Oregon is blessed with plentiful resources to tackle our energy problems, but today Oregon is dependent on fossil fuels. That means we’re stuck with volatile and rising energy prices, dependence on unstable parts of the world, and rising temperatures as fossil fuel pollution warms the planet. It’s clear that we need to take control of our energy future and get our country on a path toward energy independence.
That's where our homegrown energy resources come in. The cheapest and cleanest energy resource is energy conservation and efficiency, and our state is already a leader in saving energy through energy-efficient building practices. The Portland metro area leads the nation in per-capita ownership of energy-saving hybrid cars.
In addition, we have a unique abundance of renewable energy resources. Areas around the Columbia Gorge and in northeastern and southeastern Oregon have excellent wind energy potential. The Oregon Coast has some of the best wave energy sites in the world. Much of eastern Oregon has high potential for geothermal energy. And even the rainiest parts of our state get more sun than Germany, a world leader in solar power.
