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VICTORY! 25% Renewable Energy Standard is Now Oregon Law!

On June 6, Governor Kulongoski signed into law the Renewable Energy Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25% of our electricity from new renewable sources by 2025. This bill, one of the strongest in the nation, has been Environment Oregon's top priority. Governor Kulongoski, state Senators Brad Avakian (Bethany) and Jason Atkinson (Grants Pass), and state Representatives Jackie Dingfelder (Portland) and Ben Cannon (Portland) led an aggressive effort to pass this ambitious bill into law. The bill, one of the strongest in the country, will enable Oregon to take control of our energy future, cut global warming pollution, and boost rural economies.

Summary

Oregon has abundant renewable resources to tackle our energy problems, but today Oregon is dependent on fossil fuels. Forty percent of our electricity comes from coal, and another 10 percent from natural gas.

Our fossil fuel dependence means volatile rising energy prices. Natural gas prices have tripled since 1999, and coal prices are up almost 50 percent. And Oregon produces none of its own fossil fuels so we’re tied to out-of-state or foreign energy sources. Our fossil fuel dependence also means that generating electricity is our biggest contribution to global warming.

Fortunately, Oregon has the renewable resources and the expertise to take control of our energy future and move our state aggressively toward energy independence. We have a legacy of leadership and innovation in renewable energy and energy conservation. Areas around the Columbia Gorge and in northeastern and southeastern Oregon have excellent wind energy potential. The Oregon Coast has some of the best wave energy sites in the world. Much of eastern Oregon has high potential for geothermal energy. And even the rainiest parts of our state get more sun than Germany, a world leader in solar power. Click here for more on how renewable energy can move Oregon to energy independence.

25 Percent Renewable Energy by 2025

So Environment Oregon is working to pass a Renewable Energy Standard, Senate Bill 838, requiring that utilities generate 25 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Such a standard is in effect in 22 states already, and is a proven tool for increasing renewable energy. Oregon’s would be one of the most aggressive in the country.

Incentives for Consumers and Businesses

Clear standards will move our utilities toward renewable energy and create a clear market for Oregon to become a national leader in renewable energy. In addition, Environment Oregon supports incentives to help Oregon consumers and businesses invest in renewable energy. Environment Oregon is working to expand the Business Energy Tax Credit, House Bill 2211, to provide a 50 percent tax credit on renewable energy projects up to $20 million. The bill also provides a tax credit for homebuilders and developers to install solar power on new homes before they are sold, and a new tax credit for high-performance energy-saving homes that generate their own energy. Environment Oregon also supports the Residential Energy Tax Credit. House Bill 2212 will increase the tax credit for Oregonians to use new small-wind energy technologies and House Bill 3488 increases the tax credit for Oregonians to use solar energy for electricity or hot water.

In addition to moving the state toward energy independence and curbing global warming pollution, renewable energy will generate economic development, especially in rural Oregon. That’s why a broad coalition of Oregonians from all walks of life and every part of the state is working with Environment Oregon to support the Renewable Energy Standard.

Farmers and landowners make between $7,000 and $14,000 per year for a single wind turbine. Counties also see additional tax revenue. In Sherman County, just east of The Dalles, 10 percent of country revenue is coming from wind energy, and another 20 percent increase is expected when the next wind farms start operating. Click here for more on the benefits of renewable energy for rural Oregon. Click here for more on the benefits for Oregon’s economy.

Renewable energy is also good news for consumers and businesses dealing with energy bills. Since unstable regimes can’t manipulate the price of the sun and the wind, renewable energy has free fuel and therefore none of the fuel costs that give natural gas volatile prices. As natural gas and coal increase in price, renewable energy is getting cheaper. Utilities in Washington and Colorado have saved their ratepayers money by investing in wind energy instead of fossil fuels. Click here for more on the consumer benefits of renewable energy.

Moving toward a renewable energy future means energy independence, reduced global warming pollution, and a new economic base for Oregon’s rural communities.