Morning Roundup


University of Oregon concerned about federal research funding, PGE’s new energy proposals trigger protest and the Port of Portland is optimistic about container service.

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1. UO federal research funding in question

The University of Oregon relies on $100 million in annual federal grant funding. The stability of that funding — nearly 15% of the university’s total budget — is unclear given the President-elect’s potential antipathy toward federal research funding, the Register Guard reports. Trump has been outspoken about his denial of climate change, which worries researchers who rely on funding. At UO, 989 research grants are federally funded. 

2. PGE evaluates new Boardman energy resources

The Boardman Coal Plant will close in 2020, leaving PGE without a power facility in the region. At this point, PGE is considering a 315-acre solar farm near Carty Reservoir or adding annual gas units to the Carty Generating Station, the East Oregonian reports. The consideration of a new gas-fired power in Boardman has drawn protest from environmental groups, who launched a campaign Friday, the Portland Business Journal reports. Protestors argue considering gas power violates the spirit of a partnership between environmentalists and utilities that worked on the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan.

3. Port believes container service will resume

Executive Director Bill Wyatt said he’s disappointed that the Trans-Pacific Partnership failed, but believes the incoming administration will support trade, the Capital Press reports. Wyatt said he is optimistic about the Port’s efforts to find a new container service.

4. Electors vote today for President

While the nation wonders if electors will vote against Trump, Oregon’s seven electors will place their votes for Hillary Clinton, the Oregonian reports. The electors meet at the state Capitol in Salem and begin voting at 11 a.m.

5. Sen. Wyden calls for release of Russian hacking information

Wyden asked the Obama administration to release classified information concerning Russia’s involvement in the presidential election, Willamette Week reports. Wyden said the Russian hacking is a national crisis that needs to be explained to the American people.

6. Corporate giving becomes collaborative

The Portland Business Alliance discussed the possibilities of corporate giving and the regional economy as its December forum last week. Corporations are more often partnering with nonprofits to have a larger impact, the Portland Tribune reports. The Housing is Health campaign, for example, raised $21.5 million thanks to a partnership between the five major regional healthcare providers. That funding supported Central City Concern, which addresses homelessness in Portland. 

7. Federal fisheries plan to save Oregon coho salmon

Listed on the Endangered Species Act as “threatened,” the coastal coho salmon could be brought back from extinction in 10 years, OPB reports. At least that’s what the federal recovery plan outlines. Coastal coho are found between Seaside and Port Orford, with runs as low as 50,000.