VOTE:NO
Signed into Law by Gov Brown on 07-19-21
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB3141
This bill will increase energy rates (gas & electric) for service districts that are controlled by Oregon Community Power thru a new 1.5 to 3% tax and natural gas “tariffs”. Requires that utility companies appoint board members that support stringent conservation policies and allocate funds to support these policies. Requires new self-reporting processes of the utility to ensure compliance
Personal Choice and Responsibility
Will raise rates for most of those in a controlled district that do not join the alternatively generated power market. Will force consumers to conservation measures that suit the ideals of those that make the environment a priority over living standards and economic feasibility.
Fiscal Responsibility
Pricing schedules will favor those that prefer alternatively generated power. Will spend some utility revenues and tax dollars to reduce costs to low-income customers. Utilities will have to create positions to compile regular compliance reports and incur further costs for external audits and develop plans to ensure future progress of energy conservation and green generation.
Limited Government
Expands government reach through a “public corporation” (OCP) into the electric utility market. Creates metrics for assessing, addressing and creating accountability for environmental justice in expenditure of funds collected and direction of energy use.
Local Control
Will drive up the cost of public (school) building construction to incorporate extreme levels of energy conservation. Declared an emergency to avoid being over turned by the electorate.
Free Markets
Manipulates the market from the consumer side to encourage “sustainable” power generation. Will lower rates for low income customers to make costs proportionally equal. This is the expansion of a system of control that has been in place for some time already.
Increases in utility costs are the last thing struggling Oregonians need during the ongoing, government imposed economic disaster due to arbitrary business closures and occupancy reduction mandates. It’s time for the elites to put away their green fantasy and do something about the harsh reality their policies have created!