OREGON

With oil prices on the rise, the economy of Oregon is hurting. Dependance on fossil fuels is also further fueling global warming. If we do not act on climate change, the economic consequences for Oregon will be severe. However, if we choose to act now, the economic benefits will be great. With a $300 billion investment over ten years, the US economy will see 3.3 million new jobs and a $1.4 trillion GDP gain, along with $284 billion in net energy cost savings. (i)

The citizens of Oregon face personal risk as well. With hotter, drier summers, Oregon homeowners are vulnerable to more frequent and larger forest fires. (ii)

At the root of these problems lies our reliance on dirty non-renewable energy sources. Oregon relies on coal and natural gas-both of which emit greenhouse gases-for over a quarter of its energy production. (GRAPH WOULD GO HERE—small and integrated into text) (iii)

With a strong national commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, however, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and work toward solving global warming.

Right now, Oregon has the potential to produce almost four times as much energy as it needs from renewables! (iv)

Action is already being taken in the state. Oregon has implemented an ambitious goal: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. (v) And in 2007, Oregon mandated that it produce 25% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2025. (vi)

We will need strong leadership to continue the fight against global climate change.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.apolloalliance.org/downloads/resources_ApolloReport_022404_122748.pdf

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

v. http://landru.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/hb3500.dir/hb3543.en.pdf

vi. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/rps.cfm