Bill
Bill > HB3628
OR HB3628
Relating to the Oregon Electric Transmission Authority; prescribing an effective date.
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Creates a public body to fund, build, upgrade, own and carry out transmission projects. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Establishes the Oregon Electric Transmission Authority as an independent public corporation. Provides that the authority shall support the expansion of electric transmission capacity in this state by financing, developing, constructing, upgrading, owning and operating electric transmission infrastructure. Directs the authority to identify and establish electric transmission corridors with statewide significance. Authorizes the authority to finance transmission projects by issuing revenue bonds and collecting payments from the users of the authority’s transmission facilities. Establishes the Tribal Advisory Council on Electric Transmission. Directs the authority to submit an annual report to the interim committees or committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy on the authority’s activities and operations for the preceding year. Limits the authority’s annual operating budget to no more than $2 million. Provides for the collection of a nonbypassable charge from large industrial electricity customers to fund the authority’s operating budget. Sunsets January 2, 2032. Requires the State Department of Energy to conduct a review of the authority and submit a report to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy for the Legislative Assembly’s consideration to extend the sunset date. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Oregon Electric Transmission Authority (OETA) as an independent public corporation with the primary goal of expanding electric transmission capacity in Oregon. The authority will be governed by a nine-member board with diverse representation, including experts in energy infrastructure, labor, environmental justice, and tribal interests. The OETA's key responsibilities include identifying and establishing transmission corridors with statewide significance, developing transmission projects, and coordinating with state and federal agencies to streamline permitting processes. The authority can finance transmission projects by issuing revenue bonds and will collect a nonbypassable charge from large industrial electricity customers to fund its operations, with an annual budget cap of $2 million. A Tribal Advisory Council will be established to provide recommendations on tribal issues, and the authority is required to submit annual reports to legislative committees. The bill includes provisions to ensure the authority prioritizes electricity for in-state use, coordinates with local governments, and maintains a transparent project selection process. The OETA is designed to be a temporary entity, with a sunset date of January 2, 2032, and will undergo a comprehensive review by the State Department of Energy in 2030 to assess its effectiveness and potential continuation.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (6)
Mark Gamba (D)*,
Tom Andersen (D),
Jeff Golden (D),
Courtney Neron Misslin (D),
Katherine Pham (D),
Janeen Sollman (D),
Last Action
House Climate, Energy, and Environment Work Session (08:00:00 4/8/2025 HR F) (on 04/08/2025)
Official Document
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