September 2023 Newsletter
ODOE Electric Vehicle Report Shows EV Goals Are Within Reach
Oregon has made significant progress toward its transportation electrification goals thanks to financial incentives for electric vehicle buyers, a growing market of new and used EV models, and an expanding charging network, according to a new report published by the Oregon Department of Energy this month.
This second edition of the Biennial Zero Emission Vehicle Report, assigned to the agency by the Oregon Legislature in 2019, shows how the EV landscape has changed dramatically over the last two years. Nearly 70,000 EVs are registered on Oregon roads, up from just 38,000 in 2021 – and only 300 just over a decade ago. In the first quarter of 2023, EV sales exceeded 16 percent of passenger vehicle sales, making Oregon second only to California in percentage of EV sales. More medium- and heavy-duty EVs are joining Oregon fleets, especially transit buses, school buses, and delivery vans, and the state’s first electric semi-truck – built in Portland – hit Oregon roads in 2023.
Oregon has bold EV adoption goals, outlined in 2019’s Senate Bill 1044, including having at least 250,000 registered EVs on Oregon roads by 2025. While it’s unlikely the state will hit that next target, the goal to have 25 percent of registrations and at least 50 percent of vehicle sales be electric by 2030 is within reach, according to adoption data trends. Oregon may even exceed the goal of 90 percent of all sales being electric by 2035 thanks to strong policies, an evolving EV market, and financial incentives.
While there are EVs currently registered in every Oregon county, not all Oregonians have been able to access these clean vehicles due to lack of awareness and comfort about the vehicles, higher up-front costs, and less access to or anxiety about vehicle charging. Low-income and rural areas, multi-unit housing residents, and renters are at risk of being left behind. Educational resources like GoElectric.Oregon.gov and financial incentives like the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s EV rebates can help support a more equitable transition to EVs.
An influx of federal funding will further support transportation electrification – including improved tax credit incentives. The Oregon Department of Transportation has also secured federal dollars to strengthen EV charging infrastructure along Oregon’s travel corridors and in local communities. Vehicle manufacturers are also stepping up by providing additional passenger EVs, and many companies plan to have most, if not all, models be electric in the next 15 years. Oregon’s electric utilities also play a critical role and are well prepared to welcome additional EV-related loads to their networks over the next decade. Many utilities also offer local incentives for EVs or charging infrastructure.
Read more on our blog and plug into the report online!
ODOE Works to Bring Millions in Federal Dollars to Oregon
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act authorized billions of federal dollars for infrastructure spending and energy and climate programs. From strengthening the resilience of the electric grid to offering rebates for home energy improvements, the funding can make a big difference for Oregonians across the state.
Significant federal programs like these take time to roll out, but the Oregon Department of Energy and our partners have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are well positioned to receive and distribute Oregon’s share of these federal dollars. We’ve been engaging with the public, Oregon Tribes, and various stakeholders and partners on program development and design, putting together application materials to the U.S. Department of Energy to secure Oregon’s funding, and hiring new ODOE team members to help administer the new programs coming our way.
Read the latest updates on our blog this month, track all opportunities on our website, and sign up for email updates to stay in the loop!
Join ODOE for October Webinars on Federal Home Energy Rebate Programs
ODOE will host three listening sessions in October to hear from Oregon residents and Oregon-based organizations on the design of the Home Energy Rebate Programs that will come to the state from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
We’ll include an overview of the federal program guidelines and Oregon state legislation related to the programs, discuss areas where Oregon can customize the programs, and ask questions to prompt discussion and feedback from attendees. A recording of the events will be available on ODOE’s website and feedback is also welcome online. The public input sessions will be hosted virtually.
The first session, on October 4, will provide an overview of rebate programs for homeowners, with an opportunity for Q&A. On October 10, we'll get into the program structure for Home Efficiency Rebates (also known as HOMES), and on October 11, we'll talk program structure for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (also known as HEAR).
Learn more and find access to log-in information on our blog.
Be Prepared
September is coming to a close, which means so is National Preparedness Month – but here at the Oregon Department of Energy, preparedness is always on our minds!
It's important for Oregonians to plan for the unexpected before it happens. With the recent increase in wildfire risk in our region and the ongoing threat of extreme weather events due to climate change, it’s more important than ever for you and your loved ones to have a plan and provisions to get you through a disaster.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management urges Oregonians to practice preparedness by having an emergency plan and enough food, water, and necessary supplies for everyone in the household, including pets, to survive for at least two weeks following any large-scale disaster. While this might seem overwhelming, there are many effective low-cost and no-cost actions people can take today to be ready for tomorrow.
See the full list of preparedness resources and planning tips that OEM shared for National Preparedness Month.
At the Oregon Department of Energy, we work year-round to help ensure Oregon is ready when disaster strikes by participating in emergency drills and planning meetings with our partners. Learn more about ODOE’s emergency preparedness work.
