La Grande resident Denice Calderon named to Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

LA GRANDE – Earlier this week, the Oregon Department of Energy announced that two new members had been named to the Energy Facility Siting Council. Linn County native and U.S. Navy Veteran Les Walton will join the council alongside La Grande resident and San Jose State University electrical engineering graduate Denice Calderon.

Walton began his term on July 1st and will continue through June 30, 2030, while Calderon has been serving an interim term since June 22 and will continue through June 30, 2027, followed by an additional term from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031.

For more information on the two new members and the Energy Facility Siting Council, see the following press release from the Oregon Department of Energy:

(Press release from the Oregon Department of Energy)

The Oregon Department of Energy is pleased to welcome Denice Calderon and Les Walton as the newest members of the Energy Facility Siting Council. Both members were appointed by Governor Kotek and confirmed by the Senate. Calderon will serve an interim term from June 22, 2026, through June 30, 2027 followed by an additional term from July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2031. Walton’s first term began July 1, 2026 and will continue through June 30, 2030.

Both new members bring a strong background in public service and technical knowledge to the council. Calderon, a resident of La Grande, grew up in California, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University and is most recently serving as the Founder & Chief Executive at Aetervaja Technologies & Development. Walton was raised in Linn County, OR and served in the U.S. Navy as a Utilities and Energy Management Director from 1999 to 2019, while most recently working for Shneider Electric as a Power and Energy Solutions Architect.

“Energy is the foundation of possibility. It sustains our critical infrastructure, powers our economy, and makes tomorrow’s innovations possible,” Calderon said. “As America’s energy demands grow, meeting them begins with the facilities we consider today. I am honored to serve Oregonians with a passion for energy and a commitment to integrity, justice, impartial review, and faithful application of the law. I am excited to contribute to the Council’s work and help lay the foundation for a resilient energy future that serves generations to come.”

Walton expressed, “As energy demand continues to rise and connectivity becomes ever more integral to our communities, businesses, and industries, the continuation of thoughtful, long-term energy leadership is essential. I am honored to continue serving Oregon, leveraging global experience and perspective to help build a reliable, and forward looking energy future. Through purposeful collaboration and responsible energy stewardship, we can safeguard the natural beauty, economic vitality, and quality of life that makes Oregon the place we are proud to call home.”

Calderon and Walton will join current council members Cindy Condon, Ann Beier, Kent Howe, Richard Devlin, and Patty Perry. Members are selected to understand, evaluate, and deliberate complex issues associated with proposed energy facilities under state jurisdiction and how those facilities affect Oregonians, the environment, and nearby communities. The council has the authority to approve or deny site certificates to allow applicants to construct and operate an energy facility. If a site certificate is granted, the council has ongoing regulatory authority over the construction and operation of the facility. The council also regulates the transportation of radioactive materials through Oregon, the disposal of radioactive materials within the state’s borders, and the decommissioning of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant.

To learn more about the council and how to participate in the facility siting process visit the Oregon Department of Energy’s website.

(Image originally posted by the Oregon Department of Energy)