Large wind project killed by U.S. court, Portland approves clean energy plan and OSU to build new $60 million complex.
Southern Oregon wind energy project killed
The U.S. District Court in Portland nixed plans for a wind energy project in Harney County, the Herald and News reports. The court ruled the proposal would harm the sage grouse population, which is in decline. The proposal by Columbia Energy Partners would have built between 40 and 69 wind turbines on 10,500 acres near Steens Mountain.
OB Original Blog: Energy Trust executive director issues clean energy challenge to Oregon
Michael Colgrove closed Tuesday’s Energy Future conference by calling for more aggressive clean energy policies.
Portland passes clean energy plan
Commissioner Nick Fish’s proposal to convert methane sewage waste into renewable natural gas was approved unanimously by Portland’s City Council, OPB reports. The $12 million project will produce enough fuel to replace diesel use in 154 garbage trucks. It will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 metric tons, the largest city cut to emissions to date.
OSU announces new arts, education complex
Oregon State will build a $60 million complex on its campus in Corvallis, the Register Guard reports. The building is partially funded thanks to $30 million in private donations — $25 million of which came from a single, anonymous donor. OSU will seek the remaining $30 million in state bonds. The new complex is expected to open in 2022.
MESO awarded $1 million grant from Small Business Administration
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon provides loans to entrepreneurs who are typically unable to secure financing themselves. The grant will fund between 20 and 40 small businesses, the Portland Business Journal reports. The average resulting loan could be up to $50,000.
OB Original blog: Retail snapshot: co-working, wine tasting, Teslas mark changing environment
Local retailers adapt — or die.
Longtime leader departs Portland Business Alliance
Sandra McDonough, CEO of the PBA, announced she will retire in August 2018, the Oregonian reports. The Alliance is now planning for her successor, which will likely lead to a shift in PBA policy. McDonough says her retirement is a chance for PBA to adapt to the changing city.
Medford’s Lithia Motors poised to expand
Lithia CEO Bryan DeBoer says the decline in U.S. dealerships creates an opportunity to consolidate, and an opportunity to continue to grow Lithia’s portfolio, the Mail Tribune reports. Lithia’s income shows the company is already trending upward, with first-quarter revenue up 26% from last year. Lithia currently owns 152 dealerships in 17 states.