Energiewende
Earlier this month, ODOE Director Janine Benner had the opportunity to join an expert delegation trip on offshore wind deployment in the U.S. and Germany. With a group of about a dozen experts from other U.S. state agencies, the federal government, and non-governmental organizations, Janine traveled to Germany to meet with German officials and businesses to learn about their experience with offshore wind.
With roughly 8 GW of offshore wind capacity in operation and a deployment target of 70 GW by 2045, German policy makers and energy experts had a lot to share about developing, installing, operating, and maintaining offshore wind projects. The trip was organized by the German firm RENAC Renewables Academy in cooperation with the German American Chamber of Commerce and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. In addition to learning about Germany’s energy transition (“Energiewende”), Janine was able to learn from other states that are further along in their offshore wind journey, including New York state, which is seeking to develop 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035.
A key takeaway was the economic development opportunities associated with this new industry – from component manufacturing to construction and maintenance to the maritime jobs associated with servicing the wind turbines at sea. While Oregon is still determining the role that offshore wind will play in our energy future, it was eye opening to see the exciting resource already in operation around the world.
In August 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced a 60-day public comment period on two draft Wind Energy Areas located in the existing Call Areas off the shore of southern Oregon for potential floating offshore wind development. BOEM has opened a 60-day comment period on the draft wind energy areas. Learn more on BOEM's website and submit your comments by October 16, 2023.
Reports from Around the Agency
Join our team! Keep an eye on ODOE's website for open recruitments and please share with your networks.
ODOE was pleased to present to legislators six times during September Legislative Days to share the latest on our work. On September 27, we presented to the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment on the Biennial Zero Emission Vehicle Report and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. On September 28, we joined the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment to share a Climate Snapshot alongside Oregon Global Warming Commission Chair Catherine Macdonald, as well as gave presentations on the Biennial Zero Emission Vehicle Report and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. On September 28, we discussed Solar For All with the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources. Follow the links to learn more and view video recordings.
We mentioned last month that ODOE is working to develop an Oregon Energy Security Plan, which will assess critical energy infrastructure and assets in Oregon and the region that support the state’s needs, quantify threats and hazards that may affect those assets or otherwise cause energy insecurity, and propose a series of mitigation measures and actions that Oregon and other partners can implement to reduce risk and improve energy security. ODOE will hold a kick-off meeting for the project to seek public input on October 16 at 12:30 p.m. Learn more on our website and sign up for email updates.
On September 19, ODOE Director Janine Benner spoke on a panel about northwest and national policy and implementation at the NW Renewable Hydrogen Conference. She shared information from ODOE’s 2022 Renewable Hydrogen Study about opportunities and challenges for renewable hydrogen in Oregon, and discussed with other panelists what the role for renewable hydrogen might be in helping to facilitate Oregon’s clean energy transition.
Later that day, Director Benner presented during the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians' Annual Convention on upcoming federal funding opportunities for Tribal governments.
On September 22, ODOE Associate Director for Strategic Engagement Ruchi Sadhir also presented on federal funding opportunities for Tribal governments during Pacific Power's Tribal Nations Engagement Series.
ODOE Community Navigator Sarah Moerhke joined Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative this month for its Power Eastern Oregon Business Summit.
ODOE Senior Policy Analyst Jason Sierman attended the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's series of public meetings on two draft Wind Energy Areas off Oregon's coast. Jason staffed an information booth to provide attendees with information about Oregon's energy landscape.
ODOE's Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Maxwell Woods and Hanford Hydrogeologist Tom Sicilia presented during the Oregon Tribal Emergency Preparedness Conference September 26-28 in North Bend.
On September 16, ODOE enjoyed hosting an information booth at Salem Saturday Market. Team members connected with market-goers about new ODOE incentive programs, upcoming work, and more.
Save the date! ODOE Energy Technology & Policy Manger Jessica Reichers will present on Oregon's electric vehicle progress at Salem City Club on October 20.
National Drive Electric Week is wrapping up, but any week is a good week to check out a new electric vehicle! Learn more about EV models, charging, and available incentives on GoElectric.Oregon.gov.
Speaking of EVs, the Oregon Department of Transportation has a suite of resources that will help deploy more charging infrastructure across the state. Check it out.
ODOE will have an opening in November for volunteer position 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 recruiting for a new member. Contact Todd Cornett, ODOE's Assistant Director for Siting and the Council Secretary, with questions.
ODOE has several incentive programs up and running. Learn more about our energy incentives on ODOE's 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.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program Rulemaking | October 2, 2023 | Via Webinar
Federal Home Energy Rebates Listening Sessions | October 4/10/11, 2023 | Via Webinar
Oregon Global Warming Commission | October 9, 2023 | Via Webinar
Energy Security Plan Kick-Off Meeting | October 16, 2023 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | October 19, 2023 | Salem and Via Webinar
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | November 7, 2023 | Via Webinar
Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)
Current Rulemakings (click to see details)