February 2022 Newsletter
Oregon Continues to Lead the Way on Energy Efficiency
Each year, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy releases its State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which measures states based on utility programs and policies, transportation policies, building energy codes, state government-led initiatives, and appliance and equipment standards. Oregon has landed among the top ten most energy efficient states for 14 years running, most recently at No. 9 in 2020.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACEEE decided to forgo its usual ranking and scorecard for 2021, but it still released a progress report to outline the good work states have done over the past year to advance energy efficiency programs and policies.
Oregon was praised for making strides in efficiency standards and advancing clean energy policies like HB 2021, which set a target to decarbonize the power sector by 2040. Oregon joined four other states and the District of Columbia in 2021 in advancing standards for energy and water efficiency. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project estimates that the standards adopted by Oregon and other states will help people save $485 million on utility bills annually by 2035, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4 million metric tons. ACEEE’s report adds that it’s the equivalent of taking 957,000 cars off the road! Learn more on our blog.
Tracking Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials
Authorized and permitted carriers transport radioactive materials in Oregon regularly, including low-radioactivity waste destined for out-of-state disposal, or small amounts for various industries or medical uses. Certain shipments of radioactive materials – depending on the radiation levels and if a carrier uses its vehicle to haul other materials – require information signs called placards. Oregon statutes require carriers of all radioactive placarded shipments to also obtain a state permit to safely transport through Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Energy is the permitting authority for these shipments, but is authorized to and delegates this authority to the Oregon Department of Transportation, as ODOT can effectively track compliance with permitting regulations through the agency’s ports-of-entry. The Oregon Department of Energy’s Radioactive Material Transport Program also supports training and preparation for first responders in the event of an emergency or incident with the shipments.
Earlier this month, ODOE published its annual report for the program, outlining the 260 shipments of placarded radioactive materials that moved through Oregon in 2021; over half of the shipments in the last year traveled along Interstate 84. As in recent years, there were no transport accidents that resulted in spillage or injury from radioactive materials in 2021.
Learn more about the 2021 transport report and ODOE's response program on our blog.
ODOE Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of African Americans and Black Americans and their central role in U.S. history. This year at ODOE, to help acknowledge and honor the many contributions to our history and culture by Black Americans, our team pulled together a selection of favorite books, movies, and other works to share. Check it out on our blog – you might just find your next favorite among the bunch!
ODOE Incentive Programs Look Toward a Busy Spring
Did you know the Oregon Department of Energy offers energy incentives for Oregon homes, businesses, agricultural producers, Tribes, public bodies, and other community groups?
The agency continues to work on standing up two new incentive programs, coming this spring: the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program will offer grants to Oregon Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities for planning and developing community renewable energy and energy resilience projects. The Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive Program will offer funding support for energy efficient rebuilding of residential and commercial structures that were destroyed during the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Keep an eye on our website or sign up for email updates as we prepare to launch these programs.
Meanwhile, our Solar + Storage Rebate Program is still in full swing, offering rebates to homeowners who install rooftop solar or paired solar and energy storage systems, and to organizations that provide services to low-income Oregonians. We are now accepting public comments on updates to the administrative rules for the program, including changes to make it easier for low-income service providers to participate. Share your views online and join us for a public hearing on the draft rules on March 22. More information about the program is available on our website, including a list of approved contractors.
Through our Rural & Agricultural Energy Audit Program, Oregon's rural small businesses and agricultural producers are eligible to apply for funding to support energy audits. An energy audit is conducted by an approved auditor, who inspects buildings, processes, and equipment to measure efficiency and identify improvements that can save energy. Federal, local, and utility funding may be available to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for making energy improvements, and an energy audit is often a required step to qualify for funding. ODOE's program pays up to 75 percent of the cost of the audit. Learn more on our website.
2022 Legislative Session Update
It’s been a busy legislative session for the Oregon Department of Energy! Legislators convened at the Capitol on February 1 and are due to wrap up the even-year short session by March 7.
Two bills affecting the agency have already passed both chambers. HB 4057 establishes an efficiency standard for landscape sprinklers, saving Oregonians energy, water, and money. HB 4059 makes modest changes to the HB 2021 Responsible Labor Standards provisions; ODOE will adjust the Large Scale Energy Project Responsible Labor Standards Attestation according to the newly-passed bill.
