July 2021 Newsletter
A High-Energy End to the 2021 Legislative Session
Now that the 2021 Legislative 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 in our monthly newsletter.
Director Benner Joins Governor for Signing of Historic Clean Energy Bills
On July 27, Oregon Department of Energy Director Janine Benner joined Governor Brown for a ceremonial signing of clean energy legislation passed in the 2021 session. The suite of bills – including HB 2021, which allocated funding for a new community resilience program at ODOE – will help address Oregon's growing climate crisis. The bills will accelerate our clean energy transition while centering the needs of Oregon's most vulnerable communities. Read more in our end-of-session report.
Pandemic Fuel Use Data Shows Drop in Emissions
The COVID-19 pandemic affected our daily energy use in many ways – perhaps most noticeably, in our transportation fuels use. From March to April 2020, many Oregonians stayed at home to reduce the spread of the virus. During this time, Oregon saw a 40 percent reduction in gasoline sales that equated to a decrease in consumption of over 57 million gallons of fuel. In the months of June, July, and August 2020, sales of gasoline in the state decreased by about 16 million gallons per month compared to 2019, about a 12.5 percent decrease on average.
In our 2020 Biennial Energy Report and this month on our blog, we discuss the fuel use trends we've seen over the past year. It will be interesting to see what happens as the state reopens and our new routines emerge. Will more people continue to work from home? Will some businesses opt for an e-commerce only business model? Will public schools continue to offer both in-person and remote classes? As a post-pandemic Oregon evolves, there are opportunities to use alternative transportation options, like ride shares, public transportation, and biking to continue reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more on our blog.
Grounded Podcast: Oregon's First Net-Zero Preschool
On our latest episode of Grounded, we learn about Oregon's first net-zero preschool. New Day School teacher Didi Jayagiita and Green Hammer team members Laura Squillace and Alex Boetzel told our host, Erica Hertzsch, all about the net-zero project, the school's philosophy, and why it was important to lead by example when it comes to sustainability. Listen up on our blog or your favorite podcast app.
Spotlight: Energy Bill Basics
We use energy at home every day – from turning on the lights to brewing that cup of coffee to warming up our homes in the winter months. That energy comes in different forms, including electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and even wood. How you get around is also part of your energy use, whether you fill up your car with gasoline or electricity. All of these uses end up as part of your home energy bills.
In our 2020 Biennial Energy Report and on our blog this month, ODOE broke down the basics about energy bills for residential and commercial energy customers. Understanding bill terminology can help Oregonians better understand what the charges mean on energy bills from your electric or natural gas utility bills, from rate schedules and distribution fees to base and use charges. Read more on our blog.
Reports from Around the Agency
On July 29, ODOE Director Janine Benner spoke about boosting electric vehicle adoption at a press event held by Environment Oregon in Eugene. Janine shared Oregon's current progress on EVs, including transit agencies and schools making the switch to electric buses.
Speaking of EVs, the Oregon Department of Transportation published a new study analyzing Oregon's infrastructure needs to support increased electrification. Over the next four years, we'll need five times the number of public charging ports we have today.
We were thrilled to hear this month that the Hillsboro City Council adopted a Home Energy Score policy, which will go into effect on September 1. It will require sellers of residential, single-family homes to obtain a Home Energy Score Report and disclose the report before listing the home for sale. Learn more about home energy scores on our website.
On July 15, ODOE Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety & Emergency Preparedness Maxwell Woods and Radioactive Waste Remediation Specialist Jeff Burright presented to a committee convened by the National Academies of Science. Max and Jeff discussed supplemental treatment technologies, waste forms, and disposal locations for low-activity waste at the Hanford Site. ODOE will continue to provide input and review of the research.
ODOE Schools Program Lead Christie Sphoon and (now-retired) Senior Energy Analyst Rick Wallace joined the Environmental Center on July 7 for a webinar on electric school bus funding. Christie and Rick discussed changes to the Public Purpose Charge (SB 1149) program, which now allows program participants to use funds to purchase electric school buses.
The Energy Facility Siting Council is working on administrative rulemaking efforts for radioactive waste disposal and the EFSC standards on protected areas, scenic resources, and recreation. Coming soon, a rulemaking effort around site certificate application process requirements. Follow EFSC rulemaking on our website and sign up for email updates.
The Oregon Global Warming Commission will hold its next virtual meeting on August 4. The Commission is working, as directed by Governor Brown's Executive Order 20-04, to finalize a proposal for setting a carbon sequestration goal for Oregon's natural and working lands.
As ODOE works to stand up new programs created by the Oregon Legislature, keep an eye on our ODOE Jobs page for future employment opportunies. We are currently recruiting for a Purchasing & Contracts Officer and an Information Systems Specialist.
The Energy Facility Siting Council, a governor-appointed volunteer council responsible for the review and oversight of large-scale energy facilities, is also recruiting potential news members. Submit an interest form through the Governor's office, and contact Todd Cornett, ODOE's Assistant Director for Siting and the Council Secretary, with questions.
ODOE's email addresses have changed! As of June 23, emails to ODOE staff should be directed to @energy.oregon.gov (replacing @oregon.gov). Old email addresses will continue to redirect for a while, but please update your address books with the new version.
COVID-19 continues to influence how Oregonians live their daily lives. ODOE's Salem office remains closed to public walk-in traffic, but our services are available. ODOE meetings are being held remotely. Keep an eye on our online calendar and sign up for emails to receive meeting notices and information on how to participate.
Upcoming Meetings
Oregon Global Warming Commission | August 4, 2021 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | August 26-27, 2021 | Via Webinar
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | September 21, 2021 | Via Webinar