Jan. 27, 2009—Unusual Alliance Backs Clean Energy Plan for Oregon

Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, Treasurer Ben Westlund, legislators, business leaders, conservationists, consumer and low-income advocates and members of Oregon’s faith communities joined today to announce their support for the Repower Oregon 2009 campaign. The campaign supports a comprehensive package of legislation introduced earlier this month to boost Oregon’s economy and create jobs through investments in clean energy technologies, while meeting state goals to reduce global warming pollution.

“Clean energy technology is one of the real bright spots in our economy right now. I see more job opportunities for working families in the state if we continue to support our growing clean energy sector, especially in many of Oregon’s rural areas that are rich with renewable energy potential,” said Avakian.

Proposals currently before lawmakers would:

• put a cap and trade system in place to reduce global warming pollution
• create new incentives for renewable energy development, like wind and solar power
• increase energy efficiency in commercial and residential building
• invest in low-income home weatherization for vulnerable Oregonians
• give the public better transportation choices through smart investments and efficient planning

Together, these policies would create new green collar jobs and accelerate Oregon’s transition to a clean energy economy.

The RePower Oregon campaign, the focus of the newly formed Healthy Climate Partnership, seeks to continue Oregon’s proud tradition as a national leader in forward-looking policies that give the state an edge and preserve Oregon’s unique natural heritage.

“We can actually become more economically competitive by embracing our state’s historic respect for clean air and open spaces. By making smart investments and adopting the right policies now, we can make the most of this moment,” said Westlund.

The proposed cap to reduce Oregon’s global warming pollution is a market-based program with a track record of success. The cap and trade approach used for the U.S. Acid Rain program demonstrated that reducing pollution can be achieved alongside economic prosperity as business and industry adapted to change over time.

David Chen of the Equilibrium Capital Group, a supporters of the campaign who was unable to attend the event, sent along his endorsement, remarking, “We can catalyze the creation of new businesses and new business models. We implement a set of policies that continue the growth of our region's great strength in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability driven businesses. We create regulatory clarity and stability for companies and investors, enabling them to lay out long term investment plans.”

The RePower 2009 campaign brings together a wide cross-section of interests including consumer advocates like Citizens’ Utility Board; clean energy developers like the Renewable Northwest Project, Vestas, Tanner Creek Energy and Horizon; green builders like the Cascadia Region Green Building Council and SERA Architects; members of our communities of faith; conservationists like the Oregon Environmental Council, Environment Oregon and Climate Solutions; public health advocates like Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Oregon Center for Public Health and many others.