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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Oregon Lawmakers Send Low Carbon Fuel Standard Bill To Governor

M.O. Stevens
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Wikimedia - tinyurl.com/ho43w2r

Oregon lawmakers Wednesday approved a measure aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The House vote sends the bill to the governor.

The bill would require that companies that sell vehicle fuels in Oregon to reduce the amount of pollution-producing carbon in their product. Republicans called it a "hidden fuel tax" since fuel producers would likely have to invest in cleaner fuels.

Democrats like Paul Holvey called the bill an investment in Oregon's future.

"This is a smart, simple mechanism,” he said. “It's going to have a great impact on reducing emissions in Oregon."

The final vote was 31-29. It came after more than five hours of debate.