Green Energy Institute

Developing smart and comprehensive legal and policy strategies to address climate change and support a swift and equitable transition to a sustainable, carbon-free energy grid.

Our policy recommendations and publications have charted the course for reform, and our Charged Debate blog explores current energy policy issues.

Green Energy Institute News

July 13! Fall in Love with the Future. Empowering Local Climate Action: Education, Policy and Practice

It’s time to take solutions to the climate crisis into our own hands. Enjoy the company of other youth and advocates of all ages who are ready to race to save the planet. 

Register here. See the full program here. The day’s events will take place in Council Chamber in the Fowler Student Center. The keynote will take place in the Agnes Flanagan Chapel. See the map here. The livestream link is available here.

environmental law
Google Data Center The Dalles

Regulating the Rise of Data Centers in Oregon

Green Energy Institute staff and students are advancing solutions under Oregon’s POWER Act to address the environmental and economic impacts of data center expansion. The Oregon Public Utility Commission’s recent ruling, citing GEI throughout, ordered some of the most innovative and protective outcomes from a public utility commission in the nation.

Oregonian article

GEI in the news!

Check out staff attorneys Cole Souder and Alex Houston in the Oregonian, and Carra Sahler on OPB.

newsletter, newsletters
GEI's November 2025 Newsletter

Read GEI’s November 2025 Newsletter

Last year’s newsletter reflected on what GEI had accomplished in a “best of” moment of fun before the chaos and drama of the next administration descended on us. We never could have guessed what we were all about to face … 

Past Events

July 13, 2026

July 13 - Fall in Love with the Future. Empowering Local Climate Action: Education, Policy and Practice

Kick off your PNW Climate Week right! It’s time to take solutions into our own hands. Enjoy the company of other youth and advocates of all ages who are ready to race to save the planet. There is no better way to launch a week dedicated to our planet than by grounding ourselves in hope, strategy and community. The livestream link is available here.

Youth v. Gov Climate Documentary and Panel, Nov. 11, 5:30 pm, at L&C Law Schoo, McCarty Classroom 2
November 11, 2025

LAW: Youth v. Gov film screening and panel discussion with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Join NEDC and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby for a screening of Youth v. Gov! The film follows the landmark case where youth sued the U.S. government for its role in the climate crisis. Afterwards, hear from panelists, including, the nonprofit that represented the youth, Our Children’s Trust. 6:00pm. RSVP here.

November 7, 2025

Corporations and Climate Change - Business Law Fall Forum

Register now for this great event featuring panels discussing ESG and Climate Reporting and Investing, Industry and NGO perspectives on disclosure initiatives, Net Zero Targets, and Corporate Climate Litigation!

This event has been approved for 4 general CLE credits.

More News and Events →