Daniel Scotton
Executive Director
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
February 19th, 2026

Testimony supporting HB 4029

Dear Chair Sollman, Vice-Chair Brock Smith, and Members of the Committee,

My name is Daniel Scotton, Executive Director of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN), a grassroots organization composed of Southern Oregonians who are concerned about the climate crisis and encourage state action to address it. I offer this testimony in support of HB 4029.

HB 4029 is, at its core, a consumer protection bill.

When companies use aggressive or deceptive tactics to drive rapid expansion, it is Oregon homeowners who are left bearing the consequences. Often these manifest as high-interest contracts, incomplete installations, or companies that disappear as quickly as they arrived.

Here in Southern Oregon, between 2022 and 2024, we saw a rapid surge of new solar companies entering the market, sometimes one seemingly every month, only to close their doors just as quickly. This created confusion, financial harm, and, most damagingly, a loss of public trust. The problem became significant enough that the Energy Trust of Oregon created a dedicated webpage outlining common solar scams, noting that, “the popularity of solar has attracted some aggressive sales companies that can mislead homeowners into signing expensive or high-interest contracts.” When SOCAN hosted a solar energy conversation last summer, the number one question from audience members was, “how do I know who to trust?” This type of response demonstrates how harmful, and how widespread these practices have become.

Federal agencies have identified similar patterns nationwide. In a complaint filed by the Federal Trade Commission against SolarXchange, investigators described telemarketing agents falsely telling consumers they were affiliated with an electric utility company or government entity in order to gain credibility and close sales. 

When well-intentioned homeowners are misled, it creates a chilling effect. Projects are delayed. Reputable installers are forced to compete with actors who cut corners or misrepresent their affiliations.

HB 4029 addresses these vulnerabilities directly. By strengthening standards and making violations enforceable under Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act, this bill provides meaningful protections for consumers while giving regulators the tools necessary to hold bad actors accountable.

The climate benefits of HB 4029 are indirect – but important. Oregon’s clean energy transition depends on long-term public trust. By improving transparency, raising professional standards, providing enforceability, and stabilizing the marketplace, this legislation strengthens the integrity of our distributed solar sector. A trustworthy market accelerates adoption. Responsible growth ensures climate solutions remain durable and equitable.

For these reasons, we urge the committee to support HB 4029. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Daniel Scotton
Ashland
Director@socan.eco

Federal Trade Commission, Complaint For Permanent Injunction, Monetary Relief, and Other Relief, filed July 14, 2023, https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/20230714FiledComplaint.pdf

Energy Trust of Oregon, “Beware of Solar Scams,” accessed February 19, 2026, https://www.energytrust.org/solar-storage/beware-of-solar-scams/