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Climate Emergency

Legislative Report - Week of 5/5

Climate Emergency Team

 

Coordinator: Claudia Keith​

  • Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire

  • Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger

  • Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith

  • Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne

  • CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers

  • Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone 

  • Transportation: Claudia Keith

  • Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking,

  • Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith

  • Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources

Please see Climate Emergency Overview here.

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While the primary focus of the LWVOR Action Committee is on Legislation in Oregon, what is happening at the national level is likely to affect budgeting and other decisions in our state. These climate/energy related Trump admin policy and budget executive orders and congressional caucus requests if implemented would drastically affect : global efforts , UN COP efforts and all fifty states including Oregon’s  (climate related legislation, state agencies and community climate action plans / state statutes / outcomes.


Federal


May 2, 2025: What Trump's budget cuts could mean for the environment and climate change | AP News


May 2, 2025: Trump budget proposes slashes to renewable energy, farms, EPA  | Reuters


May 2, 2025:  38 Republicans call for ‘full repeal’ of Democrats’ energy tax credits | TheHill


Apr 29, 2025: US dismisses all authors of National Climate Assessment, | Reuters 


May 2, 2025: Trump, GOP confront state climate plans on two fronts | Axios 


May 1, 2025 Justice Department sues Hawaii, Michigan, Vermont and New York over state climate actions - OPB


Trump administration, NOAA minimized climate findings of record CO2 growth - CNN


At Bonneville, DOGE cuts are having a ‘compounding effect’ on staffing the grid - Latitude Media


National Science Policy


A number of federal government science policy and budget decisions are and will continue to affect Oregon’s Climate / Carbon Policy Programs. See this resource for UpToDate changes: National Science policy this week: April 28, 2025 - American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG (FYI / Newsletter is an authoritative source for science policy news and analysis trusted by policymakers and scientists nationwide.)


Oregon


Apr 29 2025: “Oregon Climate Action Commission (was OGWC) , press release: Environmental Quality Commission approves delay to Clean Fuels Program CPP deadlines. Related Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Climate Protection Program extensions, The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ODEQ has confirmed that the 2024 annual report deadline for the state's Clean Fuels Program will be delayed until May 30 due to a cyberattack which resulted in an extended outage of the Oregon Fuels Reporting System.”

 

May 1, 2025; Climate advocates push for passage of Energy Affordability and Resilience legislative package – OPB

 

“A coalition of more than 50 climate, environmental and energy affordability groups (including LWVOR) is asking Oregon legislators to pass a handful of bills that aim to lower energy costs and continue funding state programs that provide affordable access to energy efficient heating and cooling systems.


“The Energy Affordability and Resilience legislative package is a compilation of seven bills that seeks to increase accountability, affordability and transparency from utilities.

The bills seek to create more transparency about how rate payer’s funds are spent, revamp when rate increases take effect and prohibit utilities from using ratepayer funding for certain activities like marketing or political activity. They’ve met with a mix of pushback and support from utility companies.


“The package also focuses on keeping afloat energy efficiency state programs that have run out of state funding due to their popularity. ‘The goal is twofold — lower energy bills in the short term while increasing energy efficiency in homes in the long term,’ nonprofit advocacy group Climate Solutions’ Oregon Buildings Policy Manager Claire Prihoda said.


“ ‘It’s an opportunity for the state to take seriously the concerns that Oregonians are raising about cost of living, the cost of energy and the real need, as we’re facing climate disasters, climate change impacts in our communities, to help folks in their homes and in their communities be resilient to climate harms,’ she said. 


“Over the past five years, most Oregonians have seen their energy bills climb by more than 50%. According to Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, a utility watchdog group, in 2024 nearly 70,000 households were disconnected by for-profit utilities for nonpayment. This year, NW Natural is asking for a 7% increase. Since 2021, its customers’ rate has increased 40%.

“‘Folks are struggling under the weight of these rising costs, especially when they’re added to other rising costs across our economy,’ Prihoda said.’They’re also struggling to adjust to harsh extremes in weather and disasters that are being driven by climate change.’


