Bill Targets Transportation Greenhouse Gas

Stefanie Knowlton
Statesman Journal
February 25, 2010

A bill to cut greenhouse gas emissions in transportation will head to the governor's office after passing out of the House 32 to 26 Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1059 would require the Oregon Department of Transportation to develop a statewide strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light vehicles and to work with other state agencies, transportation districts and cities to create a practical guide to reduce emissions through land-use and transportation planning.

The steps could eventually help communities shape growth to reduce car trips and encourage use of transit, walking and biking alternatives. Cars account for about 20 percent of the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

"This bill is a great first step toward addressing transportation greenhouse gases while at the same time developing healthier more sustainable communities," said Eric Stachon of 1000 Friends of Oregon.

SB 1059 is based on recommendations from a task force that included members from a wide range of sectors from Oregon Home Builders Association and AAA to Oregon's six metropolitan transportation-planning organizations, including Salem-Keizer.

Several senators and representatives — concerned about future costs — testified against the bill this week. The bill doesn't require cities to implement land-use and transportation scenarios, but that could be part of follow-up legislation. Oregon Department of Transportation will report back to the Legislature in 2011 with possible funding sources.

"Cities are already buried in costly land-use planning activities that they can ill afford," said Rep. Terry Beyer, D-Springfield.

Rep. Ben Cannon, D-Portland, said the bill will not create an unfunded mandate for cities, but it does put Oregon in a position take advantage of federal money targeted at alternative transportation.

"One of the best reasons to do this is to take advantage of federal dollars."