Celebrating 50 Years of ODOE
As we’ve been sharing on our blog this year, 2025 marks 50 years of the Oregon Department of Energy serving the state.
In 1975, the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Department of Energy following the oil crisis of the early 1970s. The statute creating the agency noted that continued growth and demand for non-renewable energy poses a serious and immediate – and future – problem. “It is essential that future generations not be left a legacy of vanished or depleted resources, resulting in massive environmental, social, and financial impact," reads the statute. It also declared a goal that ODOE promote the efficient use of energy resources and develop permanent energy resources – a goal that continues today as ODOE works to develop a new state energy strategy and Oregon prepares for new electricity needs and load growth.
ODOE officially reached 50 years this month — we became an agency in July 1975 — and the team commemorated the milestone with a small celebration at the Salem office. A few former ODOE directors and longtime staff were able to join us to take a look back at our agency history and look ahead toward the next 50 years.
Governor Kotek wrote a letter to ODOE Director Janine Benner and the rest of the team to celebrate our 50th year, writing “I want to thank all of you for the dedication you have shown to our state … Transitioning to a clean energy system that is both reliable and affordable requires collaboration and long-term work. It will take all of us to confront the climate crisis and build a brighter future. Onward, to the next 50 years!”
