SB 1526
Requires the State Department of Energy to apply for grant moneys from the State Agency Program Fund to cover the costs and expenses of carrying out pre-startup activities and forming a nonprofit entity.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Senate Interim Committee on Energy and Environment)
Committee
Ways and Means
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
73%
Oppose
27%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 1526 directs the Oregon Department of Energy to apply for grant funding from the State Agency Program Fund and potentially other sources to support the creation of a new nonprofit entity. This entity will focus on financing clean energy and resilience projects, particularly in underserved communities. The bill establishes a founding board with specific expertise and diverse representation to oversee the nonprofit’s operations and reporting requirements.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Senate Interim Committee on Energy and Environment
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of Senate Bill 1526 generally agree that the proposal is crucial for accelerating clean energy solutions in Oregon, addressing the impact of federal rollbacks on the state's progress and affordability. The bill aims to create a new tool for affordable and accessible long-term financing for clean energy and resilience projects, which would enable Tribal enterprises to compete for and deliver major infrastructure and energy projects, promote healthy homes, and support local workforce development. Proponents also emphasize the need for public sector funding to support low-carbon and renewable hydrogen projects, as well as independent funds to provide capital for building owners and communities, in order to achieve Oregon's energy goals and create jobs and economic development opportunities.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of SB 1526 express concerns that taxpayer-funded startup costs for utilities may be passed on to ratepayers, raising questions about the need for public financing. They also worry that duplicating efforts and funding for a new organization could lead to inefficiencies and difficulties in shutting down state-sponsored entities once their missions are fulfilled. Furthermore, opponents argue that the bill's focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) could limit federal funding opportunities, potentially hindering project completion and favoring competing interests between the Oregon Department of Energy and non-profit organizations.
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