Batman and The Joker face off in theatresIn case you were stuck under a rock this weekend, there's a Batman movie out.
By Salem Monthly Editors
from Salem Monthly, Section Green
Posted on Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 12:42:43 AM PDT
The Oregon Legislature pushed the state's environmental agenda a bit further during its recent Special Session. HB 3612 focuses on the "green" efforts of state agencies by requiring them to reduce energy usage by 20 percent by the year 2015. HB 3619 offers more incentives to "green" businesses by expanding a program passed during the 2007 session. The bill boosts business tax credits for those businesses involved in renewable energy manufacturing. The expanded business energy tax credit increases the maximum allowable project cost from $20 million to $40 million and gives the Department of Energy greater responsibility and flexibility in assessing and determining qualifying projects. It also enhances the "clawback" provision ensuring that the state holds recipients of revoked certificates accountable for the financial loss to the state. "Environmentally sound policy is a trademark of how business is done in Oregon," said Sen. Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. "HB 3619 enhances the incentives to continue this tradition while giving greater flexibility to the Department of Energy. Doing this will ensure that Oregon's taxpayers get their money's worth for these credits."HB 3601 requires the Department of Education to establish the Oregon Farm-to-School and School Garden Program. The Department of Education will work with the existing Farm-to-School Program within the Oregon Department of Agriculture to use Oregon-grown food products and promote food- and garden-based educational activities in Oregon's school districts. Proponents of farm-to-school programs believe they improve childhood nutrition by helping to prevent obesity through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Representative Tina Kotek (D-Portland), the bill's sponsor, says the Farm-to-School Program will expand opportunities and stabilize markets for Oregon farmers and producers. Finally, the Farm-to-School Program aims to reduce energy consumption; the shorter the distance the food travels, the less fossil fuels needed for transportation.
Post A Comment| Oregon Legislature goes green | 0 comments
