PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - Jan 8, 2015) - Oregonians for Sound Fuel Policy released the following statement after Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission advanced the Low Carbon Fuel Standard on Wednesday:
"It is unfortunate the Department of Environmental Quality chose to move forward with this ill-conceived policy, particularly in light of the chair's concerns that the program is going to result in job losses, and resulting increases in fuel costs will be borne most by those least able to afford them.
"If the Legislature chooses to take up this issue, we hope lawmakers will seriously consider the implications and the fact that a majority of Oregonians are staunchly opposed to this program, as it offers few if any environmental benefits and will likely result in a hidden tax on fuel.
"Just this week, poll results were released showing Oregonians overwhelmingly oppose the LCFS if it would raise the cost of fuel. Conducted by DHM Research, the poll asked Oregonians if they would support or oppose implementation of the LCFS if they knew the cost of gasoline would increase between 6 and 19 cents per gallon -- numbers taken directly from Oregon DEQ projections. The poll found that Oregonians overwhelmingly oppose implementation of the LCFS by 56 percent, with only 38 percent of Oregonians supporting the increase. The number of those who strongly oppose the LCFS is almost double the number who strongly support the program -- 41 percent to 24 percent.
"We all want cleaner air and a healthy environment, but a Low Carbon Fuel Standard is not the best way to achieve those goals."
About Oregonians for Sound Fuel Policy:
Oregonians for Sound Fuel Policy is a coalition of fuel users, consumers and business organizations opposed to the adoption of the proposed Clean Fuels Program in Oregon, also known as a Low Carbon Fuel Standard. For more information, visit http://www.oregonfuelpolicy.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Kara Hansen
503-274-8886