House Passes Landmark Bill Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil - HB 2186 would increase energy security, build the economy and help the environment - It now goes to the Senate. Contact your Senator to Support it!(Posted 05/21/09)
House Passes Landmark Bill Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil
HB 2186 would increase energy security, build the economy and help the environment
Summary:
On May 7th, the Oregon House passed a bill designed to reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil. HB 2186 will encourage the development of alternatives to imported petroleum, potentially keeping up to $2 billion from leaving the state.
SALEM – House Democrats today passed HB 2186, a landmark bill that would reduce Oregon’s dependence on foreign oil. The bill would allow Oregon to reap the benefits of economic development, protect the environment and provide greater security for Oregon businesses and consumers.
“Oregonians spend $2 billion per year on fuel. That is $2 billion every year from the pockets of Oregonians, virtually all of which leaves this state,” said Ben Cannon (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “Every dollar that we spend on oil is a dollar that we’re not spending to support Oregon jobs and invest in the Oregon economy.”
HB 2186 would help that money stay in Oregon by encouraging the development of home-grown alternatives to imported petroleum, a market based approach that would grow Oregon business and help our state become a leader in green technology.
“We have companies and investors poised to help commercialize alternative fuel production right here in Oregon,” said Representative Tobias Read (D-Beaverton). “All they need is the right signal from state government.”
Oregon currently imports all of our oil. Our dependence on foreign oil leads to instability and the risk of spikes in prices. The last such spike saw the price of gas increase to $4.29 per gallon.
“This bill is aimed at reducing Oregonians’ exposure to the kind of gas price volatility that we have seen recently,” said Representative Brian Clem (D-Salem). “Investing in alternative fuels now will protect Oregonians from the price spikes that wreak havoc on our finances.”
House Democrats have made it a priority to create jobs and develop a 21st century economy that places Oregon on the forefront of technological innovation.
“Oregonians are clamoring for change,” said House Democratic Majority Leader Mary Nolan (D-Portland). “We are delivering exactly the ground-breaking solutions they want.”
HB 2186 now moves to the Senate.