How should Portland’s clean energy fund be spent?

Think Out Loud

How should Portland’s clean energy fund be spent?

Clean

Published on Apr 6, 2026, 1:31:07 PM
Total time: 00:17:53

Episode Description

The Portland Clean Energy Fund was passed by voters in 2018. The 1% tax on retail sales of companies that make a billion dollars or more has generated a fund much bigger than expected. Many non-climate projects have asked for some of this money. Now the mayor and other officials want to spend $75 million in PCEF funds to go toward Portland’s share of the $600 million in total taxpayer money for the Moda center remodel. We talk with Portland City Councilor Steve Novick, who is opposed to this plan, about how he’d like to see the fund spent, and what he thinks of the city’s current approach to climate change.

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OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.