Hearing on Climate Bill

Oregon State Capitol Building.\Photo courtesy of Oregon Conservation Network.

HB 2488, which seeks to address climate change and environmental justice, has an online hearing on Monday, March 8, during a 1 p.m. meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Environment.  The portion of the meeting that focuses on this bill is expected to start at 1:35 p.m.  (All legislative meetings are held online during this session of the legislature, as the Capitol is closed to the public due to Covid.)

The bill requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to make changes to statewide land use planning goals by December 31, 2026, to address climate justice by addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation and environmental justice for disadvantaged communities. It requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to establish an environmental justice advisory committee. It also requires LCDC to adopt interim climate justice standards for local governments to use until new goals are adopted, and established a Climate Justice Planning Goals Fund.

To attend the hearing virtually, go here.

There won’t be a chance to testify during the meeting, but written testimony is being accepted through 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9.  To submit testimony, use this portal.