Westlund asks Oregonians to Declare Our Energy Independence

Treasurer Candidate Launches Cascade Initiative
to Promote Renewable Energy & Conservation

BEND – State Senator and Democratic nominee for Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) is proposing a comprehensive plan to promote renewable energy and conservation strategies for Oregon called the Cascade Initiative.  Information is available on his website at www.benwestlund.com/cascade.

The Cascade Initiative is founded on common sense strategies to improve Oregon’s economy and brand us as a national leader.  The goals of the initiative are to educate Oregonians on financial impacts of climate change, encourage investments in clean technology and renewable energy companies, and champion infrastructure investments such as energy conservation efforts in public buildings.

“Oregon is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the emerging green economy,” said Westlund.  “With the right investments, Oregon can position itself as a national leader to create jobs and promote a sustainable economy.”

Westlund has a long record in the Legislature of promoting renewable energy and conservation.  He was instrumental in expanding the solar energy tax credit during the 2005 session and worked to pass legislation creating the Oregon Innovation Council.  In 2007, Westlund advocated for the Bio-Economy and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Center and the Renewable Portfolio Standard.

“The challenges and risks that climate change presents are enormous, but where there is challenge, there is the potential for growth,” said Westlund.  “For states prepared to be leaders in this new economy, reacting to climate change becomes an offensive, not a defensive, strategy, and an opportunity for rich new growth.”

As Oregon’s next State Treasurer, Westlund will continue the work begun by the current Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards, and other State Treasurers, to discover unknown risks in Oregon's investments by calling on the Security Exchange Commission to require that publicly traded companies disclose emerging risks they face from global climate change. 

"Expanding market opportunities and raising awareness of investor risk is a critical role of the State Treasurer," said Treasurer Edwards.  “Ben Westlund’s leadership on climate change and making critical investments in the green economy will greatly benefit Oregon.”

Goals of the Cascade Initiative:

•    Educate Oregonians on the financial impacts of global climate change and find workable solutions for our future.

•    Promote investments in renewable energy and clean technology to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and create Oregon jobs.

•    Champion infrastructure investments to create jobs and increase our productivity including transportation, environmentally sound water-supply and conservation projects, energy transmission projects and energy conservation efforts in public and private buildings.

To learn more about the Cascade Initiative please visit www.benwestlund.com/cascade