June 2024 Newsletter

Join our team! Keep an eye on ODOE's website for open recruitments and please share with your networks.

We expect ODOE's Rental Home Heat Pump Program to reopen for reservations on July 23. The Oregon Legislature allocated an additional $4 million to the program during the 2024 legislative session. Please sign up to receive program emails to receive updates.

ODOE held an open house on June 3 to provide an update on the development of the Oregon Energy Strategy. If you missed it, a recording of the meeting is available on our website. We expect to host many public engagement opportunities on the Energy Strategy this summer, so please stay tuned on our website and sign up for email updates.

ODOE Senior Policy Analyst Rob Del Mar was pleased to join Fox 12 Oregon for a live-stream interview on June 20 to discuss geothermal potential in Oregon. Check it out.

In case you missed it, the Oregon Climate Action Commission is seeking new members. Learn more about the commission and how to apply on the commission's website.

Applications for ODOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program are due July 8, 2024. Eligible applicants include Oregon local governments, and the funds will support projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, lower energy use, improve efficiency, and build a clean and equitable energy economy. Learn more on our blog!

ODOE was proud to sponsor the Coalition of Communities of Color's Summer Soiree on May 31. A few ODOE staff attended the event and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with community members and learn more about the coalition 's work.

ODOE also sponsored the Lake County Resources Initiative's 2024 Oregon Rural Energy Networkworkshopat PLAYA. ODOE Energy Analyst Tom Elliott and RARE Member Alice Weston attended the workshop, which focuses on strengthening relationships in support of rural and agricultural small businesses.

On May 30, a new Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force focused on leveraging the historic federal investments in climate action and clean energy met for the first time. ODOE Director Janine Benner is excited to be a part of the task force, which is led by Governor Kotek, Senator Wyden, Representative Bonamici, and other public and private partners. Learn more in Governor Kotek's May press release.

ODOE extends our congratulations to Chris Green, newly named President of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association. ODOE Director Janine Benner serves as Vice-Chair of the PNWH2 Board, and Oregon looks forward to continuing our partnership with the association to bring clean hydrogen to the region. Learn more.

SenateBill 15​25 (2024) adjusted statute to allow standby generators over 25 megawatts to connect to the grid to provide emergency dispatchable power without obtaining a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council. In the bill, public utilities are required to report to ODOE on the operation of such generators each year. Received reports are available on ODOE's website.

Great news from our friends at the Oregon Department of Transportation: the agency opened its first round of grant funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which funds a nationwide network of DC fast chargers for electric vehicles. Learn more on Go Electric Oregon.

As ODOE's new Building Performance Standards Program gets up and running, the agency is hosting public meetings as administrative rules are developed. Learn more and see upcoming meeting dates on our website.

Did you know ODOE's Energy Facility Siting Team is currently reviewing more than 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.

ODOE has several incentive programs up and running. Learn more about our energy incentives on ODOE's website.