Oregon presents a powerful opportunity for advancing corporate sustainability and responsible investing through several pro-responsible investing proposals in the 2025 legislative session. There are currently three pro-responsible investing bills in Oregon’s legislature that would lower costs for families, increase business competitiveness, create jobs in sustainable technologies, and improve risk management for public investments.
Here’s what you need to know about how these responsible investing initiatives would deliver significant advantages to Oregonians:
Why Responsible Investing Matters for Oregon’s Economy:
- Lower Costs for Families: Responsible investments often prioritize long-term sustainability that reduces costs over time, from energy-efficient infrastructure to climate-resilient development.
- Increased Competitiveness: Many companies headquartered or operating in Oregon already incorporate responsible investing factors to remain competitive globally and attract investment capital.
- Job Creation: The transition to sustainable technologies creates new, high-paying jobs in renewable energy, water conservation, and other future-focused industries critical to Oregon’s growth.
- Risk Management: Considering environmental and social factors helps investors avoid costly risks, protecting retirement savings for public employees and state investments.
Current Pro-Responsible Investing Bills That Provide Opportunities for Oregon’s Economic Future
- House Bill 2200 – Bill to reduce the carbon impact of certain state investments:
- What it does: Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take actions to reduce the carbon intensity of state investments and address investment risks related to climate change.
- Economic impact: Allows freedom to invest, avoiding costly risks, protecting retirement savings for public employees and state investments.
- Status: HB 2200 was introduced by State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner on January 13, 2025. Public hearings were held on January 28 and March 13. A committee work session is currently scheduled for March 27.
- House Bill 3179 – Fairness & Affordability in Residential (FAIR) Energy Act:
- What it does: Directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider the cumulative economic impact of proposed rate changes on ratepayers when such changes would result in a revenue increase of 2.5% or more for a public utility. Economic impact: Could save money for Oregon families.
- Status: HB 3179 was introduced with 20 Democratic sponsors on January 13, 2025. Public hearings were held on February 20 and February 25, 2025. A committee work session is currently scheduled for March 27.
- House Bill 3546 – The POWER Act:
- What it does: Empowers Oregon’s Public Utility Commission to put data centers in a separate rate class.
- Economic impact: Could make for-profit utilities identify the costs that high-energy users are adding to the system.
- Status: HB 3546 was introduced with five Democratic and one Republican sponsor on February 11, 2025. A public hearing was held on March 6. A committee work session is currently scheduled for March 27.
