NFIB members urged to act now. Comment period on draft rules ends October 25
NFIB members have already helped stop Oregon’s harmful “Cap and Trade” legislation in 2019 and 2020. But now, the state’s environmental agencies are seriously considering adopting a similarly harmful policy by rule — based solely on an executive order issued by Gov. Kate Brown, without authorization from the State Legislature.
Over the last several months, state agencies have developed proposed rules, but have failed to accurately determine the cost of compliance for Oregonians, specifically our small businesses. They have only considered impacts on businesses that would be directly regulated under the program, not the tens of thousands of small businesses that would see significant cost increases in the supply chain, exacerbating price increases and inflation that are already causing economic disruption regionally and nationally.
Under the proposed “Climate Protection Program”:
- Oregonians can expect to pay more for gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas, essential fuels used for travel, operating heavy equipment, and heating homes and businesses.
- Prices for everyday goods and services will continue to increase, adding to the growing problem of runaway inflation in the economy.
- Key Oregon industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, would be less competitive in regional and global markets.
- Oregonians will see almost nothing in the way of meaningful climate benefits.
The draft rules are available for review and public comment until October 25, 2021.
If adopted in December, as the current timeline suggests, the rule would become operative in January 2022. The proposed rules would regulate fuel suppliers, requiring them to reduce emissions or buy “compliance instruments” to meet the state’s emission goals. The rules also allow for alternative compliance by the purchase of “community climate investment credits”, which would fund environmental and community climate groups.
Click here to customize your comments, explaining how higher fuel costs will affect your business, and urge state agencies to reject the proposed rules. NOTE: All comments and contact information are a matter of public record.
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