Salem—In a
bipartisan vote of 41 to 18, the Oregon House approved SB 838, the Renewable
Energy Standard, after much debate and heavy lobbying by industries opposing
the bill. Rep. Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland) led the debate on the floor. Joining her in speaking forcefully for the
bill were Reps. Ben Cannon (D-Portland), Greg Smith (R-Heppner), and Greg
Macpherson (D-Lake Oswego). The bill will head quickly to the Senate, for a
final vote on agreeing to changes made in the House, and then to the Governor’s
desk.
“This is a historic vote that moves Oregon
toward solutions to our energy problems, protections for our environment, and a
boost for rural economies,” said Environment Oregon’s Jeremiah Baumann.
