CUB Is In the House! (and the Senate)
Posted on January 16, 2015 by Jeff Bissonnette
Tags, Energy
The 2015 session of the Oregon Legislature got underway this week, with new and returning legislators being sworn in, along with the Governor. The session will officially start on February 2 and continue until about June.
CUB is at the Capitol watching out for consumers every session and 2015 will be no different. Each session we focus on a set of issues that will make a difference for ratepayers’ wallets and make sure their values are represented in good energy and utility policy.
This session, we’ll be working on four main items:
Climate
It doesn’t look like Congress is going to get around to developing comprehensive climate policy so it’s going to be up to states to lead the way. Oregon is in a great position to do just that. First, CUB is supporting groups that are leading the way to extend Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program. We will also be working hard to make sure that utilities are decreasing their reliance on coal-generated power.
Energy Efficiency
Currently residential ratepayers pay more in their bills for energy efficiency than large industrial customers. This is inherently unfair and could lead to Oregon being unable to acquire all of the inexpensive efficiency that is available. This could push rates up for everyone. CUB is working at the Public Utility Commission to solve this important issue and is ready to address it in the legislature as well. (For background and more information on this issue, check out this CUB blog post from August 2014.)
Appliance Standards
CUB will work to establish new efficiency standards for appliances that have had standards adopted in California. We will also explore allowing the Oregon Department of Energy to adopt new standards administratively, rather than having to go through the legislature.
Renewable Energy
There will be many proposals to increase renewable energy resources, especially solar, in Oregon. CUB strongly supports renewable energy, but we want ratepayers to be treated fairly in paying for those resources. CUB will be working to ensure that pro-renewable energy bills are also pro-consumer as they move through the legislative process.
It’s still very early in the session and a lot of details around prospective bills are still developing. But one thing is sure: CUB’s effectiveness depends on members and supporters. Although our legislative team is very savvy, legislators listen to CUB because they know CUB members are watching. Legislators know they’ll hear from CUB members through phone calls and e-mails. CUB may not give big campaign contributions like the utilities can, but our grassroots people power can’t be matched. It’s that people power that created CUB at the ballot box 30 years ago and that same people power that keeps CUB strong today.
If you want to keep up with all the happenings at the legislature in 2015 or want to receive action alerts at key times when your voice is most needed, send me a note and I’ll make sure you’re plugged in. My e-mail is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks, and stay tuned for updates as the session progresses!
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04/24/17 | 0 Comments | CUB Is In the House! (and the Senate)