Get grounded in energy fundamentals with our mini-episode series: Getting Grounded. We're breaking down Oregon's energy sources. Up next: Biomass. Guest: Michael Freels, ODOE senior policy analyst Resources: • Oregon State University’s Oregon Wood Innovation Center: https://owic.oregonstate.edu/ • Origin of Charcoal Briquettes: Collection: https://scua.uoregon.edu/repositories/2/resources/9251 • Bioenergy in Oregon: State of Oregon: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/bioenergy.aspx • Resource Review: Biomass (2020 Biennial Energy Report): https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Documents/2020-BER-Technology-Resource-Reviews.pdf#page=31 • Oregon Department of Forestry: Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/pages/biomass.aspx

In counties around the state and at ODOE, we’re planning for events we hope don’t happen: emergencies disrupting energy and fuel supplies. Climate change, extreme weather, and cyber risks and straining our energy systems and furthering the need for energy resiliency. In this episode, we dive into energy resiliency (one of the Oregon Energy Strategy’s five pathways) as it relates to ODOE’s role in fuel emergency response and energy security planning, and energy resiliency at the county level in the Columbia Gorge. Guests: ODOE’s Energy Security Manager Traci Naile and Mid-Columbia Economic Development District’s Energy and Project Manager Lindsay McClure Resources • Fuel Action Plan: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/Petroleum.aspx • Energy Security Plan: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/Energy-Security-Plan.aspx • Western States Petroleum Association: https://www.wspa.org/ • Oregon Fuels Association: https://www.wpma.com/oregon • Getting Grounded: Petroleum's long history: https://on.soundcloud.com/wo4C7vw8D9QPzWkF4C • ODOE's County Energy Resilience Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/County-Resilience.aspx • ODOE's Community Renewable Energy Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives/Pages/CREP.aspx • Mid-Columbia Economic Development District: https://mcedd.org/ • Hood River County Energy Council: https://hoodrivercountyenergyplan.org/energy-plan/ Grounded music by PaulYudin Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Get grounded in energy fundamentals with our new mini-episodes series. We're moving through Oregon's energy sources one at a time to learn more about how they serve Oregon and all of us. Up first: solar. Guest: Rob Del Mar, ODOE senior policy analyst Additional resources • ODOE's Solar for All program: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives/Pages/Solar-for-All.aspx • Energy Hub for Oregon incentives: https://incentives.oregon.gov/ • Smart shopping tips for solar: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/12/16/solar-shop-smart • Solar dashboard: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/Oregon-Solar-Dashboard.aspx • Meeting the energy facilities siting standards: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/4/16/energy-facilities-spotlight-meeting-the-standards?rq=siting Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov Grounded music by PaulYudin and Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

Energy efficiency is found in government policies, it’s also found in our homes, technology and actions. Learn more about energy efficiency, some of the benefits, and things you can do to improve efficiency and decrease energy bills. In March, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Oregon at No. 9 in its nationwide State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which measures policy and program standards that support energy efficiency. We will hear from ACEEE about what Oregon is doing well and where there’s room to improve. Guests: Andy Cameron, ODOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Group Manager, and Mark Kresowik, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Senior Policy Director Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov Additional Resources: • ACEEE State Efficiency Scorecard: https://www.aceee.org/state-policy/scorecard • Home energy scoring: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/save-energy/Pages/Home-Energy-Score-Consumers.aspx • Co-Benefits of Efficiency (2022 Biennial Energy Report): https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Documents/2022-BER-Policy-Briefs.pdf#page=151 • Energy Hub for Incentive Programs and Projects in Oregon: https://incentives.oregon.gov/ Grounded music by PaulYudin Updated to clarify Energy Trust of Oregon's efficiency programs serve the investor-owned utilities while the consumer-owned utilities run their own programs.

