State of Oregon: Energy in Oregon - Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Oregon Department of Energy partners with other Oregon state agencies to develop policy options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ODOE provides leadership on greenhouse gas strategies as the agency tracking and analyzing energy use and resources in Oregon.

We help compile data on greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, and produce a forecast of future emissions. Using the forecast, we can assess the effectiveness of current and potential programs and strategies to meet the state's reduction goals.

ODOE also provides technical assistance for greenhouse gas planning and mitigation programs in other state agencies, cities, and counties. Our work helps Oregon families and businesses access unbiased data and analysis and strategies for emissions reduction.

Executive Order 20-04

In March 2020, Governor Brown signed EO 20-04, directing State of Oregon agencies to take action to reduce and regulate greenhouse gas emissions toward meeting reduction goals of at least 45 percent below 1990 emissions levels by 2035 and at least 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In addition to the general directives for all agencies in the EO, ODOE will do its part to help Oregon achieve our emissions reduction goals:

Energy Efficiency Standards. ODOE is tasked with specific direction to pursue emissions reductions by establishing and updating standards for products at least to levels equivalent to the most stringent standards among West Coast jurisdictions. We will also work to periodically update the standards to keep them stringent. The directive builds on work ODOE has already been doing to establish appliance standards. ODOE launched a rulemaking process to establish new rules for energy efficient products by September 1, 2020.
Building Codes. ODOE will work with the Building Codes Division to adopt building efficiency goals for 2030 for new residential and commercial construction. We will also work with BCD to report on current progress toward achieving a goal of at least 60 percent reduction in new building annual site energy consumption, and we'll work together to agree on metrics to inform the baseline and reduction associated with code updates. ODOE is hosting stakeholder panel meetings to discuss this work.
Transportation. ODOE will work with the Oregon Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, other state agencies, and utilities to conduct a statewide transportation electrification infrastructure needs analysis to support transportation electrification goals. Visit Oregon's Transportation Emissions Website.

Read our complete May 2020 EO 20-04 Implementation Report.

Other Oregon Actions for Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Oregon is taking a number of specific actions (see below) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Your actions can also make a difference. Even small changes, like installing more energy efficient devices, improving insulation, or investing in renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential and commercial sectors.

A Dedicated Oregon Global Warming Commission

Setting Greenhouse Gas Targets (ORS 468A)

Preparing For & Adapting to Climate Change

Requiring Emissions Reporting

Assessing & Understanding Effects of Climate Change (Oregon Climate Change Research Institute)

Moving Toward Low-Carbon Fuel

Implementing the Oregon Sustainable Transportation Initiative

Regulating Vehicle Emissions

Completing Greenhouse Gas Inventories

Regulating Energy Facilities

Reducing Overall Waste

Resources