The state of Oregon is looking at joining California and passing cap and trade legislation.  House Bill 2020 has become a very polarizing piece of legislation in Salem, especially in the Ag community.  The Oregon Farm Bureau said the current Cap and Trade proposal would have a dramatic, negative impact on farmers statewide.  OFB’s Jenny Dresler says family farmers can anticipate fuel costs between $1,000-$5,000 more per year, and perhaps even higher, depending on what their bulk fuel purchase look like.

 

“And that’s significant, because it takes energy to produce food, it takes energy to produce fiber, and in terms of electricity consumption and natural gas consumption when you’re looking at primary processing and then fuel use, agriculture is going to bear a disproportionate burden under a cap and trade program.”

 

Dresler said there are few exemptions in HB 2020 for farmers.  And she added the Ag community has tried to speak with supporters of cap and trade, in hopes of finding middle ground to make the proposal more attractive to farmers, but those ideas have fallen on deaf ears.  Dresler noted they’ve proposed ways to make the program more accessible, easier to administer,

 

“And frankly some things that farmers might want participate in, because there would be a benefit.  And at this point, looking at the requirements in the bill, I just don’t see a lot of opportunities for participation in an offset or incentive program.”

 

Farmers are encouraged to provide their thoughts on Cap and Trade at listening sessions scheduled for The Dalles and Bend:

  • The Dalles: Friday, March 1 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium, Community Room (12-3 pm)
  • Bend: Saturday, March 2 at Central Oregon Community College, Cascade Hall, Room 246-248 (9 am-12 pm)

 

If you can’t make to the listening session, contact your local legislators, or you can e-mail the Committee by March 2nd at jccr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

 

 

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network