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Oregon Sustainable Transportation Initiative (OSTI)

Target Rulemaking for Metropolitan Areas
LCDC Target Rulemaking Description


GHG Reduction Targets for Metropolitan Areas Set
 
OSTI reached a major milestone in May 2011.  Oregon’s six metropolitan areas now have targets to aim for in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from light vehicle[1] transportation.  The Target Rules, adopted May 19, 2011 by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) work together with scenario planning to guide metropolitan areas as they endeavor to meet the state’s GHG reduction goal.  
 
Background
 
Targets and scenario planning are the result of two bills, HB 2001[2] and SB 1059, which were adopted by the 2009 and 2010 legislatures.   The legislature directed LCDC to assess what reduction in emissions from light vehicle travel would be needed for the state to be on track to meet its long term goal.  Among the factors LCDC had to consider, were how changes to vehicle technology, fuels, and the vehicle fleet might contribute to achieving a reduction in GHG emissions.   Three other state agencies were directed to participate in developing the targets; Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE).
 
In June 2010, LCDC appointed the Target Rulemaking Advisory Committee (TRAC) to help set targets and develop the required administrative rule.  The TRAC included elected officials from each of the metropolitan areas, as well as representatives from key state agencies and other stakeholder groups.  The TRAC met seven times to review statute, consider technical information from agencies and recommend targets to LCDC.  Based on consideration of these factors, the TRAC recommended that GHG reduction targets for the state’s metropolitan areas be set at a range of 17% to 21% per capita and to be measured from 2005 emission levels. 
 
The rule recognizes that the GHG reduction targets are part of an evolving process.   State and local governments will need to work together to determine the most effective ways to meet the 2050 GHG reduction goal.  The reduction targets reflect the best available information today and will be a guide for scenario planning, the results of which will inform both state efforts and reconsideration of the Target Rule by LCDC in 2015.  
 
Metropolitan Area Per Capita Reduction Targets by 2035 (over 2005 levels)
  • Portland metropolitan area 20%
  • Bend metropolitan planning area18%
  • Corvallis metropolitan planning area 21%
  • Eugene-Springfield metropolitan planning area 20%
  • Rogue Valley metropolitan planning area19%
  • Salem-Keizer metropolitan planning area 17%
 
For information on Scenario Planning for GHG reduction, follow this link:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/OSTI/Scenarios.shtml
 
[1] Light vehicles are motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less and include automobiles, motorcycles, pickup trucks, SUVs and vans, and excludes large commercial trucks.
 
[2] HB 2001 requires that Portland Metro area undertake scenario planning to meet targets adopted by LCDC. HB 2001 requires the Central Lane MPO – which includes Eugene and Springfield - to conduct scenario planning, but does not require it to meet LCDC targets. Neither SB 1059 nor HB 2001 requires other metropolitan areas to conduct scenario planning or meet LCDC targets.


Portland Metropolitan Area Scenario Planning Rulemaking
Through House Bill 2001, the Land Conservation and Development Commission is required to adopt rules by January 1, 2013. The proposed rulemaking is part of a broader effort by the state, in partnership with metropolitan areas, to evaluate changes to land use and transportation plans and policies to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light vehicle travel and to support meeting statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 75 percent below year 1990 levels by the year 2050. This is a follow up effort to the Target rule adopted in May 2011.
http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/Rulemaking_MSP_2012.shtml
 

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