Governor reinstates sustainability board

Gov. Ted Kulongoski reinstated the state's sustainability board to oversee the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, energy use in Oregon's largest agencies.

For Oregon agencies and some businesses, "sustainability" is the word that will set Oregon apart from other states.

The concept is broad: Leave the land in better shape than when it was found.

In practical terms, businesses and agencies have called "sustainable" the reduction in gas for vehicles, the purchase of renewable energy, building with green materials and the conservation of water.

To promote more of those practices in government, Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed an executive order Thursday night to reinstate the state's sustainability board.

"Sustainability is an opportunity for Oregon to get ahead," said Lonn Hoklin, the communications director for the governor's office. The governor "sees sustainability as a key economic opportunity for the whole state. It's an opportunity to maximize Oregon's competitive advantage."

The board, formed in 2001 by the state Legislature, will oversee the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, energy use and other similar goals in Oregon's largest agencies.

"The real challenge the government has is to ride with the private sector as this becomes a bigger and bigger deal," said Secretary of State Bill Bradbury. "We need to be with the private sector and make sure we keep pointing at this concept."

Sen. Ben Westlund, R-Tumalo, said the concept is simple. He is promoting the use of biofuels in the state through a ballot initiative.

"It's all about developing good habits," he said. "Not only in how we think about resources and approach their usage, but also once we use those resources in a government office or a private business," he said.

Tony Nielsen, a planning coordinator for a sustainable development in Salem, said it is essential to take these steps.

"(Institutions and governments) are such big players in terms of both consumption and production," he said. "They can also help lead the rest of the community."