Gov. sees Oregon as ecological leader

Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s chief of staff for economic development, technology and innovation spoke on the governor’s plan to develop Oregon’s sustainable business strategies and make the state a global leader in sustainability at the City Club on Friday.

The governor’s plan to make Oregon a global leader in environmental sustainability includes innovations in land-use planning, recycling initiatives, renewable energy and sustainable building practices. The plan is estimated to boost Oregon’s economy, with an increase of $14.8 billion in state revenue in the next two years.

Allen Alley, appointed by Gov. Kulongoski as a deputy chief of staff in January, said at the Governor Hotel Friday that the importance of sustainability is not just for business, but for the environment as well.

“The science is irrefutable, our climate is changing, our planet is getting warmer,” Alley said. He said that Oregon and the world must stand up to fight this threat and the risks global warming poses to the planet and society.

Alley said that it’s unreasonable that, with all the innovations mankind has made over time, people are still digging up fossil fuels and burning them for energy and destroying the environment. “Frankly, I think it’s quite embarrassing,” Alley said.

Oregon’s development in sustainability practices will benefit the economy and environment, according to Alley, and will set an example for the rest of the world to follow. “The world wants to develop in harmony with the environment, but they do not know how,” Alley said.

Oregon already encourages the use of alternative energy through tax credits for businesses that practice sustainability, as well as incentives for small investors to invest in energy-efficient products, such as hybrid vehicles. Alley said this will create sustainability, not only for the environment but also for the economy. Chip Lazenby, Jr., interim general counsel for Portland State University and City Club of Portland member, asked Alley what Oregon’s strengths and weaknesses are in working toward sustainability and what threats Oregon might face. According to Alley, the passion Oregonians have for what they do and the products they create is the No. 1 strength the state has, and that its weaknesses are nearly nonexistent.

The main threat Oregonians face, Alley said, is not being able to rise to the challenge of setting an example for the rest of the world. “We have to be global leaders,” he said.

If Oregon can rise to this challenge, according to Alley, Oregon could become a role model for the world. “People marvel at or sense of community and dedication to each other,” Alley said.

Alley was uncertain about some details of the governor’s plan, reminding attendees that he is new to his position. “I’ve only been on the job four days,” Alley said.

He also said that his statements were not guarantees. “It’s virtually impossible to forecast the future,” Alley said.

“I thought he was kind of vague,” said one woman who was present for the speech.

Alley is entering his new position after retiring as the CEO for Pixelworks, a semiconductor company he co-founded in 1997. Prior to Pixelworks, Alley was vice president for InFocus Systems, and has been an engineer and venture capitalist for the last 30 years.

Alley said he is impressed by the vast amount of responsibility taken on by employees of the state capital. According to Alley, there are many issues to consider, and he said he feels that his experience in business and being focused on a strategic direction will help him while he serves the state.

“My first week in Salem has been an overwhelming experience,” he said.