State Programs for Clean Energy in Local Jurisdictions: Examples from New York and Oregon

This webinar highlighted two winning programs from CESA’s 2018 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards: New York’s Clean Energy Communities Program and Oregon’s Renewable Energy Development Grant Program. (NOTE: Guest speakers from New York presented first. Oregon’s presentation begins at the 38 minute mark.)

Local governments in New York State can use the Clean Energy Communities program to implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs, and improve the environment. By completing four of the ten high-impact actions, the awarded jurisdictions earn the Clean Energy Community designation in addition to being eligible for a grant of between $50,000 and $250,000, with no local cost share, to support additional clean energy projects. In addition to providing tools, resources, and technical assistance, the program recognizes and rewards leadership for the completion of clean energy projects. Since the program’s launch, 297 communities from across the state have completed more than 830 high-impact actions.

The Oregon Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Development (RED) Grant Program promotes investment in and development of renewable energy projects by providing a grant up to $250,000 for businesses, organizations, public bodies, schools, nonprofits, and tribes that install and operate a renewable energy system that produces electric energy. Since 2012, ODOE has awarded nearly $5 million for 55 renewable projects statewide, including solar, hydropower, biogas, biomass, and geothermal installations.

In two very different ways, each program is successfully advancing renewable energy deployment in their state. Guest speakers from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) presented.

Presenters:

• Kelly Tyler, Director, Communities and Local Governments, NYSERDA
• Brad Tito, Program Manager, Communities and Local Governments, NYSERDA
• Jennifer Kalez, Public Affairs & Outreach Coordinator, Oregon Department of Energy
• Michael Williams, Incentives Program Manager, Oregon Department of Energy

Learn more about the 2018 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards here.