Passing a new law is only the first step toward a clean energy future. At Climate Solutions, we stay at the table long after a bill is signed to ensure Oregon’s latest energy policies are turned into real, tangible progress for Oregonians. Our latest blog post explores how we're working with partners and state agencies to build a modern power grid that is affordable, resilient, and fair for everyone.

As the resident Boricua on the Climate Solutions staff, I’m going to have to talk about that Super Bowl halftime show! At our energy-focused organization, all my coworkers were giddy about the spotlight on energy infrastructure; I would be giddy with them if it weren’t for the failure it represented.

Oregon can make our energy grid stronger and more affordable by using virtual power plants to coordinate local tools like home batteries and smart appliances. These smart solutions help lower energy costs for everyone while creating good local jobs in our communities.

Electricity demand is on the rise. And it's clear that the best way to have a reliable, affordable electricity system is to speed up deployment of clean energy, transmission infratructure, and grid modernization. Clean energy is affordable, reliable energy. Delay is the greatest risk we face.

Announcing Oregon’s 2026 legislative short session priorities, which aim to double down on climate action that lowers household energy costs, addresses financing gaps left by federal funding cuts, grows the economy, and strengthens community resilience.

The grid is the ‘superhighway’ on which electricity travels. It is a vast network of transmission lines and infrastructure that delivers the electricity we need to power our daily lives (i.e., our homes, businesses, and industrial sites). The grid is crucial for maintaining reliable and affordable power for Oregonians. Importantly, the grid must also evolve to accommodate our state’s clean energy transition and to serve our growing population and economy. Two recently passed pieces of legislation will help modernize the grid, relieving congestion and streamlining permitting of new transmission lines.

Last week, Governor Kotek signed two bills into law, HB 2065 and HB 2066, which will create a process for developing community-owned microgrids. Microgrids are a key part of Oregon’s decarbonization and energy resiliency goals. But their development has been hampered by technical and regulatory challenges. What are microgrids, why has building them been challenging, and how does this legislation help?

Oregon’s 2025 legislative session delivered mixed results for climate progress. Sound familiar? That’s because this is the second year in a row that Oregon lawmakers fell short of delivering the bold investments and climate action this moment demands. While we secured hard-fought wins and defended against serious threats that would unwind existing progress, this was far from a banner year for climate action in Oregon. Still, this session laid important groundwork, and we have a clear call to action for the road ahead.

To achieve Oregon’s 100% clean energy goals reliably and affordably, we need to address our transmission bottleneck. Through innovative policy solutions, the 2025 Legislature can help meet the energy demands of our growing economy without compromising affordability.

We’re officially over halfway through Oregon’s 2025 legislative session. Here’s the inside scoop on dynamics at the Capitol, the status of key clean energy and climate priorities, and how you can help keep the momentum going.