The 2008 Governor's Commuter Challenge, a summer pilot program for the 8,500 state employees who work in the Capitol Mall area, began in June in an effort to reduce carbon by 500,000 pounds, thereby shaving off 2.8 percent of the state's carbon footprint.

"Oregon has long been a pioneering state," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski. "And measurably reducing our collective carbon footprint is a pioneering activity."

To show his support, Kulongoski took part July 25 in the local Bicycle Transportation Alliance's "Breakfast on Bikes," held on the last Friday of each month. The group fosters fellowship and connections among bicycle commuters.  

"After chatting with several cyclists, the governor gave a brief talk on his legislative priorities for 2009 regarding transportation and climate change," said Linda Morrell, with the Department of Administrative Services. "He thanked the BTA for their work on bicycle safety and education, as well."

Bicycling, carpooling, walking or riding local transit are just a few of the ways employees are responding to Kulongoski's challenge to "go green" in answer to rising gas prices and global warming.

As of August 8, more than 480 Capitol Mall employees had publicly committed to replacing at least one drive-alone commute per week, meeting 37 percent of the emissions reduction goal reached across all Capitol Mall agencies. Leading the way for agencies with more than 600 employees was the Oregon Department of Transportation; agencies with between 200 and 599 employees, Oregon Housing and Community Services; and agencies less than 199, the Land Use Appeals Board.

"When I got this job about seven years ago, our office was on State Street," said Ernie Kirchner, a housing development representative with OHCS.

"I rode my bike every day. On good days, the train would block traffic on 12th Street, and I could get good speed catching all the lights."
Kirchner eventually bought a home just a few blocks from his office, a far-sighted move now that gas prices have exploded.

"Now, I walk a few blocks to work, and can easily walk back and forth for lunch at home, too," he said. "Second best decision I ever made!" Jo Bell, who works at the governor's office, is carpooling with her husband, who, although not a state employee, works in the downtown core area.

Their 16-mile daily round trip allows them both a chance to relax and catch up on their daily activities.

"We have been commuting together for the last two months," said Bell, who plans to continue carpooling after the challenge ends. "We are enjoying our time together to and from work and find it relaxing and much more fun!"

Lonn Hoklin, public affairs manager for DAS, has saved $300-plus a month since riding the Smart Bus from Wilsonville to his Salem job each month. And he has renewed his acquaintance with authors Elmore Leonard and John Steinbeck, he said.

"I accepted the governor's challenge out of enlightened self-interest," Hoklin said. "Why not save money and help clean up the air? It's something we all need to get serious about."

Tom Potiowsky, a state economist with the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, agrees with Hoklin.

"The bus rocks!" said Potiowsky, who now leaves his hybrid Lexus in his driveway to ride the Smart Bus. "You can't beat saving money and helping the environment at the same time."

But it's not just state employees who are making changes to beat record-high gas prices.

Hi-fashion stylist and salon owner, Jahn Hoover, traded a 2,000-mile monthly commute to Lake Oswego for a 3-mile daily "jaunt" to his shop, The Hair Connection, in Mill City.

"Commuting just didn't pencil out anymore," said Hoover, whose clients now travel from Portland and other cities afar to take advantage of his years of experience. "Basically, I save about $650 a month not driving - and four hours a day in commuting."

Former teacher Natalie Ficus gave up her career to stay home with her girls.

"After the cost of child care and day care, I wasn't making much income at all," said Ficus, who lives in Silverton and is a Usborne Books at Home representative. "I do some child care, tutoring, and sell educational children's books -- mostly from home, so I don't have a huge gas expense."

Joy Sisto, a Salem mom of one, traded tutoring at homes for tutoring online. Her home business, NJoy-ucation Online Tutoring, allows Sisto to use her car "very sparingly."

"I make a point to walk to destinations when I run errands, particularly when I have the time," she said, although weather and purchases play into her decisions.

Cory Redd takes gas reduction one step further. Redd sells Water4Gas kits through Mainstream HydroFuel from her Albany home.

"After researching this technology, I ordered a kit," Redd said. "Local mechanic Bill Allen installed it for an elderly gentleman who lives here in town. He told us his pickup now gets about a 95 percent increase in mileage."

Redd said subsequent installations have drivers claiming anywhere from 40- to 95-percent increases.

"The technology works," she said. "And it helps lessen the financial hardship that the higher fuel prices have put on all of us."

Water4Gas works on the principle of blending hydrogen and oxygen, which then works with gasoline to power the vehicle. Promoters claim the technology not only saves gas, but helps eliminate carbon deposits caused by unburned gasoline.

Redd said the average cost of $450 for the kit (seniors get a 10 Percent discount) and installation should be recouped after less than 50 gallons of gas use for most cars.

Although the technology has been cautiously embraced by most drivers, Linn County resident

Ray Warren told KATU, Channel 2, that he installed a hydrogen generation system in his pickup using instructions he purchased from the Internet and doubled his gas mileage from 15 to 30 miles per gallon around town.

And finally, good news for Oregon drivers who use alternative fuels!

With proof of receipts, drivers using the E85 bioethanol and B99 biodeisel fuels in their vehicles can get a tax-credit from the state at 50 cents per gallon per vehicle (400 gallon maximum) on their state income tax returns.