Bills still in process would have us establish a heat pump deployment program (SB 1536), carry out an energy security plan to strengthen our resilience in times of disaster (SB 1567), co-staff a task force on renewable diesel (HB 4141), and join the list of state agencies that work with the Environmental Justice Council (HB 4077). These concepts match our mission and strategic plan, and continue our partnership with legislators as we work together toward a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable energy future.
We will have a full round up of energy-related legislation in the 2022 Legislative Session Report, available on our website this spring.
Reports from Around the Agency
The ODOE family was saddened to hear of the passing of longtime volunteer Barry Beyeler earlier this month. Barry served on the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board from 2005 to 2010, then joined the Energy Facility Siting Council until hanging up his EFSC Chair gavel in October 2019. We send our sincere condolences to Barry's family, fellow friends, and community.
Join our team. ODOE is recruiting for several positions, including summer internships. Check out our openings on our website.
Did you know ODOE's Energy Facility Siting Team is currently reviewing about a dozen proposed or amended energy facilities? From wind to solar facilities – to combined wind, solar, and storage facilities – you can learn more about the state's process and how to get involved on our website. You can also sign up to receive a monthly facility siting update showing the latest and greatest.
On February 4, ODOE Director Janine Benner joined the Eugene City Club to serve as a moderator for a discussion on nuclear energy.
On February 22, Janine joined Eugene-based Arcimoto for a ribbon-cutting on the first vehicle production line in the company's new facility. Arcimoto's three-wheeled electric "fun-utility vehicles" seek to change the micromobility game. Learn more on our 2021 Grounded podcast episode about the company.
On February 18, ODOE Energy Policy Analysts Wendy Simons and Tom Elliott presented at Oregon State University's Small Farms Conference to talk about the Rural & Agricultural Energy Audit Program. The virtual conference was geared toward farmers, agricultural professionals, food policy advocates, students, and managers of farmers markets. Facilities Engineer Stephanie Kruse joined Wendy and Tom to host a virtual booth during the conference and to answer questions.
On February 25, ODOE Government Relations Coordinator Christy Splitt and Senior Climate Policy Analyst Maya Buchanan presented during a training for SEI's Climate Corps Fellows. ODOE Project Manager Kaci Radcliffe served as a moderator for a Q&A session. Learn more about Climate Corps program on SEI's website.
Earlier this month, ODOE launched a new mapping project for Oregon’s consumer-owned utilities to get a better idea of where electric vehicles are charging in their territories. The maps will support utility planning efforts and increased EV adoption across the state. Interested COUs can find more information on ODOE’s website, including a link to the application form.
The Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment (ORESA) is reaching an important project milestone and will soon release the beta Mapping and Reporting Tool, along with a draft of the Final ORESA Report. Sign up for email updates if you are interested in a preview of the beta Tool and in providing feedback on the Draft Report. Visit our ORESA website for more information, including project updates, a Tool summary and use cases, and short demonstration video.
The USDOE recently issued a Request for Information seeking public input on the solicitation process and structure of its forthcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement for regional clean hydrogen hubs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $8 billion for no fewer than four regional clean hydrogen hubs. USDOE is seeking feedback on a number of elements related to the funding opportunity, including equity, environmental, and energy justice priorities. The deadline for responses to the RFI is March 8, 2022.
The Oregon Legislature assigned ODOE several new studies to complete over the next year. Visit ODOE's website to learn more about the studies – including floating offshore wind, small-scale renewable energy, and renewable hydrogen – and sign up for email updates on study progress, public meetings, and opportunities to weigh in.
Volunteers are currently being recruited to serve on the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board. The 20-member board provides input to the U.S. Department of Energy and its regulators on the Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup. Learn More.
The Energy Facility Siting Council, a governor-appointed volunteer council responsible for the review and oversight of large-scale energy facilities, is also recruiting potential new members. Contact Todd Cornett, ODOE's Assistant Director for Siting and the Council Secretary, with questions.
COVID-19 continues to influence how Oregonians live their daily lives. ODOE's Salem office remains closed to public walk-in traffic, but our services are available. ODOE meetings are being held remotely. Keep an eye on our online calendar and sign up for emails to receive meeting notices and information on how to participate.
Upcoming Meetings
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | March 15, 2022 | Via Webinar
Public Hearing on Draft Solar + Storage Rebate Program Rules | March 22, 2022 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | March 24-25, 2022 | Via Webinar
Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)
Current Rulemakings (click to see details)