Fossil fuels continue to dominate the energy sectors in the United States, and without policies designed to transition away from fossil fuels, they will remain dominant for decades to come. GEI is working to hasten this transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources.
Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels…
National, state, and local governments are increasingly recognizing the long-term and potentially devastating consequences of climate change. The federal government’s Clean Power Plan aims to reduce power-sector greenhouse gas emissions on a national scale, and many states have adopted laws and policies that address climate change-inducing greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the levels of emissions reductions necessary to stave off catastrophic climate change, states need to adopt comprehensive climate policy frameworks that address greenhouse emissions from all economic sectors.
GEI’s policy report evaluates Oregon’s progress towards reaching its to greenhouse gas reduction goals and recommends that the state adopt a comprehensive climate policy framework establishing mandatory emissions targets for all economic sectors.
As states transition away from fossil fuels, they should promote investment and development of renewable energy resources. Renewables such as wind and solar power can provide clean, low-cost electricity with no associated greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy development also creates high-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, and provides numerous economic benefits for states.
GEI is evaluating the current status of Oregon’s clean energy industry, analyzing the state policies and politics that led to its existing position, and identifying opportunities for future growth and policy advancement in the state.