Get grounded in energy fundamentals with our new mini-episode series: Getting Grounded. The electricity used in Oregon homes and businesses comes from many energy resources. Solar, hydro, natural gas, wind, nuclear, coal, and other resources make up the “mix” and all play a role in providing Oregon electricity. View the Resource mix dashboard: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/electricity-mix-in-oregon.aspx Guest: Stephanie Kruse, ODOE facilities engineer Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov Grounded music by PaulYudin and Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

Earlier this month, ODOE was excited to release the 2024 Biennial Energy Report that tells Oregon’s energy story. The report shows how the state’s energy system has evolved over time to include new technologies, address changes in the availability of different generation resources, and to meet state energy goals. Learn more: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/11/22/a-new-chapter-in-oregons-energy-story Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

Class is back in session, and nearly 550,000 students in Oregon make the trip to and from school every school day. On this episode of Grounded, we tag along and venture into the magic world of clean-running and electric school buses. Learn more: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/10/10/grounded-podcast-episode-45-magic-school-buses Theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

Grounded host Bryan Hockaday meets OSU Assistant Professor Chad Higgins and takes listeners on a tour of a solar research farm outside of Wilsonville. On the farm, they’re fine tuning the practice of agrivoltaics and experimenting with what crops respond best to integrated solar electricity production. Learn more: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/9/4/grounded-podcast-episode-44-harvesting-solar-the-science-of-agrivoltaics Theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

On Episode 43 of Grounded, host Bryan Hockaday catches up with Sarah Moehrke, ODOE’s Community Navigator. In her role, Sarah is often on the road and meeting with Oregonians all across the state. In just over this past year, Sarah has logged nearly 15,000 miles as she connects cities and counties with resources to help with community-scale sustainable improvement projects. Learn more: 2024/7/31/grounded-podcast-episode-43-road-trip-across-oregon Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman.

On Episode 43 of Grounded, host Bryan Hockaday catches up with Sarah Moehrke, ODOE’s Community Navigator. In her role, Sarah is often on the road and meeting with Oregonians all across the state. Enjoy a bonus episode, where Sarah takes listeners on a vividly narrated tour, starting on the stunning shores of the Oregon coast, going through the mid-Willamette Valley, and heading across to the spectacular vistas in eastern Oregon. Learn more: 2024/7/31/grounded-podcast-episode-43-road-trip-across-oregon Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman.

Summers in the Pacific Northwest are spectacular, but it’s starting to feel like Oregon’s summers keep getting hotter. On this episode of Grounded, host Bryan Hockaday learns about ODOE’s Heat Pump Incentive Programs and talks with Oregon’s Climatologist Larry O’Neill. Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman.

We also got to speak with Oregon’s official State Climatologist, Larry O’Neill. We had such a great conversation and he shared really interesting insights into Oregon’s climate, how it’s changing, and even how we measure these changes and how that data can be used to inform policies. So, we thought we’d share this extended interview with Larry O'Neill in this special bonus episode. Hope you enjoy! blogs.oregonstate.edu/orcs/oregon-cl…vice/our-team/ Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman.

Get grounded in energy fundamentals with our new mini-episode series: Getting Grounded. We're breaking down Oregon's energy sources. Up next: Wind. Guest: Todd Cornett, ODOE assistant director for siting Resources: • Explore wind facilities in Oregon with the Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment Tool: https://oregon-explorer.apps.geocortex.com/ • Siting information hub: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/facilities-safety/facilities/Pages/default.aspx • Energy Facility Siting Council: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/facilities-safety/facilities/Pages/About-the-Council.aspx • Oregon Electricity Resource Mix: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/electricity-mix-in-oregon.aspx Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov Grounded music by PaulYudin and Oregon artist Jana Cushman

On this episode of Grounded, join host Bryan as he heads out to the Columbia River Gorge to attend the annual Cherry Pre-Harvest Tour and see an all-electric, autonomous tractor. The event attracts regional cherry and fruit growers, and this year’s demonstration was organized by partners including Oregon State University and Wy’East Resource, Conservation and Development; Forth Mobility; Sustainable Northwest; and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Grounded theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman.

Grounded is back in action! We’re excited to welcome Bryan Hockaday as host, who recently joined the Oregon Department of Energy’s communications team. In this first episode of the Grounded reboot, join Bryan as he begins his expedition across the state to learn all about energy in Oregon. Learn More: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/4/29/grounded-podcast-welcome-bryan-hockaday

On this episode of Grounded, we explore ODOE's second Biennial Zero Emission Report with EV expert, Jessica Reichers. We take the opportunity to learn about report topics, policy and consumer resources, and some interesting differences between the 2023 and 2021 EV landscape. Find links and resources mentioned in the interview here: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2023/11/28/grounded-podcast-2023-biennial-zero-emission-vehicle-report https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/IIJA.aspx Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode, Jen Senner joins the podcast to help us understand federal funding that has been allocated for energy and climate programs here in Oregon. Jen is a Federal Grants Officer here at ODOE and does a wonderful job at explaining the background of this funding and how ODOE is working hard to get it in the hands of Oregonians. Find links and resources mentioned in the interview here: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2023/8/29/grounded-podcast-recent-federal-investments-in-energy-and-climate https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/IIJA.aspx Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this timely Grounded episode, we’re joined by the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s Chair, Cathy Macdonald, and ODOE’s Senior Climate Policy Analyst, Zach Baker. We dive into three important reports the Commission published earlier this year: an Oregon Climate Action Roadmap to 2030, a companion TIGHGER Project Report, and the Commission’s usual biennial 2023 Report to the Legislature. The Commission typically issues a report to the Legislature every two years that includes an update on progress toward achieving Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and recommendations for making progress. This year, the Commission also provided a new Oregon Climate Action Roadmap to 2030. The Roadmap includes extensive recommendations to inform state climate action, which were developed using an analysis of data and pathways as part of the Transformational Integrated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Project (AKA TIGHGER). Based on the best available science, the reports considered what it would take to accelerate achievement of Oregon’s existing 2035 goal to instead reach it by 2030. This is a fascinating conversation with two of Oregon’s hardest working climate specialists — let’s listen! Find links and resources mentioned in the interview here: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2023/6/26/grounded-podcast-2023-oregon-global-warming-commision-reports Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

Congressman Peter DeFazio shares how the Northwest Power Act was created and some of the disastrous events of that surrounded that event. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On the third episode of a special Grounded series called Oregon Energy Timeline Conversations, we sit down with the Energy Trust of Oregon's founding executive director, Margie Harris. Learn about the early days of ETO and the passionate energy work lead by Margie in this intimate and candid interview. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On the second episode of a special Grounded series called Oregon Energy Timeline Conversations, we meet with ODOE’s Hanford Hydrogeologist, Tom Sicilia. Tom will share the state of nuclear energy in Oregon and a little about it’s past and potential future! Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2022/9/28/grounded-podcast-oregon-energy-timeline-conversations-nuclear-energy-in-oregon-with-tom-sicilia for fun media and resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this special Grounded series called Oregon Energy Timeline Conversations, we meet with Mr. Sun- John Patterson. John has earned the name "Mr. Sun" as a solar pioneer whose company installed more than 3,000 solar systems, and who helped get legislation passed to make alternative energy more affordable. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2022/5/27/grounded-podcast-oregon-energy-timeline-conversations-mr-sun for fun media and resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded we talk with Oregon Home Energy Score experts Roger Kainu, Peter Brandom, and Dacia Bakkum. For homeowners, buyers, sellers, assessors, and real-estate agents- this episode is a must! Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2022/4/27/grounded-podcast-oregons-home-energy-score-program for fun photos and topic resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. In this episode of grounded, we’re joined by five former directors and current Director Benner, who each share memories of their time at ODOE as we highlight key moments from ODOE’s 50 years. Guests: Former ODOE directors Lon Topaz, David Yaden, John Savage, Michael Grainey, and Mike Kaplan, and current Director Janine Benner. Additional Resource: ODOE at 50 blog series: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog?tag=ODOE+at+50 ODOE at 50 interactive timeline: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/timeline About Hanford: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/About-Hanford.aspx Oregon Climate Action Commission: https://climate.oregon.gov/ Biennial Energy Report: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/ber ODOE financial and incentive programs: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives/Pages/default.aspx Oregon Energy Strategy: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Pages/Energy-Strategy.aspx Episode with Energy Trust of Oregon’s founding executive director: https://on.soundcloud.com/FBSyrSL8rikUE5uJl8 Grounded music by PaulYudin Transition music by Juilius H., Osynthw, Syouki Takahashi, Deion Scott, and Levgen Poltavskyj from Pixabay.

On this episode of Grounded we sit down with Jessica Reichers, ODOE's Energy Technology & Policy Manager and EV expert. We discuss the inaugural Biennial Zero Emission Report and how to make it work for you! Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/11/12/grounded-podcast-2021-bizev-amp-ev-extravaganza for fun photos and topic resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded we dive into the hot topic of energy storage, specifically- pumped-storage hydropower. Rebecca Smith from ODEO joins us as well as Erik Steimle from Rye Development for this fascinating and timely discussion! Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/9/28/grounded-podcast-pump-up-the-hydro for fun photos and topic resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded, we learn about Oregon's first net-zero preschool with New Day School teacher, Didi Jayagitta and Green Hammer team members, Laura Squillace and Alex Boetzel. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/7/14/grounded-podcast-new-day-school-green-hammer-oregons-first-net-zero-preschool?rq=alex%20boetzel for fun photos and topic resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded we learn about Arcimoto's electric three-wheel vehicles with founder and CEO, Mark Frohnmayer. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/6/11/grounded-podcast-hello-arcimoto?rq=arcimoto for fun photos and topic resources. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this interactive episode of Grounded, we sit down with ODOE’s Director, Janine Benner, and walk through the Oregon Energy History Timeline section of the 2020 Biennial Energy Report. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/4/23/grounded-podcast-back-in-time-with-janine-benner for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this special episode of Grounded, we meet up with ODOE’s Senior Energy Policy Analyst, John Cornwell, who takes us through the fundamentals of the exciting renewable energy resource that is biomass. Then we’ll dig deeper into to the electricity potential for Oregon with Oregon Torrefaction’s CTO, Dr. Wayne Lei. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2021/3/17/grounded-podcast-biomass-special for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded we meet with Charles Sekafetz, the Program Chair for Chemeketa Community College's Electronics Program, and learn about the Renewable Energy Management path. As the renewable energy industry continues to grow, so do these specialized jobs. We learn from Charles what the program offers and how this new wave of energy workers are preparing for the future.  Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/ for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On this episode of Grounded we meet DEQ's Clean Fuels Program Manager, Cory Ann Wind, and learn about the program's work towards decreasing the amount of pollution allowed from transportation fuels in Oregon. In fact, their goal is 25% by 2035! Cory Ann shares with us some of the program's growing pains, how their clean fuel incentives work, and a few unexpected successes. The program also just launched a new website which can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/cfp/Pages/default.aspx Visit energyinfo.oregon.gov for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

Grounded is back this month with a new episode so we can bid a fond farewell to Oregon Department of Energy's own Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ken Niles. After 31 years with the agency, Ken is retiring and moving on to new adventures! Join us as we talk to Ken about his time with ODOE and his thoughts on what is to come for Oregon and the Hanford cleanup. Learn more and see photos: www.energyinfo.oregon.gov Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/

We’re in Portland for our latest episode of Grounded, talking with TriMet, the metro area’s public transit agency. TriMet has been helping Oregonians on the move for 50 years – and they’re on the leading edge of sustainability in transportation. Public Information Officer Tia York tells us all about the agency’s latest electric bus pilot, mini wind turbines, and more. See photos and get helpful links at https://energyinfo.oregon.gov. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

Get grounded in energy fundamentals with our new mini-episode series: Getting Grounded. We're breaking down Oregon's energy sources. Up next: Hydropower. Guest: Joni Sliger, ODOE senior policy analyst Resources: • ODOE’s website on hydropower: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/Hydropower.aspx • Where hydroelectricity is generated in the U.S.: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/where-hydropower-is-generated.php • OPB’s Salmon Wars: https://www.opb.org/salmonwars/ • Nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Pages/Tribal-Reports.aspx • Northwest Power and Conservation Council and the Columbia River Basin: https://www.nwcouncil.org/news/2025/08/29/ninth-plan-hydro-ops-scope-columbia-river-basin/ • Bonneville Power Administration hydropower: https://www.bpa.gov/energy-and-services/power/hydropower-impact • Faraday Resiliency & Repowering Project: https://portlandgeneral.com/news/modernizing-our-hydropower-plants-pges-oldest-assets-in-the-fight • Electricity Resource Mix: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/Electricity-Mix-in-Oregon.aspx Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov Grounded music by PaulYudin and Oregon artist Jana Cushman

Everybody poops. On our latest episode of Grounded, we’re joined by Paul Suto, Engineering Manager with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services. BES is working on its “Poop to Power” project, which will convert methane from wastewater treatment processes into useable, renewable energy. See photos and get helpful links at https://energyinfo.oregon.gov. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

Today on Grounded, we’re talking to Matt Teske, founder and CEO of Chargeway, an Oregon-based company focused on making it easy to charge your electric vehicle. Chargeway’s innovative platform takes the guesswork out of how and where you charge your electric vehicle, using color-coded plug types and simple numbers for charging speed. Visit energyinfo.oregon.gov for helpful links. Download Chargeway’s free app at www.chargeway.net. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_Fo…Free/Layers/If

On our latest episode of Grounded, we’re talking solar energy and virtual net metering in Ashland, Oregon. Stu Green, the City of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Analyst, talks about the city’s bold strategy for expanding access to renewable solar electricity to more Oregonians. Ashland is committed to fighting climate change, and was an early adopter of solar policies in the 1980s – they are walking the talk to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience. Visit energyinfo.oregon.gov for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

For our latest episode of Grounded, we are in Southern Oregon at Rogue Disposal and Recycling. This episode was a fun one to record on site at Rogue’s White City transfer station – so don’t be surprised if you hear a collection truck or two traveling by! It might seem unusual to be talking garbage and landfills on an energy podcast, so get ready to geek out about some of the amazing things this company is working on to improve its services, harness energy, and protect its environment. Visit energyinfo.oregon.gov for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

On our latest episode of Grounded, Alan Johnston, Senior Engineer for the City of Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant, is with us to talk about the plant’s operations (everybody poops!), and how they’ve implemented energy projects onsite that end up producing more electricity than the plant can even use. Gresham has also become the first certified facility for Renewable Energy Certificates for thermal energy. ODOE REC expert Rebecca Smith joins the episode later to talk about what that means. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at https://www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

We’re in Northeast Portland this week, talking to Carolina Iraheta Gonzalez, Verde’s Community Energy Advocate. Verde is part of the Living Cully collaborative, an effort to boost sustainability as an anti-poverty strategy in the Cully neighborhood. Living Cully released its Community Energy Plan earlier this year – Carolina tells us about in this week’s episode. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov for helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

We are in Lebanon, Oregon this week, interviewing Brian Trice, Executive Director for the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit focused on boosting alternative fuels in our state. Brian dives in to the Coalition’s work in Oregon, how the Advanced Transportation Technology Center at Linn-Benton Community College plays a role in alternative fuels, and his upcoming Green Transportation Summit & Expo. Not to mention: an epic race battle between Ford F-150 and a Nissan Leaf. Visit https://energyinfo.oregon.gov for photos and helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

Grounded is back with a new season – and we are jumping right in with the fascinating, innovative work NuScale Power is doing in Corvallis, Oregon. NuScale was borne from research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through Idaho National Environment & Engineering Laboratory, with support from Oregon State University. Today, the company is nearing certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its small modular nuclear reactor technology. Dr. Jose Reyes, NuScale co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, joins us for today’s episode to talk about NuScale’s work and what it means for worldwide energy – and what it could mean for Oregon. Visit http://energyinfo.oregon.gov for helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

When you flip on your light switch at home, do you ever think about where that electricity came from? Energy facilities like wind farms and power plants are spread out among our communities, producing energy to keep our state running. The birth of an energy facility – and its lifespan – is dependent on a governor-appointed body by called the Energy Facility Siting Council. Their complex work is supported by staff at the Oregon Department of Energy. On this latest episode, ODOE Siting Division Administrator Todd Cornett gives us an energy facility siting 101 lesson. Visit http://energyinfo.oregon.gov for helpful links. Learn more about our work at www.oregon.gov/energy. Music: “If” by Broke for Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/If

