This is wonderful news. I am very happy with our Oregon Legislature so far this term.

However, in my parallel universe speaker Minnis is the Whore of Babalyon, Chenny is the Devil and Bush is a slimy little imp.

The 40-19 vote followed a lengthy debate on a bill that would require utilities to get 25 percent of their electricity supplies from wind, solar and other renewable resources by 2025.

Any guess how much this will increase our energy costs?

How will it affect low income people?

Will higher energy costs attract new jobs?

Thanks JK

I too am proud of the Legislature. Now that it is out of the control of the marketist ideologues, we are finally passing sensible policies. By joining the other 22 states that already have a standard, Oregon ratepayers will now be in the market as an equal competitor for the least-cost of the non-fossil fuel energy sources; ie. the best wind sites, the best biomass sources, etc... It will reduce our dependence on the wildly fluctuating prices of coal and natural gas that go into the fossil part of our electricity portfolio.

I am especially proud of Jackie Dingfelder, Ben Cannon, Jeff Merkley and the strong urban-rural coalition of folks that made this possible.

JK - I would imagine that in the long run this plan would defray energy costs. Never mind how much energy costs on a per unit basis. How much less money will we 'have' to spend in the middle east as a result is where the savings will be. ..and how much less we will have to spend on healthcare...and don't forget, "renewable" means it is "inexhaustible" or "replaceable".

My main objection to this energy bill is that hydro-electric generation is not considered renewable. The great engineering projects undertaken during the depression focused on hydro-electric precisely because it is renewable.

If you advocate dam removal, think about what we would have experienced during the great flooding of 1996 if there were no dams.

This is some of the coolest legislation that is before the legislature this session. And thanks to Kari for reminding people what a difference all their work has made, and can make in the future.

Thanks to all you volunteers who knocked doors 'til your toes bled in those close legislative races over the past 3 cycles. I know the legislative races aren't as sexy as the presidential or gubernatorial races...but you can make such a difference. And thanks for all the difference you made.

5 races in the State Senate have been razor close...making up the margin in that chamber.

-- Vicki Walker (2006) -- just over 1000 votes -- Joanne Verger (2004) 861 votes -- just 1.9% -- Laurie Monnes-Anderson (2004) 1161 votes -- Alan Bates (2004) 3.39% -- Richard Devlin (2002) 1368 votes -- 2.9%

And of course the House the tipping point case is even easier to make with a House margin of one seat:

Jeff Barker...40 votes

And then of course there's Chris Edwards, David Edwards, Chuck Riley, Betty Komp, etc.

Paraphrasing Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world...in fact it's the only thing that every has." (I know it's trite to go to the Margaret Mead well...but it's apt here.)

The accomplishments in the Oregon Legislature this session are testament to the focused, largely un-glamorous work of so many. There is much additional work needed to recapture government for the public good, but that work so far has shown clear dividends for democracy.

Thanks to all of you.

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