Oregon governor might veto energy-related bills

OREGON - Governor Ted Kulongoski may veto bills he worries could slow Oregon's efforts to boost the green economy and reduce global warming.

One of the measures would trim a program that subsidizes green energy projects by reducing tax credits for large wind farms. The other would allow older biomass plants to be counted toward the state's renewable energy standards adopted two years ago.

Kulongoski spokeswoman Anna Richter Taylor said the governor has not decided on either bill, "but he doesn't want to see legislation that would slow down momentum in this area."

In the session's final days, lawmakers decided to lower the maximum state tax credits for large wind projects from $10 million to $3.5 million. Environmental groups objected, saying this isn't the time to roll back Oregon's incentives for alternative energy.

Legislative sponsors said that with the recession squeezing the state's finances, wind energy became a target for a reduction because the industry has become competitive without the need for subsidies.

Kulongoski opposed the reduction, but he might sign the measure anyway because it also contains incentives for electric car manufacturers, which he wants to attract to Oregon.

The biomass measure would allow electricity generated from a facility using biomass that became operational before 1995 to comply with Oregon's renewable portfolio standard. Biomass plants generally burn wood waste from sawmills or logging operations.

The bill passed despite criticism from environmental advocates who said it would allow utilities to get around part of the state's renewable power mandates.

Approved by the 2007 Legislature, Oregon's renewable-energy standard requires utilities to meet 25 percent of their retail demand by 2025 with electricity from renewable-energy projects such as wind, solar, geothermal, or biomass.

The 2007 law counts only resources that came online after January 1995. But the bill that recently gained approval would allow utilities to buy power from biomass projects that were in operation before the 1995 cutoff date and count it toward the renewable power mandates.

Forest industry officials sought the change to make the pre-1995 plants more competitive with newer projects.

Related News

Ontario to seek new wind, solar power to help ease coming electricity supply crunch

TORONTO - Ontario is working toward filling all of the province’s quickly growing electricity needs with emissions-free sources, including a plan to secure new renewable generation, but isn’t quite ready to commit to a moratorium on natural gas.

Energy Minister Todd Smith announced Monday a strategy to prepare the grid for 2030 to 2050 — the Independent Electricity System Operator projects Ontario’s electricity demand could double by mid-century — and next steps involve looking for new wind, solar and hydroelectric power.

“While we may not need to start building today, government and those in the energy sector need to start planning immediately,…

READ MORE
atco electric

ATCO Electric agrees to $31 million penalty following regulator's investigation

READ MORE

power station

California Blackouts reveal lapses in power supply

READ MORE

china power shortage

China power cuts: What is causing the country's blackouts?

READ MORE

Are Net-Zero Energy Buildings Really Coming Soon to Mass?

READ MORE