CUB Joins State Energy Strategy Advisory Council
Posted on July 31, 2024 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy, General Interest
CUB’s own Jennifer Hill-Hart is joining the Energy Strategy Advisory Group this summer. This group is hosted by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE).
In the past couple of years, Oregon has passed many energy policies that naturally cross industry sectors. These policies touch on energy resource goals, technology, land use, utility planning, and importantly, energy affordability. The Energy Strategy Advisory Group gets everyone involved in implementing these laws in the same room.
“We’re working collaboratively to move energy policies forward efficiently, transparently, and affordably. We are proud to represent everyday Oregonians at this table.”
- Jennifer Hill-Hart, CUB Policy & Program Director
What is a State Energy Strategy?
In 2023, the Oregon State Legislature, through HB 3630, directed the Oregon Department of Energy to create a strategy to set the state’s energy policy objectives. CUB advocated for this law as a way to make sure we are working efficiently to meet our emission goals while protecting customers.
According to ODOE, creating a State Energy Strategy can:
- Align policy development, regulation, investment, and technical assistance
- Identify pathways to meet the state’s policy goals, considering different technologies, approaches, and tradeoffs
- Maintain affordability, reliability
- Strengthen the economy
- Prioritize equity
- Maximize benefits and minimize harms
Bringing Together Key Energy Policies
The State Energy Strategy must be informed by state laws, policies, and targets for reducing climate emissions in our energy systems. Oregon has passed a number of policies in recent years that touch on reducing emissions. CUB has been involved with the passing and/or implementation of many of these policies.
100% Clean Electricity Act (HB 2021): This law was passed in 2021 with strong support from CUB, environmental justice groups, and climate groups. Oregon’s largest electric utilities must use 100% emissions-free electricity by 2040. This impacts Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.
Climate Protection Program: This program began in 2020 through Gov. Brown’s Executive Order on Climate. This program requires fossil fuel companies, like gas utilities, to significantly reduce emissions. The specific emissions reduction targets for this program are still being developed at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Clean Fuels Program: This program started in 2016 and requires transportation fuel suppliers to reduce carbon intensity each year. The Clean Fuels Program is run by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues
CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.
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08/22/24 | 0 Comments | CUB Joins State Energy Strategy Advisory Council