OregonOregon lets some renewable projects use local siting approval
Since June 5, 2026, eligible renewable energy developers may use local approval without a state site certificate if they meet federal tax credit rules.
What it does
Solar, wind, geothermal, and marine energy projects may proceed without a state site certificate if they receive local approval and meet the federal tax credit rules.
A developer or local government may choose state siting review for certain smaller wind and solar projects, related power lines, and battery storage.
Argument forEligible renewable projects could avoid a state site certificate by receiving local approval and meeting the federal tax credit and timing rules.
Argument againstDevelopers may miss the exemption if they cannot meet the local application deadline or place the project in service by the allowed date.
More detail
Eligible renewable energy facilities may proceed without a state site certificate. This applies to facilities powered only by solar, wind, geothermal, or marine energy. The developer must notify the local government and the Energy Facility Siting Council that construction began in a way that qualifies for a specified federal tax credit. The developer must apply for local approval by December 31, 2028. The facility must be in service by December 31, 2030, unless federal rules allow a later date while it still qualifies for the specified tax credit.
A developer or local government may choose state siting review for certain facilities. This applies to wind power plants under 100 megawatts, related transmission lines and battery storage, and certain solar facilities. The local government must consult the developer before choosing state review. Its choice is final, and it cannot choose after a permit application has been submitted. A local government must choose state review before a permit application is submitted.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 17Chapter 12, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.Latest
- Mar 5Governor Tina Kotek signed.Became Law
- Feb 27President signed.Major
- Feb 26Speaker signed.Major
- Feb 25Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 25Second reading.Minor
- Feb 24Recommendation: Do pass the A-Eng. bill.Minor
- Feb 23Public Hearing and Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 18Public Hearing Cancelled.
- Feb 16Referred to Energy and Environment.Minor
- Feb 16First reading. Referred to President's desk.Minor
- Feb 12Rules suspended. Third reading. Carried by Owens. Passed.Passed House
- Vote recorded Rules suspended. Third reading. Carried by Owens. Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 12Second reading.Minor
- Feb 11Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.Minor
- Feb 10Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out with Amendments. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Climate, Energy, and Environment.Minor
- Feb 2First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Introduced
Environment & Energy