Oregon legislators release Clean Energy Jobs bill

Mara Gross

January 9, 2018

Yesterday, Oregon state officials released the language for the Clean Energy Jobs bill, LCs 44 and 176, which puts a limit and price on climate pollution and reinvests the proceeds into our communities.

Meredith Connolly, Oregon Director, Climate Solutions: “The 2018 legislative session is an historic opportunity to establish Oregon’s legacy as a clean energy leader. The Clean Energy Jobs bill limits our rising climate pollution and accelerates Oregon’s transition to 100% clean energy. It was developed with extensive input, and is tailored to strengthen Oregon’s economy and protect rural and urban communities across Oregon. After the string of climate emergencies that hit our state last year, Oregon can’t afford to wait another year to tackle the climate crisis.”

David Van’t Hof, Senior Policy Advisor for Sustainability to former Governor Kulongoski (2003-2009): “Putting a price on climate pollution has been in development in Oregon for well over a decade. Beginning in 2007, Oregon developed the framework for a climate pollution program in partnership with several states and Canadian provinces. Many of the partners that have moved forward with carbon pricing programs are proving that pricing pollution supports a strong economy. It is well past time for Oregon to join them. Passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill this year is necessary for getting a program ready to start in 2021.”

Author Bio

Mara Gross

Former Oregon Communications Manager, Climate Solutions

Mara is an attorney and policy advocate with wide ranging experience on social and environmental policies, and a former Oregon Communications Manager with Climate Solutons. As a member of the communications team, she worked on messaging and media outreach to build momentum for ambitious climate leadership in Oregon.

For eight years prior to joining Climate Solutions, Mara was the Policy Director and then Executive Director at the Coalition for a Livable Future, a nonprofit focused on equitable planning in the Portland metro region. She previously served as the legislative aide to then-Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (now governor of Oregon). Mara also worked on several electoral campaigns in Oregon and California, provided legal aid on employment and housing issues, and practiced law in the private sector. She has a J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and a B.A. in philosophy from Wellesley College.

Outside of work, Mara travels around town mostly by bike and explores Oregon’s beauty and Portland’s amazing neighborhoods with her partner and young daughter, who wants everyone to stop driving "smoke cars."