“The bills in the Energy Affordability and Resilience legislative package are:


  • House Bill 3179, the FAIR Energy Act, which moves when rates are increased until after winter, require more disclosure about how ratepayer money is spent, and would require state regulators and utilities to consider how customers are affected when raising rates.

  • Senate Bill 688, Performances Based Ratemaking, updates how rates are set, and tells state regulators to create incentives for utilities to focus on energy efficiency and reliability.

  • House Bill 3546, the POWER Act, would create a new customer category for large industrial users like data centers, so they can be charged for the amount of power they use.

  • Senate Bill 88, Get the Junk Out of Rates, would require utilities to justify their spending, and prohibit them from using ratepayer money for marketing, political and other purposes. Instead, those expenses would have to be paid from the share of rates that companies can otherwise use for profits.

  • House Bill 3081, One Stop Shop 2.0, would expand efforts to create a streamlined page or direct assistance program to help Oregonians know what energy efficiency incentives they qualify for.

  • House Bill 3792, Oregon Energy Assistance Program, would double the amount ratepayers are charged to help low-income customers avoid losing power for nonpayment, a cost of an additional 60 cents per month.

  • House Bill 3170, Community Resilience Hub, would allocate $10 million to the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide grants to create safe spaces for residents during an extreme weather event.


The coalition backing this legislation is also asking for additional funding for two state programs*.” | OPB.


 (* Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in two program Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m, and Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m)


Legislative Environmental Caucus Update


(It is unclear to the League if any of the OCN suggested Climate friendly Transportation topics will be included. Legislature leadership may be considering a minimized stripped-down version as a negotiated compromise with the minority party. )

 

Environmental Caucus Transportation Package Proposal


This year, the Oregon Legislature will be considering a transportation package that will provide ongoing funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation. (ODOT). Emissions from transportation make up over one-third of Oregon's total emissions. This session provides an opportunity for the Legislature to increase access to multi-modal transportation and expand options for all Oregonians to get around without a car. The Environmental Caucus is championing a package that prioritizes transit, safety, and climate accountability. 


  1. Transit services are facing potential service cuts without increased funding. Nearly one third of Oregonians don’t drive, and a majority of Oregonians said they would take transit if it were added or improved in the area where they live. Increased transit improves our transportation system for everyone. It allows for more independence for older Oregonians, reduces road congestion for all users, and improves public health outcomes. The Environmental Caucus is requesting an increase in funding for public transit that will maintain current services levels and increase access to transit statewide.

  2. Funding for safety programs like Safe Routes to School, Great Streets, the jurisdictional transfer program, and Community Paths regularly face demand up to 2-5 times more than the funds that are available. These programs improve safety on Oregon's roads for all types of users, but especially for pedestrians, bikes, micro-mobility, and public transit users. The Environmental Caucus is requesting at least $400 million dedicated to these existing safety programs.

  3. Climate accountability for ODOT projects must be a consideration for any new projects ODOT undertakes. Similar to what states like Colorado and Minnesota have done, the Environmental Caucus is supporting a policy that requires ODOT to model expected changes to greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled for each new project. Any project that increases either of those must mitigate them with alternative transportation or other buildouts. This policy benefits Oregonians by curbing spending on needless expansions and providing the public with information on project impacts. 


Other Caucus Priority Bills


SB 726 requires landfill operators to use advanced monitoring of methane and report their results to DEQ. (refer to NR LR)


Advanced Clean Trucks Testimony


The Department of Environmental Quality is holding another public hearing on the state's adoption of Advanced Clean Trucks rules. Written comment will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7. For some background on the proposed policy, check out this OPB article from earlier this month. 


Additional Environmental Justice Bills

 HB2548: establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony. Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and referred to House Rules. It is unclear why this bill is inactive.


Other Climate Priorities with League Testimony or public Endorsement and Still Alive

By Claudia Keith


Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update

 

 

See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis (The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update.


The Bigger Picture: ASCE's (American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852), Oregon C- grade Infrastructure Report Card.


Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment

 

At this point in the session, it is unclear if SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28  proposed -1 amendment, Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) Senate Joint Resolution -  with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26. The League provided support with comments testimony. The bill is in Senate Rules, so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 amendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. 


