CUB Legislative Victories: Energy Affordability and Transportation Electrification
Posted on May 25, 2021 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy, General Interest
CUB is excited to announce that two of our priority bills have passed: The Energy Affordability Act (HB 2475) and the Transportation Electrification Package (HB 2165). While the legislative session is not yet over, we are proud of these early victories. Stay tuned to the CUB Blog for more campaign updates as the session continues.
Thank you to the many CUB members and supporters who responded to our action alerts on these bills, writing to their legislators to encourage a Yes vote. These voices helped amplify our work on these important issues. There are still active CUB legislative campaigns you can support. Visit our Action Alerts page to learn about these, and join our email list to receive campaign updates!
Energy Affordability Act (HB 2475)
The Oregon Legislature passed the Energy Affordability Act, House Bill (HB) 2475, on May 14, 2021 and now heads to Governor Brown’s desk for signing. HB 2475 paves the way for regulators to consider equity and income in utility programs and rate design, reducing energy costs for eligible customers. It also facilitates engagement from environmental justice communities, which includes communities historically underrepresented in utility regulation: Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color; rural, coastal, and frontier Oregonians; and seniors and people with disabilities. Learn more about the Energy Affordability Act.
Now that the bill has passed, there is a long road ahead to create the programs and policies that will lower energy costs for low-income households and expand representation in utility regulation. CUB will be there every step of the way, working with community advocates, regulators, and utilities. Together, we can keep moving Oregon toward a more equitable and just utility system.
Transportation Electrification Package (HB 2165)
The Oregon Legislature passed the Transportation Electrification Package, House Bill (HB) 2165, on May 17, 2021 and it now awaits Governor Brown’s signature. Equitable investment in transportation electrification benefits all customers of major electric utilities, not just those who can afford electric vehicles. HB 2165 dedicates funds for transportation electrification from Oregon’s major electric utilities and improves evaluation of these investments by regulators. Half of the investment funds must go toward low- and moderate-income customers. HB 2165 also expands Oregon’s electric vehicle rebate programs with an emphasis on equity. Learn more about HB 2165.
Many CUB members and supporters responded to our action alerts on this bill, writing to their legislators to encourage a Yes vote. Thank you to everyone who helped make this win possible.
Soon, CUB staff will start working on implementing this bill. The Transportation Electrification Package will help Oregon meet achievable state emissions reduction targets, while focusing on an equitable transition. CUB will continue working with community advocates, regulators, and utilities to ensure electric transportation investments benefit everyone.
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08/18/21 | 0 Comments | CUB Legislative Victories: Energy Affordability and Transportation Electrification