HB3166 Energy efficiency rebates and one-stop shop at ODoE

Alan R.P. Journet Ph.D.
Cofacilitator
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
alan@socan.eco
541-500-2331
February 22^nd 2023

Reference HB3166

Chair Marsh and members of the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment:

I write as cofacilitator of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN), an organization of over 2,000 rural Southern Oregonians who are concerned about the climate crisis and urge statewide action to address it. The mission of SOCAN is to promote awareness and understanding of the science of global warming and its climate chaos consequences and stimulate individual and collective action to address it. Since rural Oregonians occupy the frontlines in experiencing the impact of the drought, shrinking snowpack, wildfires and extreme weather that the climate crisis imposes, we are strongly committed to statewide action that supports our efforts.

We know that residential and commercial buildings contribute substantially to the greenhouse gas emissions of the state. This means that any step the state can take to promote energy efficiency in our buildings will help the state achieve emissions reductions. Efforts to take advantage of federal funds to offer Oregonians rebates for the purchase of energy efficient appliances, as described in HB3166 comprises a positive step forward that should not dent the state Treasury.

Those of us on the frontlines of combatting the climate crisis know that there exists a morass of programs that provide Oregonians with rebates, tax credits or other incentives to make climate conscious decisions. We also know that finessing one’s way through this morass is daunting and time-consuming. The concept of assigning a state agency the task of making this effort easier will encourage more Oregonians to consider energy efficiency in their domestic appliance, remodeling, or construction choices.

For these reasons Southern Oregon Climate Action Now urges passage of HB 3166

Respectfully Submitted

Alan Journet