Oregon’s Renewable Energy Action Plan Prepared by the Oregon.pdfVIP

Oregon’s Renewable Energy Action Plan Prepared by the Oregon Department of Energy for Governor Ted Kulongoski /energy Oregon Renewable Energy Action Plan Oregon Renewable Energy Action Plan “We can make Oregon the national leader in renewable energy and renewable product manufacturing. …. Development of renewable energy will lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, protect Oregon’s clean air and create jobs.” Governor Kulongoski, 2003 1. Introduction Promoting a diversity of renewable energy generating resources in Oregon is good energy policy for a state that has an electricity system heavily dependent on hydropower and increasingly dependent on fossil fuels. Because some renewable energy fuels are freely accessible and others are not subject to fossil fuel price swings, they help stabilize electric rates. They contribute to a healthy electric power infrastructure. Similarly, developing a biofuels industry in Oregon will help reduce our dependence on petroleum for transportation. As importantly, developing the state’s renewable energy resources, related manufacturing and research and development presents a huge economic opportunity, particularly in rural parts of the state where economic development can be most challenging. Investments stay in Oregon, creating jobs and growing a “second crop” for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Finally, renewable energy is an investment in the environment by displacing the use of fossil fuel generation and avoiding numerous pollutants and global warming gases. “It is a fairly rare initiative that is good policy, good economic development, and good for the environment, but renewable energy development is that rare gem.”1 Oregon has long been one of the nation’s leaders in encouragi