Current:Home > MyOregon appeals court finds the rules for the state’s climate program are invalid -AssetBase
Oregon appeals court finds the rules for the state’s climate program are invalid
View
Date:2025-04-25 21:29:38
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A state appeals court in Oregon decided late Wednesday that the rules for a program designed to limit and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel companies are invalid. The program, started in 2022, is one of the strongest climate programs in the nation.
State environmental officials said the court’s decision hinges on an administrative error and doesn’t touch on whether the state Department of Environmental Quality has the authority to implement the program. The Climate Protection Program targets a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels and natural gas by 2050.
Wednesday’s decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals comes in a case brought by fossil fuel companies that alleged the state Environmental Quality Commission erred in its rulemaking for the program. The commission acts as the Department of Environmental Quality’s policy and rulemaking board.
The court in its decision said it concluded the rules for the program were invalid.
The department said the decision was limited to an administrative error and not effective immediately, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.
“The court did not make a decision about whether the Environmental Quality Commission has authority to adopt the Climate Protection Program,” Lauren Wirtis, a department spokesperson, said in a statement.
The department is confident it has the authority to adopt and enforce the program and is evaluating next steps with the state Department of Justice, Wirtis said.
NW Natural, one of the litigants, said it was pleased with the court’s decision and that it is committed to moving toward a low-carbon energy future.
A group of environmental, climate and social justice groups agreed with the state position that the decision focused on a procedural technicality and did not undermine the Department of Environmental Quality’s authority to set greenhouse gas emissions limits on the oil and gas industry.
veryGood! (52)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Last time Oilers were in Stanley Cup Final? What to know about Canada's NHL title drought
- Possibility of ranked-choice voting in Colorado faces a hurdle with new law
- Boeing’s astronaut capsule arrives at the space station after thruster trouble
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Have you started investing? There's no time like the present.
- Ghost Army survivor reflects on WWII deception operation: We were good
- Carly Pearce explains why she's 'unapologetically honest' on new album 'Hummingbird'
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Connecticut’s Democratic governor creates working group to develop ranked-choice voting legislation
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Lucy Hale Has a Pitch for a Housewives-Style Reunion With Pretty Little Liars Cast
- MLB Misery Index: White Sox manager Pedro Grifol on the hot seat for MLB's worst team
- Kansas City Chiefs' BJ Thompson Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Team Meeting
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Proof Lindsay Hubbard and Carl Radke's Relationship Was More Toxic Than Summer House Fans Thought
- Last time Oilers were in Stanley Cup Final? What to know about Canada's NHL title drought
- MLB Misery Index: White Sox manager Pedro Grifol on the hot seat for MLB's worst team
Recommendation
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Unchecked growth around Big Bend sparks debate over water — a prelude for Texas
Maintenance and pilot failure are cited in report on fatal 2022 New Hampshire plane crash
‘Wheel of Fortune’: Vanna White bids an emotional goodbye to Pat Sajak
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Michigan man from viral court hearing 'never had a license,' judge says. A timeline of the case
World War II veteran, 102, dies in Germany while traveling to France for D-Day ceremonies
In aftermath of hit on Caitlin Clark, ill-informed WNBA fans creating real danger to players