Governor Kitzhaber Releases 10-Year Energy Plan Draft

Clean, renewable energy makes sense for Oregon

Environment Oregon

SALEM, ORGovernor Kitzhaber released a draft of Oregon’s proposed 10-Year Energy Plan today. The draft is the result, in part, of a citizen task force charged with the goal of reducing Oregon’s dependence on carbon-intensive fuels and foreign oil, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and developing home-grown renewable energy, while boosting Oregon’s economy.  

“The Governor’s commitment to developing an energy plan that will reduce Oregon’s dependence on dirty fossil fuels should be applauded,” said Environment Oregon State Director, Sarah Higginbotham. “A final plan should be one that furthers that progress with a vision for clean, renewable energy solutions that make sense for Oregon’s environment, our families’ health, and the economy. “

Public input will be open for a 60-day public review and comment period ending on July 31, 2012, with public meetings scheduled around the state.  

Environment Oregon along with a diverse coalition of environmental, clean-energy and public interest organizations released a joint response:

“We thank Governor Kitzhaber for bringing Oregonians together to focus on a 10-year energy plan. A strong energy plan for Oregon requires both near-term and long-term vision and action.  Oregonians are increasingly concerned about the harm climate change is causing to our environment, economy and communities; the Governor’s plan is an important opportunity to accelerate our region’s transition from a fossil-fueled past to a clean energy future. We look forward to examining the draft’s content, engaging in next steps and forging a finalized plan that squarely addresses Oregon’s challenges and seizes our clean energy opportunities.

Organizations included Environment Oregon, Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, Climate Solutions, NW Energy Coalition, Oregon Environmental Council, Renewable Northwest Project, Sierra Club, and Community Action Partnership of Oregon.

A copy of the draft plan can be viewed here:  http://oregon.gov/energy/Pages/Ten_Year_Energy_Plan_Draft.aspx