SALEM — House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) has issued the following statement regarding the Oregon Court of Appeals ruling that the Oregon DEQ’s Climate Protection Program’s rules are invalid:
“Sweeping policy change should be the result of legislation, not executive decree. The court recognized that fact and ruled correctly. Oregon will have a brighter future when the governor and ruling party recognize that building consensus within the legislature will yield better — and legal — results than their top-down approach.”
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The week of Dec. 22, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that the Oregon DEQ’s Climate Protection Program failed to comply with disclosure requirements during rules adoption.
The program is one of the most radical regulations of energy in the nation, said a press release.
“Most Oregonians, regardless of party affiliation, believe in the rule of law. I think a state agency rushing to implement a draconian regulatory scheme without following the law is irresponsible and bad governing,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “This week’s ruling highlights the importance of our nation’s system of checks and balances, which limit absolute power of unelected bureaucrats and politicians who abuse their power. I hope the courts continue to hold lawlessness accountable.”
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