This history-making legislative proposal, to be considered in February 2016, would make Oregon one of the cleanest energy states with 80% clean renewable energy by 2040. We’ll be one of the first states to get coal out of our electricity mix. See a fact sheet on the clean electricity and coal transition plan here.
Negotiating the deal with Oregon’s major utilities also proves that, when we work together, Oregonians have the will and the power to create a safe, clean, healthy future.
You’ll read in the press that it was “environmental groups” at the table with Oregon’s two largest utilities hashing out this legislative package.
It’s true: Oregon Environmental Council and our partners spent the last weeks of 2015 in intense negotiations with utilities.
But it’s not the whole story.
It was our partnership with a strong and growing coalition for action on clean energy and climate, Renew Oregon, that brought utilities to the negotiating table.
OEC is one of the founding members of Renew Oregon. But the coalition broadly represents business, health, labor, communities of color and faith leaders, all united in a common goal: to build a clean and just energy economy here in Oregon. Oregon’s utilities can sense the power of these voices united, and they don’t want a ballot fight.
So with this agreement in hand, we’re going to the legislature in February. OEC will advocate for this new bill, as well as other priorities, including capping and pricing pollution and defending Oregon’s clean air standard. We’ll be there—and we’ll need united voices and support from our members like you to ensure that it passes.
On March 8th, the Chetco Community Public Library and Friends of the Chetco Library in Brookings, OR, present “Climate Change Coming Home”, a presentation by Bill Bradbury.
The former Oregon Secretary of State and State Senator (and former OEC board member) will discuss climate change and its effects on our region. He’ll also be available to answer questions from community members.
Currently serving as one of Oregon’s two representatives to the Northwest Power and Conse
Water is life, and Oregonians consistently rank it as their top environmental priority. Oregon has more rivers designated as wild and scenic than any other state. People travel from across the nation to raft our wild waters and fish for salmon or trout. Our thriving agricultural industry depends on clean and plentiful water, as do our wildlife, cities, industries, and everyone who lives here. Yet our waterways (rivers, lakes, and wetlands) are at
Oregon’s wildfire situation has gone from bad to worse.Just a few days into August, this year has officially set the record for most acres burned in a single Oregon wildfire season. We’re cur
Oregon’s wildfire season is off to an early and dangerous start. Already, dozens of wildfires have burned nearly 2 million acres – more than four times last year’s total. At least 24,000 Oregonians are currently under some level of evacuation notice. Families across the state a
Ten years ago, OEC championed a bold step toward a cleaner future. The Clean Fuels Program was built on an elegant, yet transformative idea: Reward cleaner transportation fuels, encourage industry innovation, and reduce climate pollution from the state’s biggest emissions sources.Despite significant hurdles, the program has been a resounding success at the ten-year m
On May 18th, the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative (OCGC) hosted the Clean Grid Summit in Salem, bringing together more than 100 attendees, including representatives from 13 legislative offices, to discuss the future of Oregon’s electric grid and the policies needed to support a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future. Through three panels, speakers explored the competing priorities shaping energy policy, the r
When Oregon Business & Industry filed a lawsuit to repeal the CPP in April, we knew we had to take action. So we did. This morning, we joined forces with our coalition partners to intervene in the lawsuit and defend this critical program in court.
Read all the details in the press release below, and
In a landmark moment for Oregon ratepayers, last week the Oregon Public Utility Commission enacted new rules protecting Portland General Electric (PGE) customers from rate increases stemming from data centers. Represented by Green Energy Institute, OEC joined other consumer advocates to influence this decision.
By creating a new customer category for data centers, PGE can now more accurately track their energy usage and charge them accordingly. The new rules put guardrails in place
Last week plans to build a natural gas powered generating plant in Troutdale were cancelled due to NIMBY opposition. Is this not bad and what can we do to stop this from happening?
admin
February 3, 2016 (5:35 am)
OEC doesn’t have the capacity to engage in individual project siting processes. What we do focus on is public policy that guides climate-smart, clean energy development. This year we’re supporting two bills that would limit climate pollution and double Oregon’s commitment to price-stable renewable energy. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these policies.
[…] get serious about renewable energy. This upcoming legislative session OEC will be working to pass the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill. It will lead Oregon to a coal-free energy-mix and double our commitment to renewable […]
Vernon Huffer
February 1, 2016 (9:13 pm)
Last week plans to build a natural gas powered generating plant in Troutdale were cancelled due to NIMBY opposition. Is this not bad and what can we do to stop this from happening?
admin
February 3, 2016 (5:35 am)
OEC doesn’t have the capacity to engage in individual project siting processes. What we do focus on is public policy that guides climate-smart, clean energy development. This year we’re supporting two bills that would limit climate pollution and double Oregon’s commitment to price-stable renewable energy. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these policies.
President stops development of coal leases | Oregon Environmental Council
January 17, 2019 (6:52 pm)
[…] get serious about renewable energy. This upcoming legislative session OEC will be working to pass the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill. It will lead Oregon to a coal-free energy-mix and double our commitment to renewable […]