Senate Bill 324, also known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, passed in a partisan vote this week in the Oregon Senate. The bill passed following over three hours of debate on the Senate floor.
“The Democrat supermajority in the Senate failed Oregonians again today,” said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). “Now more than ever we need leaders who will put all Oregonians first and not pander to a Portland-centric agenda. This hidden gas tax will hurt all Oregonians and should not move forward.”
According to Oregon Senate Republicans studies show the Low Carbon Fuels Mandate could raise gas prices between $0.06 and $1.00 per gallon. Controversy has surrounded SB 324 since revelations about potential corruption in the Governor’s office emerged earlier this month relating to pursuit of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
“The ‘ethical fog’ surrounding the Low Carbon Fuels Mandate clearly taints the discussion on SB 324,” said Senator Chuck Thomsen (R-Hood River). “There are too many unanswered questions about how this program will impact gas prices, hurting Oregon small businesses and working families.
While proponents of the hidden gas tax claim it will incentivize a new renewable energy industry in Oregon, studies show Oregon could suffer from the loss of 29,000 jobs while out-of-state special interests reap the benefit of the program.
“SB 324 is ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul,’ taking money from the poor to subsidize out-of-state special interests investing in biofuels,” explained Senator Alan Olsen (R-Hood River). “This program could cost Oregonians as much as $285 million per year in increased fuel costs with a negligible impact on carbon emissions while failing to prioritize Oregon’s transportation needs.”
