CUB Protects Customers in the Oregon Legislative Session
Posted on March 12, 2024 by Jennifer Hill-Hart and Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, General Interest
The 2024 Oregon State legislative session has officially ended. While the short session was just 35 days, CUB is proud to say that all the bills we supported are on their way to the Governor’s Office.
Right to Repair (SB 1596)
After years of work, the Oregon Legislature has finally passed the Right to Repair Act (SB 1596), the strongest of its kind in the country! Now, Oregonians will have the ability to repair our electronics either ourselves or through a third party. Repairing home and personal electronics is less expensive than buying new ones. And it is better for the environment by reducing e-waste and lessening demand for new electronics.
Right to Repair requires manufacturers to allow the public access to necessary parts, tools, and repair manuals for many electronics. This new law covers computers and other electronic home appliances manufactured after July 1, 2015, and smartphones manufactured after 2025. CUB has advocated for this bill for many years and proudly supported it again this year. Now, Oregonians can keep devices working longer, reducing waste and pollution. Read more about this bill here.
Climate Budget: Healthy Homes and Heat Pumps for Renters
As part of SB 1530, several Climate Budget requests passed with overwhelming and bipartisan support. The Healthy Homes Program received $15 million to support affordable energy bills and resilient housing through whole-home energy and weatherization upgrades. The bill also provides $4 million for Oregon’s Residential Heat Pump Fund and $3.5 million to provide air conditioners and air filters to Oregonians in need. Read more about this bill here.
Battery Energy Storage Systems Permitting Pathways (HB 4015)
HB 4015 passed through the Oregon Legislature. This bill makes it easier to build battery storage by integrating battery storage system permits with existing renewable energy projects. Battery Energy Storage Systems allow renewable energy to be stored and used later. This increases resilience, helps prevent blackouts, and makes renewable energy more available when we need it.
Oregon Regional Energy Market Update (SB 1581)
The Oregon Regional Energy Market Update (SB 1581) passed this legislative session. This new law requires our largest for-profit electric utilities to provide an annual report on regional market planning to the Legislature. By pooling resources with neighboring states and joining a regional energy market, we can all move toward a clean energy future together.
Family Financial Protection Act (SB 1595)
The Family Financial Protection Act (SB 1595) passed out of the Legislature this session. It will help give Oregonians more fairness in debt collections by updating our laws to ensure folks can get back on their feet. CUB supports this new law because it can protect customers sent to collections for outstanding utility bills. Read more about this bill here.
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 Protects Customers in the Oregon Legislative Session