Springfield Chamber submits testimony on Cap & Trade

by Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce submitted a neutral testimony to the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction’s hearing at Springfield City Hall on Friday, February 22nd. After careful consideration of the bill, and analysis by a study group including executive board and Government Issues Committee members, the Chamber came to the conclusion that a statement advocating for a voice for business in the fine-tuning of the bill was needed. The testimony can be read in full below.

“Welcome to Springfield, and thank you for taking the time to hear from your constituents. I’m speaking today from a position of neutrality in regards to the proposed Cap and Trade legislation, HB 2020.

The Springfield Chamber is comprised of over 750 employers located across Lane County, primarily in the Springfield, Eugene, and immediate surrounding communities – the majority of which are small to medium size businesses anchored and invested in our communities. They provide living wage jobs fundamental to our economy, and a tax base that sustains our schools, public services, and quality of life amenities. They are primarily locally owned and operated businesses, many whom you have heard from, and who – along with their employees, average wage earners, and members of our community – will carry the costs to implement Cap and Trade policy.

The economic health and vitality of our community is inextricably tied to that of our business community. And we are empathetic to local small and medium sized employers who have questions and concerns about the need, timing, and the costs of HB 2020.

We as a state are a leader in renewable energy and have the 6th lowest per capita emissions in the country. Significant new laws passed in recent years, already in place and designed to reduce greenhouse gases are just beginning to make an impact. We applaud policy-makers for action toward those gains, and recognize business and industry compliance and investments that have contributed to that progress. And, we seek a voice to those who will bear the costs and challenges brought forward by HB 2020.

• We ask that the Committee listen intently to concerns of all Oregonians as you host hearings across the State;
• That you provide consensus-building leadership, and work with your constituents on outcomes that indeed balance environmental protection with economic stability and opportunity in communities like ours;
• We ask for transparency and opportunity for input and engagement from business and industry throughout the legislative amendment process;
• We ask that you invite representatives of our communities – citizens, business, industry, and local elected officials – to the table during any future rule-making and implementation should an Oregon Cap and Trade policy ensue.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on this important issue of interest and impact on our community.”