Oregon Solar + Storage Energy Conference 2024

Over 50% of Oregon is federal land, mostly administered by the U.S. Forest Service or ‎the Bureau of Land Management. Within those lands are many high-potential solar sites. This ‎panel will explore emerging issues in the siting process on federal lands with perspective from ‎practitioners, administrators, and developers.‎ Panel to include: Sara Sayles, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. - moderator.‎ Max Yoklic, NewSun – Discuss experience in/desire to engage in solar permitting on federal lands, advantages, and disadvantages.‎ Jeremy Thompson, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Discuss context of BLM Public Lands Rule based on steering committee experience, recognizing conservation of wildlife as an ‎essential component of public lands management, and making it work for solar.‎ Lawson Fite, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. – Discuss implications of BLM Public ‎Lands Rule and legal challenges to it, provide ‎‎an overview of potential changes to process due to Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and its ‎effect on agency deference previously analyzed under Chevron, and touch on NEPA issues as appropriate.‎‎

Stories about bad solar practices are popping up around the country and harming the reputation of the solar industry.  Oregon has opportunities in the coming year to strengthen consumer protection measures - come hear about current concepts and join the discussion.

There are unique programs and funding opportunities available to agricultural producers and rural businesses looking to go solar. This session will explore the USDA Rural Energy for America Program, a grant and loan program that can cover up to 50% of the cost of a renewable energy project. We’ll cover best practices for identifying viable projects and submitting competitive grant applications. The panel will also share available technical assistance for pre-development and grant-writing support.

Oregon's 2025 Legislative Session is fast approaching!  Hear from Rep. John Lively, the new chair of the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee discuss upcoming Oregon legislation and Charlie Thompson from Northwest Energy Coalition discuss Washington Legislative priorities.  We'll talk incentives, consumer protection, land use, and much more!

It's been two years since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the wage, apprenticeship and domestic content requirements are now in effect.  Come learn how these new requirements are being put into practice.

Customer demand for battery storage is way up but financial barriers still exist.  What storage incentives are working around the country? What policies need to be in place to accelerate deployment?

In the spring of 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced $86.6 million in federal funding to support solar installations that provide benefits to low-income households and disadvantaged communities in Oregon. The grant, awarded to Oregon Department of Energy, in partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon and Bonneville Environmental Foundation, will be used to provide increased financial incentives for low-income single-family, multifamily and community solar projects. Funds will also be made available for workforce development. This session will provide an overview of Solar for All activities to date and provide a preview of planning and program development activities to be completed in 2025.

Solar companies are facing increasing difficulty securing liability insurance.  Come learn what the concerns are and possible solutions.

The fight to save net metering has come to Oregon, with Idaho Power cutting their program and PGE drafting proposals to follow suit.  Come learn about the new Save Oregon Solar Coalition and how we can work together to protect this critical solar program.