The Oregon Legislature passed
SB 1536 following the record-breaking heat wave in the summer of 2021, during which at least 100 Oregonians died of heat-related illnesses, often in their own homes. The bill directed ODOE to complete a Cooling Needs Study for the state.
The Cooling Needs Study assesses cooling and related needs in publicly supported housing (as defined in ORS 456.20), manufactured dwelling parks, and for recreational vehicles being used as housing. The study includes the prevalence of and need for cooling facilities, and the opportunities and barriers to including cooling facilities in housing and RV parks. It also evaluates how to meet the cooling needs for these housing types statewide, including financial and electrical infrastructure analysis, evaluation of cooling equipment, analysis of utility costs/savings of installation, and operation of cooling equipment for residents.
Explore key findings with the Oregon Cooling Needs Study StoryMap 
Many thanks to Good Company, a division of Parametrix, for its work in preparing the Cooling Needs Study and interactive tools on behalf of ODOE.