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A State Representative has a fairly limited scope but the list below essentially covers the things that I intend to push
whenever I get the chance.
Environmental issues are things that are tied together in most respects. For example, you can't safeguard species
without preserving habitat which means that land use decisions have a major effect on what happens to everything else.
But for the record, here are my positions:
RENEWABLE ENERGY
I favor expanding the generation of energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and fuel cell sources through portfolio
standards, governmental encouragement, and tax credits.
I support aggressive efforts, measures, and state policies that promote energy conservation and renewable energy
resources, and actively discourage energy waste.
I also support legislation which will establish usage fees based on the current market value and existing environmental
laws. For example, this would mean eventually requiring vehicle owners to assume the full environmental cost of their transportation
choices.
New energy decisions should purposefully reduce our reliance upon the hydroelectric dams by supporting conservation
and the planned development of new energy sources and their partial replacement of hydroelectricity.
The rivers ought to run freely, wherever possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
I oppose the proliferation of genetically engineered foods without taking public safety into consideration.
I support a political leadership that encourages individual personal responsibility for air, water and soil quality,
as well as social, organizational, and governmental responsibility.
I support "Community Right to Know" and pesticide tracking programs that will allow Oregonians to know
when toxic chemicals are being used and released in their communities.
I support ratification of the Kyoto Treaty and immediate action to reduce pollution that contributes to global warming.
I support funding for additional equipment and continued training for Oregon's hazardous-materials spill response
teams.
I support expansion of the bottle bill to include various kinds of plastic containers not presently specified.
I support legislation to maintain intact wilderness and watersheds for the protection of water for human consumption.
LAND USE PLANNING
I support the concept of managed growth and strengthening and protection of Oregon's land-use planning system.
I support funding of DEQ sufficient to effectively enforce Oregon's environmental regulations.
I support property tax and other incentives for conservation easements and water conservation.
I support transportation policies that reduce dependence on the private automobile and encourage greater mass transit,
walking, and bicycle usage.
WILDLIFE
I support the Endangered Species Act.
I oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
I support policies and legislation which wiil result in an end to old growth harvest on all public lands.
I support strong enforcement of policies that require no net loss of wetlands.
I support legislation and policies that facilitate the
ecological restoration necessary to recover salmon, steelhead and other anadromous fish.
I support stopping all timber sales in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests until the Oregon Department of Forestry
verifies the forest and wildlife classifications.
In general, I support anything that places less pressure on our planet's resources, be they oceanic, atmospheric,
continental, animal, plant, or human. I believe in living lightly on the earth, buying fewer things, and living in ways that
are less, rather than more environmentally destructive.
Going even further, I would say that what we need to focus on as a people is living within our resources, not filling
up every free space with more urban sprawl, more roadways, more people.
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