Green Business Practices Required by Oregon Regulations

Our clients have been asking whether laws have been adopted that require "green" or "sustainable" practices. The City of Portland, Oregon and Metro, the Portland regional government, recently adopted laws requiring businesses to separate and recycle plastic, glass and aluminum containers, paper and cardboard. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski just released his 2009 "Climate Change" legislative package which includes initiatives on greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transportation. The greenhouse gas reduction is to be implemented through a cap and trade market system and adoption of greenhouse gas performance standards. Energy efficiency is driven by a zero emission building standard, required energy efficiency certificates for all buildings and government financing incentives. The renewable energy program includes continued funding for Oregon's successful Business Energy Tax Credit. If passed, the legislation will have a seminal and lasting impact on how businesses operate in a new climate sensitive world.

For a copy of Michelle Neumann's article on Metro's mandatory recycling program see: http://www.jordanschrader.com/articles/article0320.html