Earth Day round-up

Oregon has always been a bit ahead of the curve on the green movement, and since today is Earth Day, plenty of politicians have been speaking about their views on the environment.

Governor Ted Kulongoski usually has a police escort and a Lincoln Town Car take him the two miles to work, but today, clad in true Oregon sheik (a raincoat and hiking boots) the Governor hoofed it to the Capitol. His message: that all Oregonians need to work to meet the challenges of global warming.

Speaking of global warming, the Democratic Party of Oregon highlighted an editorial in The Oregonian which noted that “the challenge for us in making endorsements -- and ultimately for voters in marking their ballots -- lies in distinguishing the sincerely green candidates from the Sam Brownback fakes. Global warming isn't the only crushing issue, of course, but it's a big one, requiring voters to weigh some tough questions in making their choices.”

The DPO used the editorial as a springboard to finger Sen. Gordon Smith’s opposition to the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, which is co-sponsored by Smith's colleague from Oregon, Sen. Ron Wyden.

Steve Marks, running against state Sen. Kurt Schrader for the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District, marked Earth Day by releasing the first in a series of “Higher Marks” policy initiatives.  “Higher Marks for Oregon’s Environment” outlines Marks' positions on a series of environmental issues important to Oregon's future, including combating global warming, investing in renewable and sustainable energy sources, and the restoration and sustentation of Oregon's fisheries and ocean resources.

John Kroger, Attorney General candidate, released an updated plan for protection Oregon’s environment and also highlighted the support he has from the environmental community. Kroger, who has been endorsed by former Gov. John Kitzhaber and the Sierra Club, was the first candidate for statewide office to publicly oppose LNG in Oregon.

Last night during a televised debate, Portland Mayoral candidates Sho Dozono and Sam Adams said they would support a ban on plastic bags in the city. Other places, including Seattle and the entire state of China, have already taken the action to reduce waste and dependency on plastics.