Elliott State Forest sale moves forward, DEQ looks favorably on cap and trade and Daimler headquarters receives LEED certification.
Elliott Forest sale takes step forward despite Gov. Brown’s opposition
The State Land Use Board — made up of State Treasurer Tobias Read, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson and Gov. Kate Brown — reviewed Brown’s proposal to cancel the sale of 82,500 acres in Elliott State Forest yesterday. Brown had suggested state or tribal ownership, as well as a focus on sustainable timber harvest and a $100 million bond to develop a habitat area. She was outvoted, OPB reports. Despite the 2-1 vote in favor of selling the land, Brown directed staff to pursue another option for the forest lands to be presented at the next meeting.
DEQ finds cap and trade won’t negatively impact Oregon’s economy
A cap and trade program would implement new emissions goals for the state and require companies or plants emitting more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually to purchase allowances to cover additional emissions. As OB Editor Linda Baker reported last month, advocates hope to implement a carbon pricing program to support other elements of the state’s clean energy framework. The DEQ report found cap and trade offers a flexible mechanism to assure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with minimal impact to Oregon’s economic output, the Portland Business Journal reports.
Daimler HQ receives platinum LEED certification
The LEED ranking from the U.S. Green Building Council is something 1% of office buildings nationwide obtain. Daimler’s new Portland headquarters received a 99 out of 100 Energy Star score, according to Today’s Trucking. The building features LED lighting, onsite renewable energy, a living green wall to absorb carbon dioxide, as well as electric car charging stations and a fleet of electric Smart cars for employee use.
Lawmaker proposes bill to restrict sale of bongs, pipes to dispensaries
Head shops were plentiful before marijuana was legalized. The shops sold smoking accessories without selling the drug. Rep. Jodi Hack, R-Salem, wants to change that after a constituent told her his underage son was smoking marijuana, the Statesman Journal reports. The proposed bill would restrict the sale of marijuana paraphernalia to dispensaries, physicians, grow and processing sites. An industry economist says the bill is too vague and “dead on arrival.”
Oregon Promise program in conflict
The free community college program has caused a strife between Oregon’s community colleges and public schools, Willamette Week reports. Enrollment in public colleges and universities is down as more students opt for free community college. The downward trend comes at a time when lawmakers are considering the education budget and a $1.8 billion statewide deficit.
Business groups merge
Oregon business associations continue a consolidation trend. Main Street Alliance of Oregon and Voice for Oregon Innovation and Sustainability announced the merger Tuesday, the Portland Business Journal reports. Oregon Business Association and Associated Oregon Industries announced their intent to combine resources late last year.
Magazine teaser: OB goes on the road with the Chevy Bolt
Writer April Streeter is test driving the new Bolt from Portland to the Coast.
