Today marked the first official day of what promises to be an historic 2015 Legislative Session.
In the first day, we have already seen the introduction of another 150 bills (adding to the nearly 1,400 that were pre-session filed) and major priority bills are already receiving hearings.
For example Senate Bill 324, which would allow for the full implementation of Oregon’s Low Carbon Fuel standard, received its initial public hearing in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee this afternoon.
The original low carbon fuel standard bill passed in the 2009 Legislative Session with a 2015 sunset clause in place. Since then, DEQ has been working to develop rules that would fully implement the program. The program can only be implemented if the sunset clause is removed– SB 324 would do just that so proponents of the bill are pushing hard for its passage early in the session.
Along with the low carbon fuel standard, AGC is already heavily engaged on multiple fronts and with a broad base of coalitions to protect and advocate for Oregon’s construction industry. Hot topics this session are sure to include transportation funding, investments in career and technical education, paid sick leave and other employment issues, apprenticeship, and more!
Later this week, hearings featuring various state agencies, including the Oregon Department of Transportation, will be held and will provide further insight into how this legislative session will unfold.
The AGC blog will be a primary source of legislative news during the session, so check back here for updates!
If you would like additional information on AGC’s legislative priorities and core policy positions, please contact Public and Strategic Affairs Director John Rakowitz at 503-317-1781.