Climate Action in Oregon

Climate Solutions is about to celebrate it's second year of being on the ground in Oregon. Here's an overview of what we've been working on over the past months to reduce carbon and make the clean-energy economy real in Oregon and the Northwest:

Funding for clean energy in Oregon:  Climate Solutions is working with the NW Environmental Business Council and others to create business alignment around proposals to preserve the BETC and create new funding mechanisms such as a broader application of the existing energy loan program (SELP). We will form and lead a coalition on a campaign to educate the public and legislature on the benefits of clean energy prior to the 2011 legislative session. Read the article in Sustainable Business Oregon.  If you would like to help on the campaign, contact us.

2011 Oregon Legislature:  Climate Solutions is working with energy efficiency businesses leaders and the environmental community to create energy efficiency legislation for the Oregon 2011 legislature. We are evaluating a slate of policies to include in the Climate Solutions agenda. 

Smart Grid Oregon:  Climate Solutions holds a board position with this new association promoting smart grid, and I am co-chair of the policy team. This group will be developing policy to promote smart grid companies in Oregon and to develop smart grid infrastructure. Visit Smart Grid Oregon for more information.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest:  The Port of Portland, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Spokane International Airport and Washington State University have begun a strategic initiative facilitated by Climate Solutions to promote aviation biofuel development in the Pacific Northwest. The first regional assessment of its kind in the United States, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest project will look at biomass options within a four-state area as possible sources for creating renewable jet fuel. Read the article in Sustainable Business Oregon.

Buidling the Biocarbon Economy: How the Northwest Can Lead:  We've just released our Biocarbon Briefing series detailing how forests, farms, cities and businesses can mobilize biological carbon resources to stabilize the climate.

New Energy Cities:  Our newest program, New Energy Cities, demonstrates how alliances between local elected officials, utilities, community leaders, businesses and workers can work to establish innovative models for powering our cities now and into the future. We are currently partnering with communities throughout the region including Albany, OR, Spokane and Thurston County, WA, Jackson, WY and others.

Federal climate policy:  We have worked tirelessly with many of you to get the strongest possible climate and clean-energy bill passed through Congress that the broken politics of today will allow. We will continue to work on federal policy and  to defend the EPA authority to regulate carbon.