Governor Kitzhaber directed the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to launch a comprehensive School Energy Audit Initiative. The audits are the first step in a multi-phase, statewide effort to achieve improved energy efficiency at public schools and create jobs.

The energy audits will be conducted at no cost to the school districts or community as they will be entirely funded by federal stimulus (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act) funds through the Oregon Department of Energy's State Energy Program. The audits are expected to cost $2 million.