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 may currently restrict the siting of transmission infrastructure along interstates and expressways.
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 allow for the co-location of new transmission lines in highway rights-of-way, but the current rules raise questions about the viability of locating new transmission lines in existing freeway rights-of-way.
Our work
The NextGen Highways Oregon coalition is a diverse coalition of organizations representing energy, transportation electrification, business, environmental, and wildlife interests who share a common goal in opening existing infrastructure corridors for transmission siting.
Legislative and Other Priorities
- Coordinating with sponsors of a significant transmission legislative package currently under consideration in 2025. Exploring opportunities to promote the concept of co-location.
- Tracking and informing efforts to update Oregon’s Energy Strategy to support the timely development of new transmission.
- Working directly with the Oregon Department of Transportation to support understanding of NextGen Highway objectives and identifying ways we may be able to work together to promote co-location where appropriate.