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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Come share your thoughts, questions, and meet fellow community members at my upcoming Community Conversation. I look forward to seeing you there.
Join me in person, on Saturday May 3rd from 1-3 pm, at The Springs at Tanasbourne for a Joint Upcoming Constituent Coffee Hour with Representative Hai Pham, DMD of HD 36 and Representative Nathan Sosa of HD 30. Please RSVP here
Policy Spotlight
POWER Act HB 3545
House Bill 3546 or The POWER Act seeks to hold large energy users accountable for paying for their own energy needs. This bill requires state regulators to create new policies to help protect Oregon households from paying for the energy needs of data centers, cryptocurrency, and other big tech.There are currently 131 data centers in Oregon, according to Data Center Map’s database.
I believe this bill is an important step toward ensuring that our electricity grid remains reliable, resilient, and cost-effective for all Oregonians. Large energy use facilities have the potential to place significant strain on the grid, especially in regions where energy capacity is already stretched thin.
This measure not only shields smaller consumers from disproportionate costs but it creates a system where large energy users are held accountable for the infrastructure required to meet their needs, rather than passing on costs to the general public.
I had the opportunity to travel to Denmark in 2023 on an educational, fact-finding trip to learn about their country’s energy technology, resilience and efficiency. One of the tours was to a green and circular industrial park called Skive Greenlab, where they placed industries in close proximity to varied energy production technologies, to not rely on costly transmission lines to serve the high-energy needs of those particular industries. This is innovation. Denmark is a global leader. Data Centers play an important role in supporting our growing technology needs in the United States and here in Oregon. They are part of our economic development. Data Centers are attracted to our state due to our technology ecosystem, inexpensive energy costs, close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and access to transmission lines. We must be forward-thinking and work towards a system that is both fair and equitable for Oregonians and our future.
During the public hearing, the Citizen's Utility Board (CUB) shared a slide show presentation attesting to the need for this bill. I am sharing one of their slides showing the differing rates set by the Public Utility Commission. You can see CUB's full slide presentation here and watch Part One of the committee hearing here. We are carrying over the rest of the testimony to Monday's 3:00PM Senate Energy and Environment Committee. If you would like to submit testimony for this bill, you can do so here. Submissions for testimony will be available till Wednesday, May 7th at 3pm.
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Energy Saving Tips
The POWER Act is a great step towards addressing energy costs. Energy efficiency and knowing the best times to utilize energy within your home is a critical action for saving Oregonians money as well. Here are some ways that you can save energy in your home:
- Find your peak hours, your local utility is the best source of information on when peak conditions exist, but as a rule-of-thumb, after 9 pm and before 9 am is off-peak in most situations.
- Pre-cool your home during off-peak hours before temperatures rise.
- During hot spells, clothes drying, cooking, bathing, and dishwasher use can make your air conditioner run longer as it works to remove the excess heat and humidity
- Remember to switch the power off when no one is home, especially during peak times. Unplugging electronics and switching off lights before leaving for the day's activities can lower your electricity bill.
Legislative Updates
This Week's Testimonies and Floor Speeches
Week 15 Bill Updates
Week 15 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
An Informational Hearing was held on:
Public Hearings were held on:
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HB 3653 - Relating to energy performance contracts
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HB 3546 - Relating to large energy use facilities
Work Sessions were held on:
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HB 2332 - Relating to air curtain incinerators
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HB 2375 - Relating to wind energy facilities
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HB 3863 - Relating to qualifying facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
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HB 3874- Relating to the jurisdiction of the Energy Facility Siting Council over wind energy facilities
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on:
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HB 2556 - Relating to Portland State University designation
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HB 2586A - Relating to nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers
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HB 2695 - Relating to duties of the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors
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HB 2530A - Modifies school bus stop arm camera law
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HB 3083A - Relating to school safety
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HB 3218A - Relating to school attendance
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HB 3694A - Relating to student athletes
Work Sessions were held on:
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HB 2511- Relating to education workforce data
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HB 2682 - Relating to services for young children with special needs
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HB 3521 - Relating to residential tenancy hold deposits
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education
An Informational Hearing and Public Hearings were held on:
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SB 5525 - Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Work Sessions were held on various bills and agency reports. See agenda here.
Week 15 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
Ways and Means Roadshow Recap
I appreciated meeting so many people that were willing to share their story and the kindness shown on the Ways and Means road show. We visited cities across our beautiful Oregon and heard about a wide variety of need, including funding for K-12 education, wastewater treatment, higher ed, personal care worker support, arts & culture, community corrections, housing and so much more. We wrapped up last Friday in Klamath Falls, which saw a large community turnout for the hearing. Committee members also enjoyed tours around the district including to schools, OIT and Kingsley Air Base. I will keep with me the memory of good times spent across our state learning about everyone's needs, as the legislature continues to consider budget decisions, and await the May revenue forecast.
In The News
Capital Chatter: Certainty is rare in Oregon politics
Oregon Capital Insider, Dick Hughes, May 1, 2025
On Wednesday, education advocates gathered with Kotek at the State Library – the governor’s temporary headquarters during the Capitol reconstruction – as she signed bills that fund three years of summer-learning grants.
Kotek Signs Summer Learning Bills
KXL and Z-100 Radio websites, press release reprint, April 30, 2025
“This bill is a reflection of our values in Oregon, that we support students and are doing all we can to further their learning, especially in the area of evidence-based literacy,” said Subcommittee Co-chair Senator Janeen Sollman (D – Hillsboro, Forest Grove & Rock Creek). “We know that when students are strong readers it leads to being strong future leaders.”
Oregon bill would limit sale of flavored tobacco, nicotine products to liquor stores
Salem Statesman Journal, Dianne Lugo, April 30, 2025
Oregon lawmakers trying to tackle teen vaping have amended a bill that would have banned flavored tobacco and nicotine products to limit their sale exclusively at liquor stores. “I feel like this is definitely marketed to kids who would never smoke a combustible cigarette, and nicotine is among the most highly addictive chemicals on the planet, and then you’re hooked for life,” said Sen Lisa Reynolds, D-Portland, who is a pediatrician.
Out and About for Senate District 15
143 Community Conversations—and Counting!
Listening remains the foundation of my work as a legislator. I hosted my 143rd Community Conversation—and as always, I’m grateful to everyone who made time to be there.
These gatherings are where ideas are shared, concerns are voiced, and community is strengthened. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and helping shape the future we share.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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