Why Oregon
Need for more transmission
A combination of factors has put Oregon and the Pacific Northwest on the verge of a major phase of new investment in new transmission infrastructure. Significant load growth will be driven primarily by the technology sector and vehicle electrification, while at the same time new areas will need to be opened up for renewable generation to help meet state and regional clean energy goals.
Siting opportunity
As Oregon faces a growing demand for new and upgraded electric transmission lines, it is timely to revisit state policies that currently restrict the siting of transmission infrastructure along interstates and other freeways.
Building transmission in highway rights-of-way can speed the permitting process and lessen impacts on landowners and the environment.
Challenges
Siting prohibition
Current laws and Oregon Department of Transportation rules restrict the co-location of new transmission lines in interstate freeway rights-of-way.
Our work
Legislative and policy reforms to open up co-location in freeway rights-of-way can allow Oregon to benefit from a streamlined permitting process that will speed up the construction of much-needed transmission projects. Working with a single landowner, the Oregon Department of Transportation, can save ratepayers money while protecting farms and natural landscapes from unnecessary development or use of eminent domain.
The NextGen Highways Oregon coalition is a diverse coalition of organizations representing energy and environmental interests who share a common goal in opening existing infrastructure corridors for transmission siting.