Climate Treasury Investment Bills


  • SB 681:  May be still active: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, in Sen F&R, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden.

  • HB 2200  -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. (still in H EMGGV, still awaiting transfer to desk)

  • HB 2966A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM),fiscal: $1.3M ,  League Testimony, Rep Gamba, Senator,Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans.


Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills mentioning Public and Bank have died in committee over the past 16 years. 



Natural and Working Lands



Other Climate Bills


  • HB 2566A: Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects, Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation

  • HB 3365A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, 4/17 passed House 32/23, work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4. House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony ,  NO Fiscal noted, Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald, 

  • SB 688A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $974K fiscal, moved to JWM , League testimony, Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 

  • SB 827A: Solar and Storage Rebate, SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 first reading. referred to H CEE 3/10, PH 4/22 , work session 5/1.

  • HB 3546A, -3 the POWER Act, in Sen E&E , House vote was 4/21. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter.    

  • HB 3189 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV, Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here.

  • SB 1143A : -3, moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization.  

  • HB 3609  work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE,  PH 3/11

  • HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, House vote 51 - 9. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves.


Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes


Senate E&E moves wind facility siting bill.


The committee voted unanimously to move HB 3874-1 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. It would increase the threshold for siting and approval of a wind energy facility at the county level from 50 MW to 100 MW of average electric generating capacity, before the facility must obtain a site certificate from EFSC. Either the county or the developer could elect to defer regulatory authority to EFSC. The committee amendment would state that a county seeking to issue a permit for a facility of the specified size must require the applicant to provide a decommissioning plan to restore the site to a useful, nonhazardous condition. The plan would have to include bonding or other security as financial assurance.

 

By a vote of 26-2 (Linthicum, Robinson), the Senate passed HB 2567 B, modifying the Heat Pump Deployment Program's eligibility criteria, funding distribution, and rebate structures. It would change “EJ” community to “disadvantaged” community; remove the 15% cap on administrative and marketing expenses and allow ODOE to set the cap by rule; provide for an additional incentive of up to $1,000 for contractors who install rental heat pumps in rural or frontier communities, limited to 5% of available funds; and extend the sunset date to 2032. It would provide no additional funds for the rebate program. The Senate amendment to the House engrossed bill (passed unanimously in March) states that if additional funds become available, ODOE may award additional grant moneys to an eligible entity using an existing performance agreement. 


PUC would have to require investor-owned utilities to enter into a 10-year contract with those users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the term of the contract, which could include a charge for excess demand. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them, including for transmission, distribution, and capacity. IOUs would have to mitigate the risks to other customer classes of paying for the utility’s increased load requirements. The bill would apply only to large users that apply for service on or after the effective date of the act, or to existing users that make significant investments or incur costs after the effective date that could result in increased costs or risks to the IOU's other retail electricity consumers.

 

April 22 Senate

 

By a vote of 20-9, the Senate passed SB 685 A, a bill of support on the OCN hot list. It would require a natural gas utility to provide notice to affected customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen that is blended with natural gas so that the ratio of H2 to natural gas exceeds 2.5%. At least 60 days before beginning to blend H2, the utility would have to notify each affected customer and file notice with PUC explaining the reason for the increased amount of H2. The utility would have to maintain information about the blending program on its website and enable customers to communicate with the utility about it. The Senate engrossed bill is scaled back from the introduced bill, which would have prohibited a utility from developing or carrying out a project involving H2 production or use without first obtaining PUC approval.



Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust


Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits, Climate Litigation Updates (April 10, 2025)

 

Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon.


There are no recent press releases from Our Children’s Trust .

 

Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates

 

2025 Climate Risk Review:

No Place to Hide - May 2025

 

 Published by Divest Oregon:

Executive Summary and Praise for Report

(see SB 681) 

 

Addressing the Risk of Climate Change:

A Comparison of US Pension Funds' Net Zero Plans – Jan 2025


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ?  You can help. Volunteers are needed.  The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring.  If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org.  Training will be offered.



Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance, Revenue, Natural Resources, and Social Policy report section



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