March 15, 2016 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Oregon Enacts Historic Bill Phasing Out Coal by 2030

Oregon is already a state known for firsts when it comes to protecting the environment and advancing a sustainable agenda in public policy and governance. This month, Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown became the first state governor to sign into law a bill effectively phasing out coal in the state’s energy production. Oregon doesn’t use much coal currently, with more than seventy percent of the state’s electricity produced by conventional hydroelectric.

The state’s two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power and Light, reportedly afraid that a ballot measure campaign could strip them of the ability to use any coal to support the state’s energy needs, reached a compromise with environmental concerns and the state’s lawmakers. The bill will phase out all coal by 2030 and replace the coal with additional renewable capacity from both solar and other renewable energy sources.

A Commitment for the Future

In addition to the provisions that eliminate the use of coal by 2030, the bill also calls for the state’s two largest power companies to derive at least half of the power from renewable resources by 2040. Oregon currently gets a small percentage of its energy from solar or wind energy, and a near negligible amount from biofuels.

But investment in solar and other renewables has been growing in the state, due in part to already existing legislation that calls for the state to get at least twenty-five percent of its energy from renewable resources by the year 2020.

A Small State With a Big Reach

Though the legislation was opposed by Oregon Republicans based on the fear that it would cause an increase in utility bills, support from Oregon Democrats, environmental groups, and the state’s two largest utilities made for a clear path to the Governor’s desk.

Environmental groups are pleased with the signing of the legislation, hoping that other states will follow Oregon’s lead (as they have in other environmental matters) and enact similar laws. Oregon is a relatively large state with a relatively small population. Similar legislation in a state with a larger population would have a much greater positive impact.

Solar May Be Poised to Reap the Greatest Benefits

Oregon has seen a greater investment in solar energy as increased efficiency in some climates along with state incentives like net metering and tax credits have driven greater residential solar adoption.

With the state requiring a sustainable replacement for coal and an increase to fifty percent sustainable energy in the near future, solar manufacturing and installation companies seem to stand to gain the most. Well, them and the environment.

[Photo via: Wikipedia]

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