News Release from the Governor's office:

Governor Kitzhaber Applauds Obama Administration Proposal to Cut Carbon Pollution

(Tillamook, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber today applauded the Obama administration’s new proposal to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants, calling it a welcome sign that the federal government is stepping up in the fight against climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will administer the new rule under Section 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act.
 
"President Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy are to be congratulated for accelerating a national response to the costs and risks of climate change," said Governor Kitzhaber. "Oregon is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, from ocean acidification and dead zones offshore to rampant wildfires last summer that cost more than $120 million. This bold step will protect the health of citizens across the country while supporting the growing energy efficiency and renewable energy economy on the West Coast."
 
The Governor praised the proposal’s emphasis on giving states flexibility to build on programs and partnerships that are already protecting public health, saving consumers money, and spurring innovation in cleaner, safer energy. "I am particularly pleased to see the Administration recognize the important role of regional partnerships, such as the Pacific Coast Collaborative, in meeting the objectives of this new effort to curb carbon pollution," he said. Last year, Oregon joined with Washington, California, and British Columbia to sign the Pacific Coast Collaborative Plan on Climate and Energy, which aligns regional carbon reduction policies while supporting the growth of clean energy. 

The Obama Administration announcement comes just over a week after EPA Administrator McCarthy met with Governor Kitzhaber and other elected officials at a roundtable in Portland. At the meeting, the Governor discussed state and local efforts to develop strategies to conserve energy, improve appliance standards, and promote renewable energy. In the last year, Oregon has passed legislation supporting the state’s 10-Year Energy Action Plan and moved to fully implement the Clean Fuels Program, which reduces the carbon content of transportation fuels. 
 
 
Related Link:
Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy