3/27/19 update: HB 2007 has been scheduled for a work session on April 4, 2019. The bill was scheduled prior to the first chamber deadline so that it may continue to advance this session. While no amendments have been posted yet, we're supporting partners in asking for amendments that will strengthen the bill. Read our post from earlier this month for more details:
The Oregon House Committee on Energy and Environment held a public hearing yesterday for HB 2007, a bill that would phase out old diesel trucks over 10 years and allocate VW Settlement funds towards replacing or retrofitting older engines. In 2017 we supported the Legislature’s decision to use some of these VW funds to replace old diesel school buses. We believe that HB 2007 takes a necessary next step further in prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable communities. But we also believe that we can do better.
Our Pacific Northwest regional policy team submitted testimony on behalf of the Safe Routes Partnership in support of the bill, accompanied by strengthening amendments as suggested by the Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA), which is “a network of base-building, frontline-led organizations who came together to envision and advocate for a just transition to a regenerative economy, centering the voices of the communities who are most impacted by environmental racism, economic exploitation, and climate change.” OJTA has made several recommended changes that would strengthen HB 2007, including advancing the deadline to meet 2010 emissions standards in 4 years instead of 10, and closing the “Glider Truck” loophole. We are proud to be an endorsing organization of OJTA’s recommended amendments to HB 2007 – read more about their recommended amendments here.
Due to the large turnout at yesterday’s meeting, the House Energy and Environment Committee will resume the public hearing tomorrow March 21 at 1 PM. We look forward to the Committee’s continued consideration of testimony and recommended changes to HB 2007.
Related links:
- Read our written testimony in support of HB 2007 accompanied by strengthening amendments
- Read more about the Oregon Just Transition Alliance and their recommended changes to HB 2007
