Oregon Races to Save Solar and Wind Investments Before Federal Tax Credits Expire
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order yesterday in response to the Trump Administration taking action to impede the development of renewable solar and wind energy resources.
Kotek was reacting to the federal budget reconciliation bill adopted by Congress, which eliminates clean electricity production and investment tax credits for solar and wind projects that begin construction after July 4, 2026, and are placed into service after December 3l, 2027.
Oregon Must Meet Tax Credit Deadlines or Face Losses
The governor says in a press statement that wind and solar energy projects that fail to meet the tax credit deadlines will result in lost property tax revenues for Oregon communities and lost construction jobs in 2026 and 2027.
“This could lead to increases in electricity rates and setbacks to Oregon’s climate goals.”
Her executive order instructs relevant state agencies, commissions, and boards to implement the necessary changes to ensure that Oregon’s shovel-ready solar and wind projects will begin construction by July 4, 2026, and comply with federal requirements to qualify for clean energy tax credits.
The Governor says Oregon recognizes the critical role of clean energy development in advancing community resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting a diverse and inclusive economy.
She says the demand for clean electricity is increasing rapidly across the region. “The development of solar and wind energy facilities in Oregon must align with the state’s goals and values by producing clean and affordable electricity, supporting jobs and economic growth, generating property tax revenue for local communities, and advancing progress towards Oregon’s clean energy and climate goals.”
Oregon Director for Climate Solutions, Nora Apter, says by moving swiftly, Governor Kotek is introducing defense mechanisms to protect Oregon families, jobs, and energy resilience. She called the federal government ruling an ‘all-out assault on affordable clean energy and our safe climate future.’