Renewable Energy Zone in Oregon and Washington

Renewable energy zoning, adopted by local jurisdictions, would help encourage development of wind, solar, biomass and other non-fossil fuel-based power plants and distributed generation projects.  Individual cities and counties should adopt zoning standards, pursuant to which renewable energy projects could be sited.

This does not have to be a piecemeal project, however.  When communities band together in the common goals of bringing green industries to the area, everyone benefits from an environmental and economic standpoint.

Here in the west, five counties in Oregon and Washington have banded together to create the Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone to encourage green power.  The counties (Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, Klickitat, Sherman and Skamania), sit on either side of the Columbia River, and enacted the renewable energy zone by joint resolution in 2008.

“Characterized by strong breezes, as windsurfers discovered 30 years ago, the mile-wide Columbia River creates a nearly sea level cut through the Cascade mountain range that draws thermals between two distinct climates: the warm, arid eastern parts and the cool, damp western parts of the region.”

Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone

Not surprisingly, the Columbia River Gorge area has already been developed with a number of wind farms (notably, the Cascade Wind Project) in order to capitalize on its vast natural resources.  The goal of the bi-state renewable energy zone is to draw new, green businesses to the area, with enticing promises as:

“Affordable shovel ready sites are available, with zoning, permits, utilities and infrastructure in place. Existing building space for small companies are market ready for lease or sale.”

“Our resources include financial incentives from two states, differing land use laws. Washington and Oregon are highly ranked as great states for business. Wind turbines are already in place in our region, and the Pacific Northwest ’s history of using natural resources is pronounced.  Abundant hydroelectric power keeps utility costs reasonable, and energy reliable. The area boasts a strong regional economy. Companies like Google, Insitu, many green technology businesses, and clusters of small companies create a dynamic business environment.”

Easy access to the region is via I-84 and I-5.  The area is rich in beauty and natural resources.  Just an hour and a half drive from Portland, Oregon, residents get the best of all worlds.  Those looking to build a green jobs career can get training at the Columbia Gorge Community College, which offers a Renewable Energy Technology program, offering wind technician training (the first of its kind on the West Coast), and other degree partnerships with Oregon and Oregon State Universities.

You can hear more about the Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone starting a week from today at Windpower 2009, in Chicago, Illinois.

Perhaps you could encourage your locality to adopt similar zoning measures with surrounding counties or cities?  It truly requires grassroots efforts to get RE projects off the ground.  If you are a commissioner or councilor, why not propose new renewable energy zoning for consideration?  Individual citizens should encourage such efforts at local meetings, and/or through letters to local representatives.

If you have a success story to share, please post in the comments below.

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