Renew Oregon Submits a Pair of Ballot Initiatives

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Renew Oregon, a clear energy advocate organization, has submitted a pair of ballot initiatives, Initiative 72 and Initiate 73, designed to create more access for solar power and eliminate coal power from Oregon in the coming years.

The two initiatives contain the same policy to eliminate coal-fired power from Oregon by 2030 and double renewable standards to 50 percent by 2040. Each initiative also has an additional energy policy included.

“It became clear while talking with Oregonians about voting to go coal-free, that there is a lot of excitement about ways to grow the clean energy economy,” said Thomas Wheatley, campaign director for Renew Oregon. “These additional versions of the Clean Energy, Clean Air initiative embrace proven technologies -- like solar power and energy efficiency -- and add those to Oregon’s toolbox, paving the way for even more opportunities for new jobs and energy innovations here.”

Initiative 72 aims to create more access for solar power in Oregon by implementing a “Community Solar Choice Program.” The program allows customers to purchase a piece of a solar array and earn credit on their utility bill of the power their panels produce. The measure would require that 15 percent of any project would be made available to low income residents.

“There are Oregonians who want clean, renewable power, but live in an apartment or on a shaded property,” said Rikki Sequin, State Director for Environment Oregon, a group that has previously loved for Community Solar Choice programs. “This will allow them the option to buy into the clean energy economy and reap the benefits.”

Initiative 73 would ensure that newly constructed homes and buildings waste less energy. It would bring Oregon;s energy efficiency building codes in line with neighboring state such as Washington and California. The initiative would require new buildings in Oregon to be 65 percent more efficient by 2032.