2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. This month, we take a look at the history of solar in Oregon.

Many states, including Oregon, have adopted what’s known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard, or RPS. An RPS typically establishes requirements for electric utilities to procure a certain percentage of the electricity they sell to customers from renewable resources by a specific date. Almost 20 years after Oregon’s initial RPS adoption, the state has reached a new RPS milestone in 2025.

The Oregon Climate Action Commission invites the public to provide input on potential future investments in natural climate solutions.

We continue On the Road in Oregon, a blog series that takes you on a journey through the heart of Oregon's diverse communities with our Community Navigator Program. This month, we hear from RARE Member Sara Lark Millies-Lucke as she meets with communities from Southern Oregon to northwest of Portland.

Our 2024 Biennial Energy Report features a set of Energy 101-style pieces designed to build the foundation of Oregon’s energy story. The 101s were developed for people new to energy or specific energy topics, along with those looking for a resource to help tell the story of how energy systems affect their work and interests. One of our 101s focused on climate change effects on the energy system – a timely topic for Earth Month.

The Oregon Department of Energy continues work developing the Oregon Energy Strategy, and we are hosting public information and listening sessions this month to hear perspectives from Oregonians to inform recommendations for the strategy. We hope you can join us for these important conversations as we work toward a final energy strategy in November 2025.

ODOE is excited to launch a new podcast series: Getting Grounded. This series focuses on energy basics and breaks down topics into mini episodes with new podcast host, Katelyn Jackson.

The Oregon Department of Energy has awarded $2 million in grants to six organizations supporting development of Oregon’s energy workforce.

In this month's newsletter, ODOE awards 19 County Energy Resilience Grants, celebrates a return to the top 10 most energy efficient states, reflects on 50 years of the Energy Facility Siting Council, and more.

The Oregon Climate Action Commission will meet on April 11, 2025. The public meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. online.