In Oregon, the race for state executive leadership between John Kitzhaber (D) and Chris Dudley (R) has been seen as a nip and tuck contest between two high profile candidates (though recent polling shows a surge by Kitzhaber). Kitzhaber is a former Oregon Governor and Chris Dudley an NBA veteran of the Portland Trailblazers. John Kitzhaber has made energy efficiency investments a major plank in his campaign platform and the centerpiece of his job creation strategy for a state hard hit with unemployment. A recent Oregonian article www.oregonlive.com contrasted the Kitzhaber plan for statewide investment in school energy efficiency projects with the Dudley plan to create jobs through a reduction in the state’s capital gains tax. [Note: The Oregonian clearly needs a better understanding of the anatomy of an energy efficiency project given their reporting that it requires a “leap of faith” to see how an energy efficiency project creates jobs.] NEEC supports the Kitzhaber campaign plank and its focus on energy efficiency as potential driving force supporting that state’s economic recovery. Oregon also has a mail in ballot system for the Nov. 2nd election.
 The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council transitioned to the name Building Potential in 2024. The organization’s legal name remains the same and the Board of Directors and Staff have not changed. |