Oregon's House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical climate legislation, including House Bill 3477, which seeks to declare climate change an emergency and set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. Proponents of the bill, including Representative Mark Gamba, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, urging the committee to pass the bill to align Oregon with other states and countries committed to net-zero emissions.

However, the bill faced significant opposition from various stakeholders, including industry representatives and labor unions. Brock Nation, representing Oregon Realtors, expressed concerns that the bill could hinder housing production due to its interconnections with existing climate regulations. He highlighted that many cities might struggle to meet vehicle miles traveled reduction targets, which could complicate urban growth boundary expansions.

Joshua Estes from the Association of Western Pulp and Paperworkers Union echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill's timing is premature given the challenges facing energy-intensive industries. He warned that without a clear pathway for compliance, the legislation could lead to job losses and economic instability in communities reliant on these industries.

Other opponents, including representatives from the Oregon Forest Industries Council and Oregon Business and Industry, raised similar concerns about the bill's feasibility and potential negative impacts on the state's economy. They argued that Oregon's current carbon intensity is already low and that more ambitious targets could deter business investment and create regulatory uncertainty.

In contrast, supporters like Zachary Price from Pac Clean urged the committee to adopt the bill, emphasizing the economic opportunities associated with greenhouse gas removal technologies. He called for separate targets for emissions reductions and removals, highlighting Oregon's potential to lead in carbon sequestration initiatives.

As the committee deliberates, the discussions reflect a broader tension between the urgency of climate action and the economic realities faced by various sectors in Oregon. The outcome of this legislation could significantly shape the state's approach to climate policy and its economic landscape in the years to come.