News Stories Thu., Feb. 8, 2018

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An audit released Wednesday by the Oregon Secretary of State finds that the regulators in charge of tracking the state’s recent recreational marijuana business have been too lax with the hundreds of licensed growers and stores in the state. The audit of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission comes after U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams convened a summit last week to address what he called a “massive” problem with the state’s marijuana surplus winding up on the black market.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon hospital that denied a liver transplant for a woman because of her immigration status has changed its decision and will put her on the waiting list. Oregon Health & Science University informed 46-year-old Silvia Lesama-Santos on Monday that she was ineligible for a transplant because she lacked “lawful permanent residence or immigration documentation.” The Portland hospital reversed course Tuesday night after the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon publicized the woman’s plight and started an online petition. In a statement, OHSU said its leaders had been unaware of the “archaic” policy, and it has been terminated.

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon Legislature is considering a bill to limit carbon pollution to reduce pollution in the state. However, the bill could cause the price of gas and electricity to go up. The bill would put limits on pollution — and companies that go above the limits would have to pay more. State Senator Alan Olsen says it comes at too high of a price and that it would hurt those who can least afford it. It would include utilities and fuel distributors. The plan is supported by tribal leaders like Don Sampson, Tribal Climate Change Project Director with the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, who says most northwest tribes are affected by climate change. The plan is similar to those in California and Canada. The money raised by the tax would go toward energy efficiency, solar projects, electric vehicles and public transit. Gov. Kate Brown didn’t mention the bill as one of the priorities in her State of the State address, and some say it’s too be of an issue to pass in a short legislative session.