Jason Barbose

Western states policy manager

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Jason advocates for UCS’s policy priorities in California and other western states. He meets with government officials, builds partnerships with allies, and helps manage legislative and regulatory campaigns to advance UCS priorities on climate change, energy, and transportation issues. See Jason's full bio.

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Jason's Latest Posts

California State Capitol

California Could Pass Innovative Legislation on Key Climate, Energy and Transportation Issues

May 16, 2018 11:26 AM EDT

California has a well-earned reputation as a world leader in promoting clean energy and other solutions to climate change. However, as anyone paying attention to the climate crisis knows, we have far more work to do. Fortunately, the California Legislature is considering many bills in 2018 that would further address climate change. With three and half months until the Legislature adjourns for the year, UCS is working with lawmakers to make progress on a suite of policy prescriptions to promote renewable energy, clean transportation, and better preparedness for climate change impacts. Read more >

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Cap-and-Invest: A Key Tool to Help Oregon Fight Climate Change

January 9, 2018 5:00 PM EDT

With the Trump administration undermining federal action to address climate change, states like Oregon are stepping up to protect the planet for future generations.

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San Ardo Oil Field, Monterey County, CA. Photo: Loco Steve CC-BY-SA 2.0 (Flickr).

California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and Low Carbon Fuel Standard Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

May 22, 2017 2:59 PM EDT

Policymakers are considering how California should cut global warming emissions by 40% between 2020 and 2030, and whether to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program beyond 2020. The oil industry supports the cap-and-trade program but wants to roll back California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. They argue the two policies just don’t mix—like oil and water, you might say. However, I see the two policies more like peanut butter and jelly—they are good on their own but so much better together. Read more >

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Washington’s Initiative 732: Important Lessons for Supporters of Carbon Pricing

September 30, 2016 1:51 PM EDT

The Union of Concerned Scientists is a strong supporter of pricing the heat-trapping emissions causing climate change, and we have a history of advocating for a price on carbon in Washington State. Yet UCS has decided to take no position on a ballot measure this November that would establish a carbon tax in Washington, Initiative 732. It was a tough decision for our organization and we wanted to share our thinking about this issue with our members. Read more >

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Image of California's Capitol Building

California Just Made Climate Change History. How Did it Happen?

August 26, 2016 12:44 PM EDT

The day before yesterday I sat in the gallery of the California Senate and saw something that just a few weeks ago I wasn’t expecting: Senators casting the final vote on an historic set of bills—Senate Bill 32 (Pavley) and Assembly Bill 197 (E. Garcia)—that reaffirm the state’s commitment to addressing climate change through 2030. After the vote was over, my colleagues and I shared hugs, smiles, and tears as the weight of the accomplishment washed over us. It was a great day. Read more >

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