ODOE Community Navigator Sarah Moehrke shares the latest On the Road in Oregon update. Sarah reflects on the vital connection between energy and economic development following a trip to Klamath Falls for the 2024 Oregon Economic Development Association’s Annual Conference.

Oregon’s push for a greener future got a major boost earlier this year when the state surpassed 100,000 registered electric vehicles. The milestone will mean fewer emissions from the transportation sector and across Oregon.

ODOE is thrilled to welcome a new RARE member, Sara “Lark” Millies-Lucke to the agency. Sara Lark is working with the Community Navigator Program and will be analyzing ODOE programs in various stages of implementation to help us learn about how we can better reach and serve rural communities and support their energy resilience. 

The Oregon Department of Energy published its 2024 Biennial Energy Report on November 1, featuring fundamental information and data about energy in Oregon, highlights of emerging energy resources, and foundational “Energy 101s” on current topics and technologies.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

In this month’s newsletter, ODOE announces a new $113M federal award to develop home energy rebate programs, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, provides an update on the Oregon Energy Strategy, plugs into a new Grounded podcast episode, and more.

The Energy Facility Siting Council, which is staffed by the Oregon Department of Energy, is a seven-member volunteer council appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. EFSC is responsible for overseeing the development of large electric generating facilities, high-voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal sites, and other projects. This state-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure Oregon has the energy supply it needs while protecting Oregon’s environment and public safety. This oversight includes updating and implementing Oregon Administrative Rules.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will be held virtually on Friday, October 25.

From September 15 to October 15 each year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is the time to enthusiastically recognize the multitude of contributions that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x people have made and continue to contribute to the history and culture of the United States. This month, ODOE Community Equity & Inclusion Analyst Lauren Rosenstein reflects on the celebration.