A High-Energy End to the 2021 Legislative Session
Now that session has wrapped up, we are turning to implementing the various bills that affect ODOE’s work. We posted a 2021 session report on our website this month, showcasing the session’s energy bills – including those that passed and did not pass.
The 2021 Legislative Session started during some of the hardest moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the holidays, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases, and the Capitol was closed to the public, as were most public establishments. Despite these difficult circumstances, many energy-related bills had passed when the legislative session closed at the end of June. The Oregon Department of Energy celebrated passing our priority bills, including new energy efficiency standards for consumer products, updates to our radioactive waste program, and fixes for laws guiding energy facility siting in Oregon and our Energy Facility Siting Council.
We also fulfilled our goal to be of service to decision-makers this session. Our staff participated in seven informational hearings, and helped educate legislators about issues ranging from the history of nuclear energy in Oregon to the basics about energy markets. The 2020 Energy Report was held up as a resource time and again, with many articles directly related to legislation.
Now that session has wrapped up, we are turning to implementing the various bills that affect ODOE’s work. We posted a 2021 session report on our website this month, showcasing the session’s energy bills – including those that passed and did not pass.
Some bills took new approaches to tough problems that the state has grappled with for decades now, like the creation of a clean electricity standard for Oregon to address climate change. Meanwhile, an amplified focus on racial justice and equity led to environmental justice being centered in many bills. Other issues were considered in a shortened 2020 session and came back, particularly provisions around transportation electrification. And finally, COVID and a catastrophic 2020 wildfire season led to major shifts around emergency response and wildfire response and prevention.
The session also provided a boost for ODOE financial programs. In the final days of session, we received $10 million for continuing the popular Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. HB 2021 – this session’s highest-profile energy bill – includes a $50 million incentive program for ODOE to promote energy resilience and small-scale clean energy projects. ODOE will also have funds available to support energy efficiency in 2020 wildfire rebuilding efforts.
Legislators have also asked us to carry out new energy studies over the next couple of years, including small-scale renewable energy, renewable hydrogen, floating offshore wind, and regional transmission organizations.
We’re excited to hit the ground running to implement this new work. You can stay tuned on our progress by signing up for email updates for our financial programs, various studies, and more. We’ll also share regular updates right here on our blog and in our monthly newsletter.