Kotek orders faster clean energy buildout
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Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday signed an executive order directing Oregon agencies to accelerate the state's clean energy transition and cut emissions.
Why it matters: Oregon has some of the nation's most ambitious climate laws, and this new order builds on that record.
The big picture: Executive order 25-29 will reduce emissions and make building clean energy projects faster and more efficient to "deliver more affordable energy for communities across our state," Kotek said in a statement.
Driving the news: The order directs state agencies to streamline clean energy development and remove barriers to siting new projects.
- The Oregon Department of Energy will look at barriers to constructing new clean energy projects and propose a framework to the legislature to make building easier and faster.
- The Department of Environmental Quality will review utility revenues under the Clean Fuels Program to ensure they're reinvested in electrification.
- Agencies must submit strategies to "streamline and accelerate clean energy siting and deployment" by September, per the governor's office.
Between the lines: The order identifies five pathways to guide the agencies' work, including:
- Looking at energy efficiency and clean electricity as ways to increase electrification while tamping down on carbon emissions.
- Advancing low-carbon fuels like biodiesel for parts of the economy that are difficult to electrify.
- Seeking ways to increase resilience as growing energy demands put increasing strains on aging electrical infrastructure.
State of play: The order expands on Oregon's 100% clean electricity mandate under House Bill 2021 and the state's Climate Protection Program, which limits emissions from major fuel suppliers.
What they're saying: "We're not waiting for federal leadership; Oregon is leading the way," Nora Apter, Oregon Director for Climate Solutions said in a statement.
- "In an era where we already have extreme drought and wildfires hurting our state, we need a little less talk, and a lot more action. Governor Kotek's executive order delivers in spades."
What we're watching: The order is likely to face pushback from industry groups who have raised concerns in the past on how new environmental policies impact their bottom lines.