(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 ORS 468A.292 for expenditures for any purpose consistent with this section. [2009 c.480 §1]

Note: 468A.290 and 468A.292 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 468A or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.