 6/11/2007 (State Sen. Betsy Johnson voted YEA).
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620
May 29, 2007
Lori Chavez-DeRemer:
Immediate need is energy independence; can transition later
[On fossil fuel]: "Over the next decade when we can have a more vibrant energy sector we can transition into others, whether we're talking about electricity, whether we're talking about natural gas,"
Chavez-DeRemer said. "We could fortify those, but right now, immediately, we need to make sure that we have energy independence right here in our own country and (we're) not dependent on other countries."
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on 2022 OR-5 House incumbent
Oct 27, 2022
Tina Kotek:
The relentless march of climate change tests our resolve
As stewards of our air, water, and landscapes, we must rise to the challenge of fighting climate change, both by continuing our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and by taking strong action to enhance the resiliency of our natural resources and
communities. Our most vulnerable communities, our working and natural lands, our wildlife, and our rivers, lakes and streams all face an existential threat, as the relentless march of climate change tests our resolve to protect that which sustains us.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Oregon legislature
Jan 13, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026