b'2021 Presidents Day Issue State ReportOREGON Fuels Association (OFA) ReportOR (RAC) that will be key in contributing toward the develop- Oregon Original Photo Courtesy of O&A NewsHappy New Year ment of the Oregon Climate Protection Program ordered by from Oregon!Governor Brown. OFAs goal is to influence the rules for the Cap and Reduce program to ensure that member compa-We are off and runningwith changes atnies can avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens and com-hand and more to come. The 2020 election setbat stacking of regulations designed to do the same thing the stage for the 2021 Legislative Long Ses-reduce greenhouse gas emissions. OFA members have sion. Oregon has both a long session andbeen leaders in Oregon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions a short each biennium. In odd numberedthrough the Clean Fuels Program. We all want to do our part years, the Legislature meets for approxi- in reducing Climate Pollution, but the burden of regulations Gabriel Zirklemately 6 months, while in even numberedshould be at a Rack level rather than Dealers/Distributors. OFA President years the Legislature meets for five weeks.Legislative Session: The Oregon Legislature is in full swing Little changed in terms of leadership after virtually. Due to COVID 19 concerns, the Oregon Legis-OFA Oregons election. Both the House and Sen- lature is working remotely and only meeting in-person at the ate Democrats retained their supermajorities with the HouseCapitol when necessary to hold constitutionally required floor Republicans picking up one seat. In addition to new Legisla- votes. All in all, this virtual environment has proven challeng-tors, Oregon voters passed all 4 measures we last brought to your attention (Measure: 107, 108, 109, 110) with the largesting for the public, lobbyists, and legislators. impact to members coming from the $2 dollars per packSo far, nearly 2,000 bills have been introduced and we increase tax on Tobacco (measure 108).expect that total could approach 3,000 over the course of Gas Tax and VMT: For many years Oregons Federalsession. Leadership has indicated that wildfire recovery, Delegation has undergone a full court press on raising theCOVID response, and police reform are the top priorities. gas tax from Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore). Sources say heWhile that may be true, the legislature is looking at many will be working along side Pete Buttigieg (Transportationother issues this session, including the following highlights Secretary-designate) to establish a Federal VMT (Vehiclefor OFA members:Miles Traveled) tax that would encompass traditional gas Over 10 Electric Vehicle Bills. These bills are designed toand diesel vehicles as well as the newer EV cars that havepromote and increase the use of EVs in Oregon.gone untaxed thus far while on the roadways. While OFARFS. HB 2185/SB 715 Require diesel fuel offered for disagrees with this type of taxation, Oregon has been known as a leader on VMT following the establishment of one ofsale in Oregon State contain at least five percent biodiesel the nations first VMT pilot programs. during period that begins on October 1st of each year and ends on March 31st of following year. Then at least 20 Schools: Kate Brown (D-Ore Governor) has made com- percent biodiesel during summer period that begins on ments hinting to a reopening of schools on February 15 thApril 1st and ends on September 31st.2021. As more information is gathered on the effects to ourAir Quality. HB 2588 Requires employers to monitor daily young students learning capabilities, we are discovering that classroom closures have a far-reaching negative impactoutdoor air quality and determine whether employees who on learning, domestic violence in the home, sustainableperform outdoor work activities will be at risk of exposure food for regular meals, and other. This has also affected theto unhealthy air quality due to certain concentration levels members of OFA, as parents and even grandparents haveof particulate matter in air.weighed the difficult decisions to stay home with the youthCarbon Free Electricity. HB 2995 Requires 100 percent of or continue working. We are all hopeful to see a return toelectricity sold in 2035 and beyond to be clean electricity.the classroom and thus a return to more regular schedules for the employees at large throughout our mini-serve state. Tax Bills. The legislature will consider making changesClimate Regulation: OFA Lobbyist Mike Freese wasto how the state connects to the Federal tax code with the announced as a member to a Rules Advisory Committeeintent to raise additional revenue. continued on page 48 US President #17 Andrew Johnson Monopolies, perpetuities, and class legislation are contrary to the genius of free government, Our Government springs from and was made for the peoplenot theand ought not to be allowed . Here there is no room for favored classes or monopolies; the people for the Government . To them it owes allegiance; from them it mustprinciple of our Government is that of equal laws and freedom of industry .(56)derive its courage, strength, and wisdom . Wherever monopoly attains a foothold, it is sure to be a source of danger, discord, and trouble . PT: 1865-1869 But while the Government is thus bound to defer to the people, from whomWe shall but fulfill our duties as legislators by according equal and exact justice to all men,it derives its existence, it should, from the very consideration of its origin, bespecial privileges to none .strong in its power of resistance to the establishment of inequalities . Source: Andrew Johnson, First Annual Message, December 4, 186524 www.wpma.com /Spring 2021'