The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) enthusiastically applauded the passage of Oregon’s Senate Bill 1547-B, signed into law today by Gov. Kate Brown, and congratulated all of the groups that collaborated to get this landmark legislation across the finish line.
“A 50 percent renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a huge win for Oregonians and solar power is going to be key in making this win a reality,” said Sean Gallagher, SEIA’s vice president of state affairs. “Oregon is sending a strong message to the rest of the nation that it’s time to replace dirty energy with clean, reliable, affordable 21st century solutions, like solar. This is a significant milestone toward addressing Oregon’s climate goals and we applaud Gov. Brown and every legislative and community leader involved in setting the state on this successful path to a cleaner future.”
“Oregon has declared coal persona non grata,” noted Jeff Bissonnette, executive director of OSEIA, the state’s solar trade association. “Building on a massive base of public support, our future lies with solar and other clean energy resources.”
Today there are nearly 150 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Oregon, employing more than 3,000 people, representing manufacturers, contractors, project developers, distributors and installers.
What’s more, from an environmental perspective, solar installations in Oregon are helping to offset more than 105,000 metric tons of harmful carbon emissions a year, which is the equivalent of removing more than 22,000 cars off the state’s roads and highways, or not consuming 11.8 million gallons of gasoline.