| Press Release |
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| September 26, 2008 |
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Governor Creates Alternative Fuel Vehicle Infrastructure Work Group
Work group is charged with creating strategy for electric vehicle development and marketing in Oregon
(Salem)– As part of the Governor’s climate change and sustainable transportation agenda, Governor Ted Kulongoski today signed Executive Order 08-24, creating the Governor’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Infrastructure Working Group. The group is charged with developing the policies and alternative fuel infrastructure for Oregon to attract car manufacturers seeking to bring the next generation of electric and alternative fuel vehicles to market in North America.
“Our reliance on foreign oil and our emissions of greenhouse gases come from dependence on gasoline powered vehicles,” said Governor Kulongoski. “We have to move away from gasoline powered vehicles and move towards alternative power sources such as electric, natural gas and fuel cell vehicles – and Oregon is positioned to be a national a leader for this next generation of vehicles.”
In order to prepare companies and help Oregon citizens move to an alternative fuels transportation system, the executive order establishes a working group that will develop a plan to work with the private sector to build alternative fuel stations in Oregon by October 2010. The group will also provide a forum for Oregonians to make sure alternative fuels work for their communities, including establishing standards for residential charging infrastructure, and implementing a public awareness campaign to educate Oregonians about how to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles into their daily lives.
“As the private marketplace transitions to new technologies, it is critical that the state, local partners and private companies work together to build a consistent and reliable refueling infrastructure so consumers can make the switch to new, greener vehicles,” the Governor said. “Oregon is in a position to help lead the way in this transition, creating both economic opportunities for the state and contributing to the fight against global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The workgroup will consist of 11-13 members appointed by the Governor who have expertise in alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and who represent the transportation and utility industries, state and local government, the business community, the energy efficiency and conservation community as well as members of the general public. The workgroup will provide written recommendations to the Governor on or before December 31, 2009.
For the text of the executive order, click here.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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