State policy is a critical vehicle for progress towards clean and affordable energy.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 8, members of the Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment will vote on House Bills 2065 and 2066, both of which will support community-led microgrid projects. Community microgrids can make energy cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable —especially for Oregonians most affected by extreme weather. Partners on the ground in Salem, including the Making Energy Work coalition, are reporting ongoing enthusiasm from Democrats and Republicans alike. We are encouraged to see folks coming together in support of common-sense resources like affordable and resilient energy. Our policy manager will be in Salem for an upcoming lobby day, and we look forward to sharing updates as these bills move forward.
In Washington, though the state budget deficit is a short-term hurdle, we have built durable coalitions to support Tribal energy capacity, a weatherization innovation pilot, and heat pumps for renters. As members of the Shift Zero Alliance, we are also requesting continued funding for Washington’s existing Weatherization Plus Health and Home Electric Appliance Rebates (HEAR) programs. Each of these programs provides critical efficiency and electrification support for low-income Washingtonians. This year we are pushing the state budget writers to strengthen their commitment as follows:
Weatherization Plus Health: House proposes $36M, Senate proposes $40M, Shift Zero Alliance recommends $41M.
HEAR: House and Senate each propose $30M, Shift Zero Alliance is encouraging an increase to $130M.
Despite the federal setbacks, Pacific Northwest allies, advocates, and elected champions are staying the course for an equitable clean energy future.
