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The Oregon Energy History Timeline

EXPLORE THE INTERACTIVE TIMELINE TOOL

The Oregon Department of Energy first introduced an Energy History Timeline in the 2020 edition of this Biennial Energy Report. It aimed to show how Oregon’s energy systems have evolved over time, from harnessing the state’s various natural resources to human events like technology development and energy crises. The timeline also shared events that significantly affected Oregon’s Tribes – the original inhabitants of this state. Among the many events along the timeline are actions and policy choices that Oregon’s leaders and citizens have made in response to changing times, like stronger clean energy policies or a focus on electric vehicle adoption.

In 2022, the agency evolved the timeline to create an interactive online tool and experience. The ODOE team collected dozens of photographs, stories, videos, and more to create an insightful and informative journey through Oregon’s energy history and present. The interactive tool is composed of five layered timelines: Energy Technology & Innovation, Energy Policy, Diverse Energy Contributors, Oregon Department of Energy history, and a main events timeline. Each one showcases points in time that have shaped Oregon’s energy landscape and the way we live today.

ODOE has added additional milestones from the last two years for the 2026 Biennial Energy Report, including new ODOE work like the Oregon Energy Strategy, policies like a natural and working lands carbon sequestration goal, and new legislation, like the FAIR (Fairness & Affordability in Residential Energy) Act.

Timeline Navigation Tips: Categories and View Type

  • You can drag the date bar on the bottom of the timeline to move forward and backward in time.

  • Each event will have a “More” button towards the bottom of the box. Inside each event will be more information, photos, links, video, and/or audio clips. You can find this media at the top left of the event box.

  • There are two white circles/buttons near the bottom. The 3D button on the bottom left side will change views from 2D to 3D. The wrench icon button on the bottom right side will pull up a box with options to change view styles, see sub-timelines, search, zoom, and more.

Timeline Navigation Tips: Events
As you explore events, be sure to check for multimedia and links. Notice the left side of the Grand Coulee Dam event. There are multiple images to view. Events may have video or audio features, like the Woody Guthrie entry that will play songs from the “Columbia River Songbook”.

Be sure to visit often – we plan to add new media and events regularly.

A special thank you and credit to these individuals who gave their time and knowledge to ensure the accuracy and usability of the interactive timeline.

  • David G. Lewis, PhD, Assistant professor of Anthropology and Ethnic studies OSU, Member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

  • Jeff Hammarlund, Adjunct Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Portland State University

  • Jerry Curry, Reference Librarian, State Library of Oregon, Government Information and Library Services

  • Bridget Callahan, Senior Energy Program Manager, Sustainable Northwest