Governor creates Oregon Energy Planning Council
Council will help forecast Oregon's energy needs, supply and map transition to renewable energy future
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski this week signed Executive Order 08-26, creating the Oregon Energy Planning Council. The creation of the council follows the Governor's Energy Summit held in August. The 11 member council is charged with providing proactive analysis, advice and assistance on energy planning.
"Even in these tough economic times, we need to address Oregon's energy future comprehensively," Governor Kulongoski said. "The future prosperity of Oregon's citizens and businesses will be dependent on a well-developed and proactive energy plan that this council can help provide."
The council will issue an energy planning report to the Governor and the Legislature before December 31, 2010 that will include information on Oregon's current energy use and supply. The report will also include analysis of future energy needs, challenges to price and supply stability for Oregon citizens and businesses, analysis of any energy supply gaps, alternatives to meet Oregon's energy needs and short, medium and long range energy plans for meeting Oregon's energy demands.
"Demands on Oregon's energy supply are going to increase in the future, whether it's from a growing population or a growing economy," Governor Kulongoski said. "We have set Oregon on a path to a renewable energy future but also need to make sure we address stability and supply concerns as we make that transition. This council will help us chart that course."
Members of the Oregon Energy Planning Council are:
Ron Adams (Chair), OSU College of Engineering
Mark Maher, Western Energy Coordinating Council
Stephen Grover, ECO Northwest
Marty Sedler, Intel
Bob Jenks, Citizens' Utility Board
Rachel Shimshak, Renewable Northwest Project
Steve Wright, Bonneville Power Administration
Gregg Kantor, NW Natural
Peggy Fowler, PGE
Pat Reiten, PacifiCorp
Mark Edlen, Gerding Edlen
The Governor also appointed the chairs of the following state commissions and boards to serve as ex-officio members on the council:
Board of Agriculture, Ken Bailey
Board of Forestry, John Blackwell
Economic & Community Development Commission, Wally VanValkenburg
Energy Facility Siting Council, Bob Shiprack
Environmental Quality Commission, Bill Blosser
Fish and Wildlife Commission, Marla Rae
Land, Conservation & Development Commission, John VanLandingham
Oregon Global Warming Commission, Angus Duncan
Oregon Investment Council, Katy Durant
Oregon Transportation Commission, Gail Achterman
Public Utilities Commission, Lee Beyer
State Economist, Tom Potiowsky
The Governor will address the Energy Planning Council at their first meeting, tentatively scheduled for February 12, 2009. The council will provide, as requested, ongoing analysis and council on energy forecasting, transmission, price stability, alternative energy sources and energy efficiency.
"Energy use and its impact will be a significant ongoing issue for Oregon," Governor Kulongoski said. "This council will help to ensure Oregon develops a plan to keep the state moving forward as we transition to our renewable energy future."
To view a copy of the Executive Order, click here.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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