Oregon Aims for 100% RE by 2010

In a show of political leadership that is too rare and yet so encouraging, Ted Kulongoski, the Governor of the state of Oregon, has revealed that he wants to see his state government running on 100% renewable energy within four years. A lofty goal for sure, even more so when you consider that the Oregon state government currently only receives 1% of its electrical needs from renewable sources.

They’re going to explore the possibility of developing state-owned RE facilities as well as partnerships with private developers to purchase what they’ll need. Other options will include participating in utility RE purchase programs and enacting legislation that would authorize state agencies to develop RE on state property such as forests and campuses. From an article in The Register-Guard…

“The state must lead by example in its consumption of energy,” Kulongoski said. “It is not only good fiscal policy for the taxpayers, but it’s also sound policy that will contribute to protecting our environment and promoting economic development in Oregon’s sustainable industries.”

Kulongoski will also direct state departments to consider new approaches rather than postpone his goal if the costs come in too high.

This is truly refreshing and I really hope that it isn’t a bunch of politico smoke-blowing. If they can pull it off, it’ll serve as a fine example that it doesn’t have to take us decades to make the changes that we need to make right now.

Here’s that article from The Register-Guard in Eugene.

[via GroovyGreen]