Microgrids For Small Communities
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed into law the first set of statewide policies in the country supporting community-owned microgrids. Microgrids are local, self-contained energy systems that use renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. Dylan Kruse of Sustainable Northwest, a nonprofit involved in drafting the legislation, says microgrids can help mitigate the uptick in power outages caused by wildfires and extreme weather, especially in rural parts of the state.
“We’re seeing an increased interest from small towns, from communities, from tribes saying, “look, if the lights go out, we need to have options so we can continue to provide emergency services, we can provide communications.”
Microgrids can power critical facilities, such as hospitals or fire stations, operating either connected to the main grid or independently during emergencies.
Mussel Harvesting
Mussel harvesting has reopened on the mid-coast from Tillamook Head to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River after biotoxin levels tested below safety limits. However, harvesting remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning. Razor clam harvesting is open from Tillamook Head to Cape Blanco but closed elsewhere, while bay clams and crabbing are open coastwide. Officials urge harvesters to check the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before collecting shellfish.
New Law Allows Small Business to Access State Contracts
Governor Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 2337 into law, creating a new procurement program to support Oregon’s small businesses. The law allows small businesses to apply for an Oregon Small Business Enterprise certification, helping them compete for state contracts. It also directs the Department of Administrative Services to set statewide goals for small business contracting. The move follows a state study revealing disparities in contract awards, with officials aiming to keep more state spending circulating within Oregon communities.
