Comment Deadline on Eminent Domain--Thursday! Energy Siting Council Exerting its Super-Powers? 
Umatilla County is taking them ON!
Umatilla County requires a separation of at least two miles between residences and windmill towers. The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) says it will not recognize that setback as it considers the proposed Nolin Hills energy project west of Pendleton. Capital Power, the windmill project developer, has said it will honor that setback. Board of Commissioners Chairman John Shafer said that the county is going to contest EFSC’s refusal to honor the county’s setback. “This would set a precedent that if we allow that to happen, in the future EFSC would allow a windmill to be closer than the two-mile setback,” Shafer said. “We are going to file a contested case on that.” Shafer said the county will hire outside counsel to challenge EFSC. (story from Elkhorn Media)

Idahoans challenging Idaho Power's Study on Value of Solar - We need to Speak Up as well!  (Idaho Power customers in Baker and Malheur Counties-take special notice!) Another Idaho Power dubious study with self-serving data  (sound familiar?) is uncovered by allies at the Idaho Conservation League (ICL).  This study, which was ordered by the Idaho Public Utility Commission takes a look at the value of solar in the utility's planning.  Idaho Power's results and conclusions, if adopted by the IPUC would be a huge step backwards in our future for clean, sustainable, energy independence!  Idaho Power, like so many other monopoly utilities across the nation, are hamstringing our transition to energy independence by discouraging--and putting barriers in the way of customers.  Check out the summary and "Take Action" by commenting (using the button provided by ICL) -- follow this link.

Integrated Resource Planning continues... Idaho Power's Energy Plan-2021 IRP.  The process is underway (again! - It's every two years) at the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). Contact jim@stopb2h.org for more info & when to comment.

Eastern Oregon Climate Change Coalition in Pendleton have been hosting monthly programs on Zoom, strictly educational and all are invited. Contact: eastoregonclimatechange@gmail.com to sign up for invites.

OTEC’s first Community Solar to be built soon in La Grande! Good location; right siting. Congrats OTEC!  Read the story here.

What about the new federal deal? 
Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC), (which is the parent org for member organization, Oregon Rural Action-ORA) shares their analysis of the new deal "Inflation Reduction Act." Read their press release, here.

Write or call our Federal Officials (cc: the Governor and State Officials).

Tell them what the energy infrastructure funds should be spent on! Tell them what you think about the B2H & better, immediate, investments, such as:

• Make our (3) existing 230 kV lines into 345 kV’s in the same corridors; double circuit where possible.
• Digitize the substations and create bi-directional flows in our distribution system.
• Fire-harden all existing lines/components and substations.
• Reform regulations governing grid interconnections, alleviating costs for renewable energy to get an "on-ramp" to the grid.
• Incentivize & invest in renewable energy economic development targeting local green energy projects, not obsolete and destructive long-distance transmission.
• As needed, bury long-distance "direct current" (DC) transmission lines along existing railway or interstate rights of way (ROW).