In Oregon, John (Policy Manager) and Eriq (Tribal Projects Manager) made a trip to Eugene to connect with Oregon partners at the Building Our Power event, convened by Oregon Department of Energy and Coalition of Communities of Color. We discussed how to protect and make the most of federal resources, as well as how to support one another in our work for energy justice during trying times.
PROGRESS FOR MICROGRIDS
As members of the Making Energy Work coalition, we’re proud to share that House Bills 2065 and 2066 have both made tremendous hurdles—passing out of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources last Wednesday (6/11) and the full Joint Ways and Means committee earlier this week (6/17) with resounding bipartisan support.
We’re grateful for the leadership of Sustainable Northwest, as well as the support of the committee members. HB 2065 creates a clear pathway for communities to develop, own, and operate microgrids, and HB 2066 speeds up the process of getting everything connected and operational. Both are essential for a climate resilient future. Here’s a great 1-minute video about microgrids for more information.
TWO ACTION OPPORTUNITIES
The Oregon Department of Energy’s popular Solar + Storage Rebate Program—which has a generous carveout for low and moderate-income recipients—is out of money. The legislature has the power to replenish funds—and legislators need to hear from all of us. Spark Northwest and our community partners are huge fans of this program, which helped bring fully-funded rooftop solar to members of the Proud Ground Community Land Trust.
How you can help in two quick steps!
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Find out here who your legislators are and how to reach them.
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Give one of them a call or send an email—no need for complicated messaging! It can be as simple as, “My name is _____, I’m a constituent, and I want everyone to have access to solar energy – please continue to fund the Oregon Department of Energy’s Solar + Storage Rebate Program.”
Lastly, the Building Resilience coalition’s SB 88 (Get the Junk Out of Rates) could also use your help—and you can support the bill here.
