Recently the Elemental team joined Environment Oregon and Mayor Gamba of Milwaukie in Salem to speak with Senator Rosenbaum and Representative Taylor about the Oregon Clean Electricity & Coal Transition bill being proposed during the upcoming state legislative session.
The Oregon Clean Electricity & Coal Transition bill proposes...
- PGE and Pacific Power electricity to be coal-free by 2030 - Instead of buying coal from out-of-state plants, Oregon’s utility companies will invest in clean energy sources that help create new jobs and support local economies.
Increasing the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50% by 2040 - This would essentially double Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, bringing more clean energy jobs and investment to our state.
- Community Solar! Allowing residential and small commercial customers of Pacific Power and PGE to participate in the ownership of off-site solar projects which would be credited against their electricity bill. Roughly 75% of Oregonians are unable to install solar due to roof orientation and shading, community solar will alleviate those issues and allow any interested resident to utilize clean energy.
Environment Oregon recently released a report with the Frontier Group on solar capacity in Oregon which states that we have the potential to generate 140% more solar power than our current annual energy use! Despite 2016 being a short-session year for local legislation, Environment Oregon and other supporters are confident the bill can pass in through the local house and senate. For more information about the bill or how to get involved, contact Environment Oregon.