Chapter 480 Oregon Laws 2009

AN ACT

SB 942

Relating to the Oregon Climate Corps; and appropriating money.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) The University of Oregon, after consultation with the Oregon State University Extension Service, shall, to the extent possible with any moneys received under subsection (3) of this section:

          (a) Implement the Oregon Climate Corps through the University of Oregon Institute for a Sustainable Environment Climate Masters program to help Oregon residents, businesses and other entities increase their understanding of climate change, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to address the climate change challenges that Oregon faces. The Oregon Climate Corps shall be a trained corps of volunteers to act as catalysts in support of the efforts of public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations.

          (b) Model the Oregon Climate Corps described in paragraph (a) of this subsection on other successful public service programs, including but not limited to the Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Recycler programs, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

          (2) Individuals participating in the Oregon Climate Corps shall be educated on projects meant to address climate challenges, including but not limited to:

          (a) Carbon sequestration projects such as local community tree-planting initiatives.

          (b) Climate initiatives that emphasize affordable and easily implemented actions for homes, local communities, private businesses, schools and public entities.

          (c) Educational projects to increase the implementation of cost-effective, easily achievable changes in practices.

          (d) Projects related to renewable energy technologies.

          (e) Energy conservation and efficiency projects, such as home weatherization and the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy technologies.

          (f) Projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transportation, from manufacturing and from food and produce use and acquisition.

          (3)(a) The University of Oregon, after consultations with the Oregon State University Extension Service, shall develop a long-term plan to fund the Oregon Climate Corps.

          (b) The University of Oregon may accept grants, donations, contributions or gifts from any source for deposit in the Oregon Climate Corps Fund established under section 2 of this 2009 Act for expenditures for any purpose consistent with this section.

SECTION 2. The Oregon Climate Corps Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Climate Corps Fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the University of Oregon for the purposes specified in section 1 of this 2009 Act.

Approved by the Governor June 23, 2009

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 23, 2009

Effective date January 1, 2010

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