Oregon governor Kate Brown, with bipartisan help, has recently signed into law a groundbreaking piece of legislation.
The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Act can be seen as one of the most progressive clean energy bills so far. It states that the two largest utilities in Oregon must phase out coal use by 2030. It also requires that the utilities provide that at least half of their electrical production comes from renewable sources by 2040.
Many that have supported the bill argue that it is a vital step in greenhouse reduction goals for the state. The main goal has been to reduce emissions by 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Besides coal, the other main non-renewable source of energy for the state is natural gas, coming in at 11.8 percent of total electrical consumption.
Coal currently provides about 33 percent of the state’s energy needs. Residents also rely on coal generated electricity provided by nearby states. In fact, the state’s only coal plant is scheduled to go offline by 2020. Oregon’s clean energy bill requires that any electricity used in the state is not produced by the burning of coal.
Hydroelectricity and wind provide 44 percent and 5 percent of the state’s electric needs, respectively. With hydroelectricity counted as being a renewable energy source, the state’s goal of 50 percent renewable energy has essentially been met.
A true renewable energy goal would see a much greater implementation of wind and solar power. In fact, solar is virtually non-existent. The state’s untapped solar energy potential is tremendous. Sure, it’s not the sunniest state in America, but Germany is cloudier and solar power works in that part of the world.
The bottom line is that the Oregon must eventually adopt a considerable amount of wind and solar power if it is to replace a third of it’s energy that is lost as coal use is phased out.
Hopefully other states will look to follow Oregon’s lead in taking a meaningful step towards a clean energy future.
In conclusion, the passage of the ambitious clean energy bill in Oregon marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This legislation demonstrates the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents. By setting ambitious goals and implementing various measures, Oregon is leading the way in the transition towards a greener economy and setting an example for other states to follow. This clean energy bill is a positive development that will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to job creation and economic growth in the state.
In conclusion, the passing of the ambitious clean energy bill in Oregon is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The bill not only sets ambitious targets for renewable energy generation but also promotes investments in clean technologies and creates new job opportunities. By prioritizing clean energy, Oregon is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. This landmark legislation serves as a model for other states and countries, showing that it is possible to transition to a clean energy economy while creating economic growth and protecting the environment.
In conclusion, the passing of the ambitious clean energy bill in Oregon marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future. With its focus on renewable energy sources and carbon reduction, the state is setting an example for other regions to follow. This legislation not only benefits the environment but also promotes job creation and economic growth in the clean energy sector. Oregon’s commitment to clean energy is commendable and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the state and the planet as a whole.
In conclusion, the passage of the ambitious clean energy bill in Oregon marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future. This legislation demonstrates the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. By setting ambitious targets for renewable energy production and implementing measures to support clean energy development, Oregon is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against climate change. The passage of this bill not only benefits the environment but also promotes job creation and economic growth in the clean energy sector. Overall, this landmark legislation sets a positive example for other states and countries to follow in their pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable future.