Findley Calls For Exemption of Ag Industry From HB 2020

In a floor speech Monday, Oregon representative Lynn Findley called for a full exemption for the state’s Ag industry from House Bill 2020.  The Vale Republican said the Cap and Trade measure would have detrimental consequences on farmers not only in his eastern Oregon district, but statewide.

“They do not set the price that they receive.  Rather the free market sets the price.  A profit is not guaranteed.  When our farmers and ranchers compete with a market with producers who do not have to deal with carbon taxes, credits or allowances, Oregon producers will always lose.”

Findley said many of his constituents drove hundreds of miles to Baker City for a listening session focused on HB 2020.  And when they were told they would not be allowed to speak during the Baker City event, many turned around and drove hundreds of miles to Bend to have their opinions heard.

On Monday Findley said thanks to technological advances, production improvements and more, many Oregon farmers have reduced their carbon footprint on their own.  He said if the government mandates additional reductions, many farmers will need to make difficult decisions.

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“One farmer talked about being carbon neutral with his no-till practices.  [Meanwhile] A 4^th generation farmer stated his only option to reduce his carbon emissions in Oregon is to move to Idaho.  That’s a very sad state of affairs.”

Click Here to learn more about HB 2020.

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