U.S. Department of Education reinstates income-driven student loan repayment plans

After abruptly refusing to accept and process new online applications for loan repayment plans, federal education officials changed course.
Kotek seeks answers from state utility commission amid public outcry over rising utility rates

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission, Kotek asked for more information about how the commission would keep rates low following 50% rate hikes in last five years.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to revive landmark climate suit brought by young Oregonians

The decision ends a decade-long fight led by 11 young Oregonians and 10 of their peers across the nation against the U.S. government over climate inaction.
Proposal to send schools $35 million for summer programs comes with literacy strings attached

Under House Bill 2007, schools would be limited to using summer learning grants on programs that boost student reading and writing proficiency.
Hundreds support pausing Oregon’s investment in private fossil fuel holdings but Treasury opposed

Nearly 300 people submitted testimony in support of the Pause Act to stop new Treasury investments in private fossil fuel funds.
Bill that could have offered utilities protection from fire lawsuits gets fix

A single sentence change in House Bill 3666 ensures certificates awarded to utilities for wildfire prevention plans are not used to determine their legal liability in a wildfire.
Oregon, nine other states hit 2013 goal of getting 3.3 million electric vehicles on roads by 2025

Oregon and nine other states recently fulfilled a 2013 agreement to collectively register 3.3 million new electric vehicles in an effort to reduce pollution and combat climate change.
State education officials would have power to intervene in struggling schools under governor’s plan

Gov. Tina Kotek is backing bills to give the Oregon Department of Education control of up to 25% of a school’s budget, require coaches if students chronically struggling.
BPA announces intention to split with California and join new Southwest energy market

The Northwest’s largest hydropower supplier announced it intends to join a new day-ahead energy market based in Arkansas over one based in California.
Oregon Senate votes to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam

Firefighting foam, used at airports and military bases, has been identified as a source of toxic PFAS chemicals.

