Oregon Governor Accelerates Clean Energy Project Permitting

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued an executive order aimed at expediting clean energy project permitting, a move designed to address climate change and enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity.

The directive calls on over a dozen state agencies to collaborate and develop strategies that will lead to policy proposals for the Oregon Legislature to consider in 2027. Kotek’s goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and 90% by 2050, in line with a previous executive order from former Governor Kate Brown.

Agencies must provide quarterly updates on their progress. Kotek has emphasized the urgency of fast-tracking project permitting processes, particularly to take advantage of federal tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, which require wind and solar projects to be completed by the end of 2027 to qualify for up to a 50% tax credit.

The Oregon Energy Strategy will guide the development of policies prioritizing solar, wind, geothermal, and wave energy projects, along with energy storage and efficiency measures. This includes financial incentives to support the transition from gas-powered vehicles and appliances to electric alternatives.

Kotek is also focused on reforming project siting and permitting to accelerate the needed upgrades to the electrical grid and transmission corridors. A recent investigation by Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica highlighted that the Northwest has fallen behind in integrating renewable energy sources due to outdated grid management by the Bonneville Power Administration.

Governor Kotek has expressed her intent to push BPA for necessary grid enhancements. The state aims to add 8 gigawatts of energy storage by 2045, with nearly 7 gigawatts already planned, enough to power approximately 5.8 million homes.

The collaboration between the Department of Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission will ensure that revenue from the Clean Fuels Program is invested strategically, particularly in transportation electrification in underserved communities.

Kotek’s administration is also targeting a 50% reduction in carbon intensity of fuels by 2040, which involves transitioning to biofuels and other lower-carbon alternatives. Additionally, the Department of Administrative Services is tasked with acquiring zero-emission vehicles for state agencies, with annual reporting on any new combustion-engine vehicle purchases.

The Department of Land Conservation and Development will explore opportunities to amend state land planning goals to support clean energy development. Despite facing budget challenges, Kotek is urging agencies to leverage existing resources while identifying future funding needs for the next budget cycle.

This comprehensive approach represents a significant step toward advancing Oregon’s clean energy initiatives and fulfilling its climate commitments, as reported by Alex Baumhardt in the Oregon Capital Chronicle.