Governor to kick off debate on renewable energy standard (OR 25x25)

[jpak]

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2007/03/05/daily5.html

The governor on Tuesday will ask the Legislature to put Oregon at the forefront of the environmental movement when he testifies on a new proposal to require the state's utilities to get 25 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2025.

Known as a renewable portfolio standard, the proposal would give Oregon the second-most ambitious standard in the country, behind California.

Coupled with a package of renewable energy bills that passed the House last week, Gov. Ted Kulongoski told a conference call of reporters on Monday the bill is part of making Oregon the nation's capital for alternative energy.

The proposal -- Senate Bill 373 -- would require all utilities to get 5 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2011. The percentage would escalate to 25 percent by 2025. Utilities that could not meet the thresholds would be able to purchase credits from power generators with room under the cap.

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