Oregon Apollo


I recently received an appeal for the Oregon Apollo Initiative.

The initiative, named after the Apollo Lunar program, is being launched with a ballot measure (PDF, 32K). It’s goal is to make Oregon energy independent. The initiative would:

  • Establish seven centers of clean and renewal energy excellence
  • Establish an Energy Excellence Board to oversee them
  • Create incentives for Biofuels
  • Implement tax credits for Biofuel production
  • Create a funding mechanism from grants, loans and lottery funds

Will this resonate with voters?


4 responses to “Oregon Apollo”

  1. I think we are forunate that we don’t have other big, corporate interests that would raise an opposition to this. I think NW Natural will be supportive. The biofuels provision gives somethng for Eastern Oregon to have an interest in, but I would question how much biofuels will figure in to our energy future. I suppose a continuation of diesel engines in transportation will continue to support that sector, but other modes may eventually grow away from the internal combustion process. But we have had to promote relatively short lived industries before, anyway. Agriculture is pretty easy to change.

    Right now there is a discussion on CNBC of Bush’s energy plan–and a question as to whether government support for certain technologies will disadvantage other, better innovations.

    Two years ago I read about Sen Wyden’s vision to bring nanotechnology research to Oregon. I wonder how that iniative is doing?
    .

  2. I’d have to say it is somewhat irrelevant whether voters will support it or not.

    The only state that is energy independant is Texas, because it is technically Off-Grid from the rest of the country. Aside from that how much money would Oregon have to leech out of the Federal Budget to actually do that? It’s completely unfeasible with Oregon’s own budget, especially so considering it is in dire need of repair as it currently exists.

    Personally I think it is a great idea, financially it is not going to be acheived. It is one of those things, kind of like universal health care, that no one is really opposed to, and a good chunk of people support, but financially it is just not feasible in this country (and arguably not feasible in many others).

  3. Another note:

    “I suppose a continuation of diesel engines in transportation will continue to support that sector, but other modes may eventually grow away from the internal combustion process. But we have had to promote relatively short lived industries before, anyway. Agriculture is pretty easy to change.”

    With that thought… if energy needed for Cars & Transporation is included in the Oregon Independance from others clause… there is no way.

    Oregon uses far too much petro to be able to cut itself off from outside needs. Unless the state can push about 95% of the commuters out of their cars (which would take a rather LARGE Investment in Public Transit) there is no way to even acheive energy independance.

  4. Adron-

    The point of Oregon Apollo is not just energy independence, but to create a new industry in Oregon. We want to be the bioneering hub of the Pacific Rim. We can be leaders or followers in the nacsent bioneering economy.

    What if legislators in DC had taken your attitude about spending money on R&D for the Internet?

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