A recent ruling by an Oregon state appeals court deemed the regulations for a program aimed at curbing and significantly decreasing carbon emissions from companies that use fossil fuels to be unenforceable. The program, which was set to launch in 2022, is considered to be one of the most stringent climate initiatives in the country.

The state’s environmental officials stated that the court’s ruling is based on an administrative mistake and does not address the issue of whether the state’s Department of Environmental Quality has the power to enforce the program. The Climate Protection Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels and natural gas by 90% by 2050.

The Oregon Court of Appeals released a ruling on Wednesday regarding a lawsuit filed by fossil fuel companies. They claimed that the state’s Environmental Quality Commission made mistakes in creating rules for the program. This commission serves as the Department of Environmental Quality’s board for setting policies and making rules.

The court’s ruling stated that the regulations for the program were deemed invalid.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, the department stated that the decision was due to an administrative mistake and will not take effect immediately.

According to a statement from department spokesperson Lauren Wirtis, the court did not reach a verdict on whether the Environmental Quality Commission has the power to implement the Climate Protection Program.

Wirtis stated that the department is certain it possesses the power to implement and uphold the program, and is currently assessing their next course of action with the state’s Department of Justice.

NW Natural, one of the parties involved in the lawsuit, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling and reiterated its dedication to transitioning to a more environmentally friendly energy future.

Several organizations advocating for the environment, climate, and social justice have reached an agreement with the state’s stance that the ruling was based on a procedural technicality and did not weaken the Department of Environmental Quality’s power to establish limitations on greenhouse gas emissions for the oil and gas sector.

Source: wral.com