Tina Kotek on Energy & Oil

The relentless march of climate change tests our resolve

State on its way to meet renewable energy goal by 2040

Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources

The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop paying for out-of-state coal power by 2030. It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.

"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of stakeholders came to the table around Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."

Voted YES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Legislative Summary: Repeals sunset on provisions related to low carbon fuel standards. Allows reinstating requirements to comply with low carbon fuel standards. Extends target date for meeting certain emission goals under phased implementation of low carbon fuel standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules for managing and containing costs of compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Prohibits fuels that contain biodiesel from being considered alternative fuels unless certain standards are met. Adds certain exemptions to low carbon fuel standards. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards

• Automatic commercial ice cube machines must have daily energy use & water use no greater than state-determined applicable values.
• Commercial clothes washers must have a minimum modified energy factor of 1.26.
• Commercial refrigerators or freezers must meet the applicable state requirements.
• Illuminated exit signs must have an input power demand of five watts or less per illuminated face.
• Metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts may not contain a probe-start metal halide lamp ballast.
• Torchieres may not use more than 190 watts.

Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction

• Provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovation of public buildings are must contain at least 1.5% of total contract price for inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology.
• Requires State Department of Energy to report in 2009 and 2011 on use of solar energy technology in construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings.