UA Local 290 urges caution on Oregon bill affecting project development jobs

The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding energy policy and its implications for various industrial sectors in Oregon. The meeting featured testimony from representatives of labor unions and utility companies, highlighting the need for robust discussions on energy resilience and economic impacts.

A significant point of contention arose regarding a proposed bill that some stakeholders believe unfairly targets specific industrial sectors based on their energy demands. A representative from the Oregon Business Industry (OBI) expressed concerns that the bill's focus on particular North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes could lead to unintended consequences for broader industrial participation. The representative suggested that a more inclusive approach, potentially involving multiple sectors, might garner OBI's support, although the specifics would depend on the bill's final language.

Chris Carpenter, representing the UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, emphasized the importance of the bill's underlying discussions. He noted that many union members rely on projects tied to energy policies for their livelihoods and expressed apprehension about broad definitions of risk mitigation that could hinder project development. Carpenter urged the committee to consider the economic uncertainty facing workers and the potential impact on family-wage jobs.

The committee also heard from Greg Alderson of Portland General Electric, who underscored the utility's role in supporting economic growth through energy provision for various sectors, including data centers. Alderson's testimony reinforced the need for collaboration between community-owned utilities (COUs) and investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to ensure equitable energy agreements across the state.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were encouraged to consider the feedback from labor representatives and utility providers as they move forward with the legislative process. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between energy policy, economic development, and the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement in shaping Oregon's energy future.