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| The cost of ‘green’ investments |
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| Ratepayers end up paying the price for ‘green’ power
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 | | sen.tedferrioli@state.or.us | | Sen. Ted Ferrioli
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Sometimes the drive to claim we are "number one" makes us forget who we are.
For years, Oregonians have recycled in record numbers, bought more kilowatts of "green" power than almost any other state in the country, and gladly supported mass transit. A large part of the Oregon tradition is doing what is right for the environment.
Oregon has the 45th smallest carbon footprint in the country. We rank second or third nationally when it comes to the use of renewable energy. Those are titles we have worked hard for and of which we should be proud.
Because we value our environmental heritage, we take seriously new efforts towards a more responsible use of energy. But we should be careful that the drive isn't just to be "the leader," because the cost can be dear. Going from the second or third to the first biggest user of renewable energy won't come cheap and Oregon residential and commercial ratepayers will bear the cost.
Governor Kulongoski recently signed a bill that requires new energy consumption in Oregon to be 25 percent renewable by the year 2025. While the intentions are noble, this plan may result in a 25 percent rate increase by the year 2010.
A May 3rd decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has already decreed a 13 percent rate hike. Kulongoski's energy plan also allows utilities to raise rates by 4 percent every year without having to seek regulatory approval. Snow pack is down and if global warming predictions are true, rates will continue to climb.
Oregon is leading the way in hydro, wind and wave technology. We shouldn't punish ratepayers for the good work they already are doing.
Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) is the Senate Republican Leader and represents the citizens of Senate District 30 which includes Baker, Grant, Gilliam, Harney, Jefferson, Malheur, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler and parts of Clackamas, Deschutes and Marion Counties. He can be reached at: sen.tedferrioli@state.or.us |
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