December 22, 2022 3:20 a.m.

Oregon Senate Republicans are critical of a move by state air quality officials

Following California’s lead, on Monday, the Environmental Quality Commission adopted an advanced rule, effectively banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in Oregon by 2035 and requiring manufacturers to follow suit.

Senator Fred Girod of Stayton said, “This action was taken covertly behind closed doors by administrative rule using the Governor’s executive order, usurping authority from the Legislature. It appears to be a clear violation of separation of powers. DEQ is an agency that has gone amuck and shows desperate need for administrative oversight. Almost all states require oversight of administrative rule”. Girod said, “That’s why I’m prepared to introduce legislation in the upcoming session doing just that”.

Senator Lynn Findley of Vale said, “Oregonians everywhere deserve better than big, blanket mandates from unelected bureaucrats and interim directors”. Findley sits on the Joint Committee on Transportation. He said this is an issue that requires greater input from the public and legislative review before being acted upon. Findley said, “Taking that authority away only exacerbates distrust in our state agencies”.