For 18 years, Coyote Trails has been helping Oregon families – and beyond – reconnect with nature. In 2015, Coyote Trails became powered by the sun, thanks to a large solar pavilion installation at the School of Nature in Medford, Oregon. On this episode of Grounded, Coyote Trails Nature Center Director Molly Kreuzman and True South Solar Owner/Sales Manager Shawn Schreiner tell us about Coyote Trails’ solar pavilion, and how it has helped the nonprofit achieve “net zero” electricity while offering important educational opportunities to Coyote Trails students. Learn more and see photos of Coyote Trails Nature Center: energyinfo.oregon.gov Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/

Could Nuclear Power be a solution to increasing electricity needs in the state and the nation? In this episode, we learn about the nuclear topics considered during the 2025 legislative session and Oregon’s nuclear future. We also hear from a company developing small modular reactors about their technology and potential roles for nuclear power. Guests: Max Woods, ODOE Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Energy Security, and Dr. Jose Reyes, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of NuScale Power. Additional Resources Getting Grounded: Oregon’s History with Nuclear Power: https://soundcloud.com/oregonenergy/getting-grounded-oregons-history-with-nuclear-power Trojan Nuclear Site: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/Trojan-Site.aspx About Hanford: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/About-Hanford.aspx ODOE’s Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Program: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/safety-resiliency/Pages/Emergency-Preparedness.aspx Episode 14: NuScale’s New Scale for Nuclear (2018): https://soundcloud.com/oregonenergy/episode-14-nuscales-new-scale-for-nuclear?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=c5cf695ab05142b4958f7d80be6bfd87

The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs 700 miles along the Pacific Northwest coast – from northern California up to Vancouver Island. The Juan de Fuca plate is shoved up against the North American tectonic plate – eventually, the plates will give way, and North America will spring back with an earthquake anywhere from an 8.0 on the Richter Scale to higher than a 9… it’s known as a megathrust earthquake. On this week’s podcast, Oregon Department of Energy Emergency Preparedness Manager Deanna Henry talks to us about Oregon’s Fuel Action Plan – and the steps we have in place to get much-needed fuel into the state for emergency responders and other essential services in a post-Cascadia Subduction Zone world. Learn more about the Fuel Action Plan: energyinfo.oregon.gov Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/

On this week’s podcast, we continue our multi-part series on the Hanford Nuclear Site near Richland, Washington. Oregon Department of Energy Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety, Ken Niles, is back to talk to us about Hanford’s biggest cleanup challenge: millions of gallons of radioactive and chemically hazardous waste stored in underground tanks at Hanford. Tune in to hear Ken talk tank waste, vitrification (mixing waste with glass-making materials), and the new dream of Hanford: to start the vitrification by 2036. Learn more and see photos: energyinfo.oregon.gov Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/

On August 21, a total solar eclipse will begin its journey across the United States right here in Oregon. From Depoe Bay to Ontario, sun watchers will witness up to two minutes of totality – where the moon will completely cover the sun. On this week’s Grounded podcast, Oregon Department of Energy Analyst Rob DelMar talks about how the eclipse will affect solar in Oregon and beyond. Oregon Department of Energy staff will be on hand in the state’s Emergency Coordination Center on August 21, ready to respond as we welcome up to 1 million visitors to the state. Follow state updates on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #OREclipse. Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/

On this week’s podcast, we continue our multi-part series on the Hanford Nuclear Site near Richland, Washington. Oregon Department of Energy Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety, Ken Niles, is back to talk to us about the early years of the Hanford cleanup. When Hanford shifted to cleanup in the early 1990s, the dream was to complete the project in just 30 years. Ken shares why that dream won’t become a reality – for decades to come. Learn more and see photos: energyinfo.oregon.gov Learn more about us: www.oregon.gov/energy Music: "If" by Broke For Free, freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/