Oregon Wild's mission—to protect Oregon's wildlands, wildlife, and waters—is directly affected by the continued use of fossil fuels.  Pollution and climate change, along with the harmful impacts of drilling, mining, and transportation of these fuels, pose a very serious threat to the natural treasures we work to protect. It is critical that the United States move away from fossil fuels and swiftly toward renewable, non-polluting, and environmentally sustainable sources of energy.

Given the enormous growth in energy use and consumption of fossil fuels over the last century, Oregon Wild recognizes that it is unrealistic to expect an immediate shift to renewable energy.  However, a conservative strategy based on improved energy efficiency, transitions to cleaner fuels, and the investment in and the rapid adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar power, offers enormous promise.

The buzz on Biomass - renewable energy source or threat to Oregon's forests. Find out more.

The need for renewable energy, and the economic opportunities it presents, must be tempered by a realistic evaluation of its impacts.  Poorly designed or sited renewable energy projects can have serious negative environmental impacts.  Oregon Wild urges policy makers, project developers, utility companies, and others to carefully consider the following issues when evaluating renewable energy proposals.

More Info:

• Read the full Oregon Wild Energy Policy
• Find out more about how biomass does and doesn't fit into the future energy mix
• LNG: Just say no

Photo by USFWS