Oregon Gov. Kulongoski recently vetoed a bill that would have allowed existing biomass, hydropower and municipal solid waste facilities built before 1995 to qualify for the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The standard dictates that 25% of all retail electricity sales in Oregon must come from renewables by 2025.
Proponents of the bill argued that it would add value to the electricity created by the existing facilities, specifically biomass plants operated by struggling wood products companies. Opponents argued that allowing existing power sources to qualify as renewables would reduce the amount of new renewable resources to come onto the market.
Kulongoski agreed that the bill would diminish the value of the renewable portfolio standard, but he pledged to work with proponents of biomass facilities to develop a policy during the next legislative session in February. The governor said he supports expanding the renewable portfolio standard in a way that would account for the existing plants but still promote the development of new resources.
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