The signing ceremony for SB 838, which brings to Oregon the most aggressive renewable energy standard in the country, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at 9:15 am in the Governor’s office.  This is by far the most significant environmental legislation in decades to reach the Governor’s desk, so feel free to come to Salem to witness history.

And the renewable energy bills keep on rolling.  HB 2620 passed the House for concurrence on Thursday and is now headed to the Governor for signing.  Helping promote renewable solar power, HB 2620 provides that public improvement contracts for construction or major renovations of public buildings appropriate at least 1.5 percent of the total contract price for solar energy technology.

SB 375 which establishes minimum efficiency standards for a number of additional home and commercial appliances is among a long list of bills that are waiting for a vote on the House floor. Once it has passed the House, it will then need to go back to the Senate for concurrence.

Last week we reported that HB 2876 was out of Ways and Means and headed to the Senate floor.  Unfortunately, it is still in Ways and Means and we are hoping it comes out soon. HB 2876 requires the Department of Energy to reduce energy consumption in existing public buildings by 20% by 2015 and requires new building projects incorporate energy efficient designs.

Another bill that we are hoping is not stuck in Ways and Means is SB 576, which requires that major facility projects be planned, designed, constructed and renovated to meet sustainable building standards.  As we mentioned last week, the fiscal impact has been removed, so it should come out of Ways and Means soon, but at this point in the game nothing is certain.

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