Bill > SB409

This bill amends Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 468A.205 to modify the state's approach to calculating greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals by explicitly including atmospheric carbon sequestered by the state's lands and waters in progress calculations. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision declaring that carbon stored in Oregon's diverse ecosystems—including forests, desert lands, and territorial sea—should be considered when measuring the state's progress toward its existing greenhouse gas reduction targets. The original law already established ambitious emissions reduction goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas levels to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. By incorporating carbon sequestration into the calculation methodology, the bill acknowledges the important role that natural landscapes play in capturing and storing carbon, potentially providing a more comprehensive view of the state's climate mitigation efforts. The bill maintains the existing language about preparing for global warming's effects and clarifies that it does not create additional regulatory authority for state agencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB409