Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek this week told agencies in her state to rush permits for wind and solar projects before they lose federal subsidies.
Kotek, a Democrat, signed an executive order Monday directing state agencies and commissions to take “any and all steps” allowed by law to accelerate renewable energy permitting, including adopting temporary emergency rules and outsourcing some reviews to third-party contractors.
The aim is to advance as many renewables as possible before July 4, 2026 — the deadline set by President Donald Trump’s domestic policy law for wind and solar projects to begin construction in order to qualify for federal tax credits. Those projects also must enter into service by 2030. Projects that miss the construction deadline can still qualify if they enter into service by 2028.
States must act as the “last line of defense against climate catastrophe” by quickly building out renewables, Kotek said.
