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Climate Protection Program

On Match 13, 2025, DEQ will propose a temporary rule amendment to the recently adopted Climate Protection Program. The temporary rule amendment to OAR-340-273-0400 is needed to implement the correct and intended methodology for generating additional 2025 compliance instruments. This temporary rule does not introduce any policy changes.


The Climate Protection Program is critical to meeting Oregon's greenhouse gas reduction goals. The CPP establishes a declining cap, or limit, on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels used throughout Oregon, including diesel, gasoline, and natural gas. The program is designed to reduce these emissions 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.

In addition to significantly reducing climate pollution, the CPP:  
  • Supports reductions in other types of air pollution.  
  • Enhances public welfare, particularly for environmental justice communities, including communities of color, tribal, low-income, and rural communities.
  • Provides regulated companies with compliance flexibility options to manage their costs. 
  • Supports a strong statewide economy. 
  • Prioritizes equity by promoting benefits and reducing burdens for environmental justice communities most impacted by pollution and with less access to cleaner energy alternatives.

Program overview

Each year, DEQ distributes a set number of free compliance instruments to regulated companies. The total number of compliance instruments distributed by DEQ each year is equal to that year's emissions cap. The program gives regulated companies the option to bank compliance instruments if they emit less than the number of compliance instruments they receive, trade compliance instruments with other regulated companies, or earn additional credits by contributing funds to DEQ-approved entities through the Community Climate Investments program. For every ton of greenhouse gas emissions a company is responsible for, it must submit a compliance instrument or a Community Climate Investment credit to DEQ.  The first compliance period starts Jan. 1, 2025, and covers emissions through the end of 2027.

See our Overview Fact Sheet to learn more about the CPP.

Contact

Nicole Singh
Climate Protection Program Manager
Climate Protection Program