In 2007, Oregon set a 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal that is almost 30 percent below today's levels (10 percent below 1990 levels). The Oregon Global Warming Commission was appointed by the governor to recommend ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state and help local governments and residents prepare for the effects of climate change. Last fall the OGWC unanimously adopted a roadmap of ideas and is now embarking on a “road trip” to get public input on the proposals.
Two public meetings are scheduled in the Portland metropolitan area:
- Thursday, June 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Multnomah County Building, County Boardroom, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland. This event is sponsored by the City of Portland and Multnomah County.
- Thursday, June 16, 7 to 9 p.m., University of Oregon in Portland, 70 NW Couch St., Portland. This event is sponsored by the Apollo Alliance, Oregon Environmental Council and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.
People are encouraged to take a brief online survey that walks through major questions raised in the road map and provides an opportunity for online comments.
Metro’s role
Metro is working with the state and local partners on a multiyear “scenarios” project to learn what it will take to reduce emissions from cars, small trucks and SUVs as the regional economy grows and more vibrant neighborhoods emerge. The intent is to see how addressing climate change can support the growth of communities and neighborhoods, while meeting state greenhouse gas reduction targets.
In a three-phase process, the region will study scenarios that represent what the region could look like in the future, with different land use and transportation policies in place. The idea is to find the most effective combinations of policies and strategies that will help the region meet Oregon's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.