[Coalition statement] Oregon Lawmakers released their final budget bill today and have come up short in addressing the pressing need for more resilience against climate-fueled disasters and a transition to clean energy that community members demanded this year.
“The lack of action is difficult to comprehend in the face of record temperatures set every year, which threaten the health and lives of community members. Meanwhile, Oregon’s utility bills have skyrocketed by 50% in the last five years.” Eliza Walton, Oregon League of Conservation Voters’ Coalition Director, said, “More frequent wildfires and smog threaten the air quality. The inaction of lawmakers is leaving Oregonians, in particular, low-income and rural Oregonians, vulnerable during extreme weather events.”
In the last several years, Oregon’s legislature has passed the most equitable legislation in state history to help Oregon families access more affordable, cleaner energy sources to lower utility bills, better prepare for and respond to extreme weather, and breathe cleaner, safer air. The failure to reinvest in these existing programs means Oregon risks an enormous backslide, especially at a moment when the federal government is slashing critical funding and protections that threaten health and affordability for Oregon households and small businesses.
Rental Home Heat Pump Program and Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (Oregon Dept. of Energy)
Advocates request: Rental $30M, Community $15M
Legislative budget includes: $0
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat and cool a home, often saving homeowners 30-40% on their utility bills over less efficient systems. A heat pump installation can range between $6,000 up to $25,000. Many Oregonians are currently rent and energy-burdened, which is why lawmakers needed to reinvest money in the Rental Home Heat Pump Program and Community Heat Pump Deployment Programs, which both successfully spent down all previous investments.
“Too often, Oregon’s most vulnerable communities are forced to decide if they can afford to turn on their heating and cooling units. During extreme heat events, this can have vastly dangerous health outcomes,” said Cheyenne Holliday, Verde Advocacy Manager. “Heat pump programs in Portland have helped many Portlanders not have to make these life-threatening decisions, and we need Oregon lawmakers to invest in heat pump programs across the state.”
Community Renewable Energy Program (ODOE)
Advocates and Governor Kotek request: $25M
Legislative budget includes: $0
This is Oregon’s only major fund for community-scale projects, such as microgrids and solar plus storage, with a focus on resilience for Tribes and rural municipalities.
“If Oregon is serious about achieving our pollution reduction and climate resilience goals, while ensuring no communities are left behind in a just transition, we need to keep funding programs like the Community Renewable Energy Program. We need money from the state, especially knowing there is no Federal funding coming,” said Ben Brint, Senior Climate Program Director at the Oregon Environmental Council. “This is a choice to push us from a green and just future to a status quo of inaction and injustice.”
Community Resilience Hubs (ODHS)
Advocates request: $10M
Legislative budget includes: $0
Community Resilience Hubs offer warming and cooling stations during extreme heat events and provide a safe haven from hazardous air quality. A vast network of resilience hubs is needed across the state, but the program has remained significantly underfunded.
“It’s been four years since the Oregon heat dome killed 100 Oregonians. When it happens again, will we be ready?” asked Joel Iboa, executive director of the Oregon Just Transition Alliance. “As utility bills spike and heat waves, wildfires, and extreme weather grow more intense, Oregonians need action. Lawmakers must fund Community Resilience Hubs to help Oregonians prepare for extreme weather before the next deadly event.”
Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB)
Advocates and Governor Kotek request: $5M
Legislative budget includes: $0
Supports climate-smart land management practices for forestland owners, farmers, and ranchers, boosting resilience and rural economies.
One Stop Shop (ODOE)
Advocates request: $7M
Legislative budget includes: -$200,000
(previously allocated money clawed back by SB 5518)
Oregonians have access to a range of programs that provide relief for the cost of home energy upgrades. The programs are set up in disparate ways, making it difficult for many community members to access all of the most valuable programs for them. A robust One Stop Shop navigation program would break down barriers to ensure Oregonians can access the services they need.
“Oregonians shouldn’t need to spend months researching and connecting with agencies to receive relief on their utility bills or identify a heat pump program that serves their neighborhood,” said Nora Apter, Oregon Director for Climate Solutions. “These programs are supposed to provide relief for the community. We need an active One Stop Shop that relieves the burden to access these services.”
