Oregon – A significant new initiative was launched to boost Oregon’s standing in the clean technology sector. Governor Tina Kotek, along with Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and key figures from both the public and private sectors, held the first meeting of the Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force. This collaborative effort aims to enhance Oregon’s competitiveness in the clean energy technology manufacturing industry, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s economic and environmental strategy.
A Strategic Move for Clean Energy
The Clean Tech Task Force, co-chaired by Governor Kotek, Senator Wyden, and John O’Leary, president and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, is set to channel efforts towards making Oregon a prime location for clean energy technology manufacturers. This initiative will tap into the benefits offered by the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which includes approximately $60 billion in support through tax credits, direct loans, and grants aimed at domestic manufacturing within the clean energy supply chain.
Foundational support for the task force comes from several key organizations including the Oregon Business Council, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon BlueGreen Alliance, Oregon Business for Climate, and Technology Association of Oregon. These organizations represent a broad spectrum of interests and expertise, all converging on the goal of advancing Oregon’s clean tech industry.
Statements from Leadership
During the launch, Governor Kotek highlighted the state’s capacity and readiness to lead in this sector: “Oregonians understand the challenges and opportunities ahead of us in the face of accelerating climate change, and Oregon is a leader in manufacturing. We have the know-how and commitment to grow our role in clean tech manufacturing. This task force will be the catalyst to get us there.”
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Senator Wyden emphasized the economic benefits, particularly in terms of job creation: “There’s a lot of green in blue-collar domestic manufacturing jobs now and in the future. And this week’s successful kickoff of Oregon’s clean tech task force begins the path for our state to best take advantage of the historic clean energy investment credits I worked to pass into federal law. I’m proud to co-chair this task force and confident it will succeed, given the proven road map for achievements made by a similar task force on semiconductors.”
Congresswoman Bonamici pointed out the broader implications for the state’s economic and environmental future: “Climate change means temperatures are rising and weather events are more severe, but Oregon has what it takes to justly transition to a clean energy economy – innovative advanced technologies, great public universities, strong workforce partnerships, and bold leadership. The new Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force will help Oregon attract, expand, and sustain clean energy jobs and grow the clean energy workforce by leveraging investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. I look forward to working with Task Force members toward a cleaner, healthier, and brighter future.”
Goals and Projections
The task force will focus on identifying and overcoming barriers that hinder the expansion of Oregon’s leadership in clean technology manufacturing. Key areas of focus will include industrial land and infrastructure, incentives and procurement, workforce development and job creation, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, transmission capacity, and the regulatory environment.
As the group progresses, their findings and proposals will be compiled into the final Oregon Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing Report, expected later this year.
