Public invited to share input, ideas for getting Oregon back on track to meet climate targets

Oregon's efforts to meet its climate goals are being hampered by increased energy demand from data centers and federal policy rollbacks, prompting the Oregon Department of Energy to propose 48 "gap measures." These measures aim to address the shortfall in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the state's 2035 and 2050 targets. The department is currently soliciting public feedback on these proposals, which range from reducing methane emissions and fertilizer use to promoting electric heat pumps and shifting dietary habits. State officials previously modeled Oregon's progress and found that the growth in data center energy consumption, coupled with federal actions weakening clean energy policies, would delay the achievement of 2035 goals. Alan Zelenka, assistant director for energy planning and innovation at the energy department, noted that data center impact was not fully accounted for in earlier models but has become a significant factor due to rapid AI development and expansion. He anticipates a substantial increase in data center development over the next five to ten years, with over 150 already in operation within Oregon. The proposed gap measures include a variety of strategies, some of which are more ambitious than others, and are intended to complement existing climate programs and the state's new Energy Strategy. The strategy emphasizes energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, and expanding clean energy infrastructure. Any measures requiring legislative changes or increased state agency budgets will require legislative approval. The public has until early June to submit comments, after which the department will publish a report detailing the potential impact of the proposed actions.