Oregon

Bill recognizes pre-95 biomass to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard starting in 2026

March 4, 2010 -- (Salem) -- Today Oregon Governor Kulongoski signed into law House Bill 3674, compromise legislation that will allow pre-1995 biomass facilities in Oregon to generate credits for utilities to apply towards Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). While utilities will be able to buy credits to meet the standard, those credits will not be redeemable until 2026, keeping the current RPS requirements of 25 percent renewable energy by 2025 intact.    » read more »

High-Speed Rail - Eugene

January 27, 2010 -- The 467-mile long corridor connecting Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada is the backbone of intercity passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants will further enhance service on a corridor where Washington and Oregon have already made substantial investments.

The long-term vision for the corridor is to have a dedicated high-speed track, where trains will operate at up to 150mph, with 13 daily round trips between Seattle and Portland. The region is taking a cost-eective, step-by-step approach towards achieving this vision, by focusing investments on projects that have immediate benefits, but which also lay the groundwork for the future.    » read more »

Introduces Bill to Boost Oregon's Nursery Industry and Promote Job Creation

01/26/10 -- Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today introduced the Small Business Environmental Stewardship Assistance Act of 2010, .R. 4509, to promote the planting of trees in communities throughout the nation as well as creating jobs and economic development opportunities for Oregon’s nursery industry.

“Right now we need to do everything we can to promote job creation here in Oregon,” said Schrader. “This bill will provide a critical shot in the arm for Oregon’s nursery industry, an important part of our local rural economy.”    » read more »

January 20, 2010 -- (Salem) — “Today’s employment report provides some promising news with job gains in the private sector and in manufacturing, however it also shows that record numbers of Oregonians are still seeking work after extended periods of unemployment and are in need of assistance to help ends meet during this difficult period.

“Because of this need, I will continue to urge Congress to consider another unemployment benefit extension to ensure those who are out of work will continue to be able to look for work and support themselves and their families. On the state side, I will also work with legislative partners in February to reauthorize a state extension of unemployment benefits to complement any action at the federal level.    » read more »

January 21, 2010 -- Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded today’s announcement by Facebook, Inc. that it’s building a LEED certified data center in Prineville.

In addition to immediate construction jobs, the center will create about 35 permanent positions.

“Facebook’s exciting investment means more jobs for an area that urgently needs them,” Merkley said.

“As our economy relies more and more on innovative technology companies, those companies are relying more on Oregon. This investment creates jobs across a variety of fields, from computer engineers, to technicians to food service professionals.    » read more »

Governor Kulongoski and Superintendent Castillo release blueprint for K-12 education reform; Oregon is applying for $200 million through the federal Race to the Top competition

January 19, 2010 -- (Gladstone) — Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo were joined by education leaders from communities across the state to release Oregon’s application for $200 million of the competitive federal Race to the Top grant. Race to the Top is a $4 billion program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act targeted to support education reform and innovation in the states.    » read more »

Wyden Legislation Would Take Oregon Anti-Meth Legislation Nationwide, Require Doctor's Prescription for Pseudoephedrine; State and Local Law Enforcement, Pharmacists Support Change as Way to Stop Smurfers and Eliminate Meth Labs in the U.S.

January 15, 2010 -- Portland, OR – Joined by police, prosecutors and pharmacists, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden today announced legislation that would take Oregon’s successful anti-methamphetamine law nationwide by requiring a doctor’s prescription for pseudoephedrine products.    » read more »

Oregon Senator Calls for Greater Use of Biomass from Federal Forests

December 4, 2009 -- Seattle, WA – Recognizing that renewable, efficient energy is good for both job creation and improving forest health, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden today called for a change in energy policy that would open the doors for greater use of biomass from federal forests.    » read more »

Report outlines revisions to BETC for remainder of 09-11 biennium and new approach for wind energy

Dec. 2, 2009 -- (Salem) – Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski received an initial review of the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program and recommendations for next steps to strengthen the program. The Governor called for this review in August and last month asked the Oregon Department of Energy and Oregon Business Development Department to make recommendations for consideration by the legislature during the February 2010 session.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today the Senate passed legislation that will increase funding for housing and supportive services for veterans. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley voted in favor of the measure which was passed as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

“After serving our nation selflessly and putting their lives on the line for the safety of our citizens, it is completely unacceptable that veterans are sleeping on the streets and not receiving the care and services they deserve,” said Merkley “This funding is an important step forward in helping veterans get off the streets and back on their feet.”    » read more »

Nov. 16, 2009 -- (Salem) – “Today’s employment report shows that Oregon’s unemployment rate is starting to level off and stabilize, which is promising news. This week we will also receive the next quarterly state revenue forecast, which will provide another snapshot about the state of Oregon’s economy.

“Today’s employment report and the forecast later this week are critical indicators for state and local governments as we continue to budget prudently and plan for a long, slow economic recovery.    » read more »

Bill to Go to President Obama for Final Signature

16 November 2009 -- Washington, DC – In an effort led by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore), the House today passed a bill that would designate the U.S. Postal Service located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Ave. in Northeast Portland as the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office.” The bill was supported by every member of the Oregon delegation in both the House and the Senate.

The bill is the result of a community effort led by local letter carriers Jamie Partridge and Isham Harris. In 2007, Mr. Partridge and Mr. Harris collected employee signatures supporting the renaming, as well as letters of support from the Piedmont and Concordia Neighborhood Associations, and the Sabin Community Association.    » read more »

Recovery Act funds will help save and create over 90 jobs in rural Oregon

Nov. 10, 2009 -- (Salem) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced a $4.89 million federally-funded economic recovery grant from Business Oregon to the Ochoco Lumber Company of John Day. The funding will construct a wood pellet fuel facility, helping support the retention of 80 full-time jobs and creating 11 new ones in the community.

The grant opportunity was made possible by the U.S. Forest Service and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). Malheur National Forest officials worked in conjunction with Business Oregon staff to make the pellet fuel project possible.    » read more »

Flags to be lowered until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Nov. 6, 2009 -- (Salem) - Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski ordered all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, in memory of those lost in the Fort Hood tragedy yesterday.

“The tragic event at Fort Hood yesterday is not only devastating for the families, but for our entire nation,” said Governor Kulongoski. “As we keep our soldiers serving abroad in our thoughts and prayers, we should take a moment to think about those lost at Fort Hood and their families.”

Source: Oregon Governor

Executive Order gives public health director clear authority to respond as needed

Nov. 5, 2009 -- (Salem) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today issued Executive Order 09-17 to grant the state’s public health director, Dr. Mel Kohn, additional authority to respond proactively to pandemic H1N1 influenza. By issuing the order now, Governor Kulongoski has provided Dr. Kohn with the ability to implement quickly public health protections provided by state law.

“In order to do all we can to protect the public, I have provided Dr. Kohn with the ability to take additional steps to protect the health of Oregonians,” said Governor Kulongoski. “These measures are not needed now, but should that change, Dr. Kohn can take action without delay.”    » read more »