Corvallis takes the Energy
Challenge
Corvallis is off to a great start for its energy
makeover. During the week of March 3, 70 Corvallis homes
received Home Energy Reviews and 55 homeowners signed up
for future reviews, with hundreds more expected. Energy
assessments in five businesses, solar evaluations for as
many municipal facilities and a Power Lunch for
manufacturers rounded out the kick-off week. CLICK TO
CONTINUE
Legislative update
In its three-week-long 2008 special session, the Oregon
legislature enacted two pieces of legislation of
interest to the energy community:
HB 3612 requires state agencies to reduce
energy use in facilities by 20 percent over baseline
usage in calendar year 2000.
HB 3619 effectively increased the maximum
Business Energy Tax Credit for renewable energy
equipment manufacturing facilities from $10 million to
$20 million.
The legislature considered, but did not adopt, a bill
that would have required several state agencies to
develop recommendations concerning how to meet Oregon
greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the
legislature in 2007. The bill also would have
authorized the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
to require certain companies, including those with air
pollution permits, to report greenhouse gas emissions.
Annual Trade Ally Survey ready to hit the
streets
The invitation to participate in Energy Trust's annual
trade ally survey will arrive at trade ally offices by
April 11, 2008. This online survey is an efficient and
valuable tool for sharing your ideas about Energy Trust
performance in 2007 and for helping us shape our plans
for the remainder of 2008. CLICK TO CONTINUE
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: Homebuilders
now eligible for energy tax credit
Thanks to the 2007 Oregon Legislature, contractors who
invest in the energy performance of the homes they build
can now take advantage of state tax credits. Contractors
can apply for a Business Energy Tax Credit from the
Oregon Department of Energy for constructing a
High Performance Home. CLICK TO CONTINUE
Energy Trust offers "one-stop" training
calendar
Energy Trust now provides an improved
training calendar
in the trade ally portion of our Web site. The new
calendar allows trade allies to search for relevant
training by: geographical location, presenting
organization, training category and business sector.
Trade allies no longer need to check multiple websites
for training updates. CLICK TO CONTINUE
Trade Ally Roundtables draw largest crowd
to date
The first Energy Trust trade ally roundtable meetings
of 2008 drew the largest group of attendees so far,
with approximately 40 trade allies attending in Portland,
and over 30 in Grants Pass. Trade allies are playing a
more active role in decision-making, and the input aids
us in improving our programs for all stakeholders. CLICK TO
CONTINUE
