Energy

Because of poorly planned government policy, there are only a few energy sources that haven’t been outright banned or regulated out of existence that can provide the base load power generation, the workhorse of the energy generation sector. Nuclear power was banned in the 1980s over fears of nuclear waste disposal. Large scale hydroelectricity resources are pretty much tapped out in the Pacific Northwest and any proposals of new dams would be fiercely opposed by environmental groups. Future acquisitions of coal fired electricity have also been banned in the state.

Restrictive energy policies have forced Oregon to put all of our eggs in one basket. Currently yet probably not for long, natural gas is the only politically acceptable and economical form of energy that can provide base-load power. Yet many in Oregon still view natural gas in a negative light because the environmental movement is fundamentally against the use of any form of fossil fuel. There have been furious attempts to block access to new supplies of natural gas in the state particularly with the proposal of a liquid natural gas facility on the Oregon coast.

The reality is that Oregon is being steered down an energy path that will not be able to sufficiently meet the energy demand of future Oregonians. Much to environmentalists’ dismay, Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest cannot rely solely on wind and solar power to generate enough reliable electricity to meet either current demand nor future demand.

Unfortunately, Oregon legislators have and are continuing to propose measures that will have significant consequences for Oregonians with regard to access to affordable reliable energy.

Cascade Policy Institute realizes that the energy future for Oregon is dismal. Access to energy is truly the lifeblood of the economy and standard of living for Oregonians. Because of misguided government policy, the threat of brownouts, blackouts, and lack of access to affordable energy is very real and immediate. Often Cascade Policy Institute is the only voice of reason standing up for Oregonians on this issue and we play a valuable role in helping to shape a rational and free market approach to energy policy.