Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a bill in Pendleton Wednesday that will create a program providing incentives to those who use solar energy for electricity.
As reported by the East Oregonian, the governor said having more renewable energy represents one way to have a more meaningful impact on renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The law, House Bill 4037, is expected to drive down the cost of solar energy in Oregon and the governor said it will encourage more solar facilities to be built.
Only projects in the state which commence power generation after January 1, 2016 will be able to apply for the incentive.
“We want to make solar energy more affordable and more accessible,” said Governor Brown. “We have a lot of land in Oregon and at least in some parts of the state, we have a lot of sun in Oregon, and so it’s a great way for us to create a partnership around that,” she said.
The money for the program comes under the newly established Solar Incentivization Fund. It will end once it reaches 150 MW of participating systems, or on January 2, 2017, whichever occurs first.
Governor Brown contended Oregon is a leader in clean energy programs, investing in energy efficiency. She added this bill will benefit this state in the form of jobs, solar sites and property tax revenues for local governments.
Image: Oregon State Capitol building via Shutterstock