Implementing the Oregon Energy Strategy

Report on Siting and Permitting Large-Scale Electricity Infrastructure

EO 25-29 directs ODOE to examine opportunities to increase the efficiency of siting and permitting processes of large-scale energy projects in Oregon. This report will examine the Energy Facility Siting Council’s processes and seek to identify opportunities for improvement.

The Oregon Energy Strategy recognizes there is a need for the state to facilitate energy infrastructure enhancement and expansion while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating negative impacts on energy burden, natural and working lands, Tribal cultural resources, and communities. Executive Order 25-29 directs the Oregon Department of Energy to report by September 1, 2026, on opportunities to increase the efficiency of siting and permitting processes of large-scale energy projects in Oregon. Where opportunities are found to exist, ODOE will recommend actions to facilitate development while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating negative effects while maintaining a robust, inclusive and transparent process.

Engagement

ODOE will be seeking public input on both this report and the Report on Reducing Barriers to Clean Energy Deployment and is interested in hearing from those who have worked to develop large-scale energy facilities in Oregon, engaged in the development process, or who have ideas how to improve these processes The first public comment period is expected to open on February 17, 2026, and run until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026. This will not be the only opportunity to provide input. ODOE will hold a listening session to receive oral comments and information on how to attend will be posted on this webpage. After the first round of public comments, ODOE will review comments and prepare draft reports to share for a second round of public comments. Sign up to receive email notices about future comment opportunities.

ODOE currently expects both reports to focus on commercially available technologies like wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems. ODOE expects this Report will also focus on transmission lines. Both studies will focus on developments of a type and size to be subject to EFSC’s jurisdiction and review processes. Neither study will focus on emerging technologies or transmission corridors, which are the focus of other workstreams for ODOE under Executive Order 25-29.

Upcoming Opportunities

  • Materials will be posted in advance.