Oregon Governor Kulongoski Issues Earth Day Challenge

The Governor challenges Oregonians to help the earth and gives away pedometers to encourage walking instead of driving

April 21, 2008 -- (Portland) – At a rally in downtown Portland, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today issued his Earth Day challenge, encouraging all Oregonians to do something different to help the environment on Earth Day.

Female Rufuos Hummingbird, Oregon: Photo by Redgum (CC)

Choosing to lead by example, the Governor announced he will walk to work on Earth Day and called on all Oregonians do something tomorrow lessen their footprint on the planet.

“I want Oregonians to look at their daily routine and find something they can do tomorrow that will benefit the earth,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I am leaving my car at home tomorrow and I want to encourage others to do the same.”

Joined by Pacificorp, PGE and NW Natural, the Governor encouraged Oregonians to enroll in renewable energy programs, as he has at his home. Energy Trust of Oregon also had an informational booth available for those interested in a free energy audit to help identify areas where savings can be made, something else the Governor has done at his home.

“The audit will tell you have to save energy, which is good for the environment, and how to save money, which is good for your budget,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I was able to significantly reduce energy use at Mahonia by having an audit and taking action by putting in new insulation.”

The Governor also offered other suggestions for how Oregonians could slightly modify their routine to help the environment. The Governor listed options like packing a lunch with reusable containers, turning off the water while brushing teeth, carpooling and joining him in walking to work.

“I am leaving my car at home tomorrow, and walking to work – and I encourage those who can, to do the same – or bike or use public transportation,” the Governor said. “There are pedometers here, like the one I wear, that track how many steps you take in a day, which is good for your health and the planet’s health.”

The Governor has developed a comprehensive climate change agenda since taking office. Several key actions have already occurred such as clean cars and the renewable portfolio standard in the 2007 session and he is preparing an even more ambitious climate change agenda for the 2009 session, including a cap and trade proposal. The Governor also encouraged everyone at the rally to make sure the candidates running for office in this year’s elections make helping the environment a campaign issue.

“I urge Oregonians to look at this year’s elections and demand candidates make clean energy and climate change a priority,” said Governor Kulongoski.

The Governor finished the rally by handing out pedometers provided by Kaiser Permanente to people in attendance and urging Oregonians to go to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Website for more information about how to save, reuse and reduce in both the home and the workplace.

Source: Oregon Governor

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