(1) The Oregon Climate Change Research Institute is established at Oregon State University. In administering the institute, Oregon State University may seek the cooperation of other public universities listed in ORS § 352.002.

(2) The purpose of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute is to:

(a) Facilitate research by faculty at public universities listed in ORS § 352.002 on climate change and its effects on natural and human systems in Oregon;

(b) Serve as a clearinghouse for climate change information;

(c) Provide climate change information to the public in integrated and accessible formats;

(d) Support the Oregon Climate Action Commission in developing strategies to prepare for and to mitigate the effects of climate change on natural and human systems; and

(e) Provide technical assistance to local governments to assist them in developing climate change policies, practices and programs.

(3) The Oregon Climate Change Research Institute shall assess, at least once each biennium, the state of climate change science, including biological, physical and social science, as it relates to Oregon and the likely effects of climate change on the state. The institute shall submit the assessment to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided in ORS § 192.245 and to the Governor.

(4) State agencies may contract with the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute to fulfill agency needs regarding the collection, storage, integration, analysis, dissemination and monitoring of climate change information, research and training. [Formerly 352.247; 2023 c.442 § 50]