Jul 9th 2021 | Posted in Energy by Government Contracting Pipeline

Oregon – A deadly record-breaking heat wave, wildfires, and power outages spurred the Oregon Legislature to pass HB 2021 to support renewable energy and resiliency projects by establishing a clean energy standard. The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Oregon State Capitol

The legislation appropriates $50 million to the Community Renewable Investment Fund for the Oregon Department of Energy to provide grants for eligible community renewable energy projects. Demand response measures as well as microgrids, storage systems, and other energy-related infrastructure qualify for funding as community-based renewable energy projects.

In addition, the measure requires certain retail electricity providers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity sold to Oregon consumers by 100 percent (80 percent by 2030, 90 percent by 2035, and 100 percent by 2040). As part of this requirement, each company needs to develop a plan to meet its targets and submit the plan to the Public Utility Commission.