SB 5518
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the State Department of Energy for certain biennial expenses.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon Department of Administrative Services)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
86%
Oppose
14%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allocates funds from the state’s general fund to the State Department of Energy for the upcoming two-year period (biennium). It specifies particular amounts for various departmental activities, including energy planning, development services, and nuclear safety. The bill also sets maximum limits on spending from fees and other revenues, as well as federal funds, while excluding lottery and federal funds.
Key provisions
- Allocates $10,441,447 to energy planning and innovation.
- Allocates $4,250,388 to energy development services.
- Allocates $179,870 to nuclear safety and emergency response.
- Allocates $979,574 to administrative services.
- Establishes a maximum limit of $105,948,313 for expenses paid from fees and other revenues.
- Establishes a maximum limit of $79,074,786 for expenses paid from federal funds.
- Excludes certain expenditures, including loans for small-scale energy projects and debt service, from spending limits.
- Declares an emergency, allowing the bill to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- State Department of Energy
- Oregon taxpayers
- Residents of Oregon
- Energy sector
- State government
Notable changes
- Sets specific funding amounts for various departmental programs.
- Establishes maximum spending limits from fees and other revenues.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the proposed budget for the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) urge increased funding to maintain critical energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate program, which has successfully expanded access to clean energy across the state, is particularly emphasized as a vital tool in bridging financial gaps and generating well-paying jobs. Advocates also highlight the importance of addressing climate change vulnerabilities through increased access to solar and storage incentives for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on low- and moderate-income households. Furthermore, supporters emphasize the need to invest in energy-efficient solutions such as heat pumps, particularly for rural Oregonians and vulnerable residents, to address extreme weather events and rising energy prices, promoting a safe and equitable transition to renewable electricity.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed legislation express concerns that the increased Energy Supplier Assessment (ESA) tax of 18% would have a significant impact on customer affordability and utility rates. They argue that this increase, as well as the lack of spending limits for certain functions in section 4, would lead to an unsustainable financial burden on customers and potentially compromise critical utility services. Additionally, some that the ESA tax increase would unfairly penalize low-income households and small businesses, exacerbating existing economic disparities.