News From My Backyard: Oregon Governor Pursues Wave Power

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski voiced his support on Tuesday for a federal earmark of $3 million to establish a national Wave Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Center in Oregon, Renewable Energy Access reports. Siting the research center in Oregon would bring the governor's state closer to a leadership role in renewable energy.

After seeing a demonstration of electrical power generation from ocean wave action [see image of OSU's linear generator bouy above], the Governor told researchers at Oregon State University (OSU), where work on the technology has already begun: "This remarkable technology is part of my vision for energy independence and renewable energy in Oregon."

Setting up the Wave Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Center in Oregon is among the top priorities the Governor has outlined to Oregon's congressional delegation, REE reports. "I am committed to doing everything I can to locate the Center in Oregon," the Governor said, "and I intend to work at both the federal and state levels."

He continued, "Generating electricity from the motion of ocean waves is a critical aspect of that goal. This is the kind of progress that creates long-term prosperity and great new jobs for Oregonians, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels from overseas." [Note: Governor Kulongoski is campaigning for reelection this year with the primary election in May]

The Governor's renewable energy agenda promotes greater energy conservation and efficiency; has comprehensive policies in support of biofuels and biomass energy technologies, such as a renewable biofuels standard; and establishes a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to ensure that statewide renewable electrical energy use reaches 25 percent by 2025. [Note: again, all of these goals have yet to be realized in legislative or executive action, although progess is being made on some fronts]

"This kind of clean, renewable technology is the future of Oregon and our nation. Oregon has the opportunity to lead the transformation of energy consumption on a national and global scale, and we must make the most of that opportunity," said Kulongoski.