| Press Release |
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| May 1, 2006 |
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Governor praises Corvallis as coast's first 'Green Power Community'
City is first to gain EPA designation through use of renewable energy
Corvallis, OR—Today Governor Ted Kulongoski praised the citizens and businesses of Corvallis for their use of clean, renewable energy, and for winning designation by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the West Coast’s first “Green Power Community.”
In a celebration at the Corvallis-Benton County Library, the Governor joined other local, state and federal leaders in congratulating the community for its collaborative effort to buy and utilize renewable energy through Pacific Power’s “Blue Sky” program and a similar program through Consumers Power.
“To anyone who wonders if there’s a demand in Oregon for renewable and alternative fuels, I say, ‘Look no further than the community of Corvallis,’” the Governor said. “To the city leaders, business partners and citizens of Corvallis who have always been conscientious about how choices affect communities, I say, Thank you. Thank you for proving the point—that the people of Oregon are serious about the future of their environment and their economy. Thank you for showing the way.”
One of the Governor’s high priorities in the next session of the legislature, he said, is a bill to establish a “Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard,” putting Oregon on a path to derive 25 percent of its total energy from renewable energy sources by the year 2025.
“Some say my goal is too ambitious,” the Governor said. “Others are skeptical, saying it can’t be accomplished. But with the work already under way in renewable energy technology—and the clear demand from the citizens—I think this goal is achievable, even though it’s ambitious.”
Corvallis ranks first among Oregon cities in the percentage of customers who buy renewable energy through optional renewable energy programs. Thus far, more than 2,800 Corvallis households and 93 businesses have enrolled in such programs. The city itself purchases 75,000 kilowatt-hours of Blue Sky wind energy every month.
“As I travel the state, I find that one of the issues Oregonians worry most about is our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” the Governor said. “They worry about the price of gasoline, our country’s ability to sustain our reliance on fossil fuels, and how this dependence will impact our economy.”
Because Oregon relies on manufacturing and trade, the state must make transporting people, commerce and goods efficient and affordable, the Governor added. “I’m clearly not alone in my concern about renewable energy and a sustainable world, and that’s gratifying,” he said. “At the same time, we face a tremendous challenge—to create a better understanding of why this issue is important to our quality of life and our economic security.”
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin (503.378.6169)
Anna Richter Taylor (503.378.6496)
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