As an elected official, I understand the challenges (and the pressures) of complex policymaking, where we must represent diverse interests and balance all perspectives. But that's exactly why Oregonians have asked us to do this job. Sometimes, we must examine the larger picture to make the right decision, whether it's here at home or in Washington, D.C.
One such topic is the Renewable Fuels Standard, a bipartisan policy that promotes competition at the gas pump from homegrown biofuels, including those produced right here in the Beaver State. It has and will continue to deliver significant benefits to our economy and environment in Oregon and across the United States.
While there's no shortage of opinions about the fuel standard, there's no debate that clean fuels are helping to deliver savings at the at the pump for consumers. And because they compete against foreign oil, biofuels increase American energy security.
I encourage Congressman Greg Walden and his colleagues to recognize that any legislative or regulatory changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard would be disruptive to a program that is currently working. When so many other policies are in flux, consumers and American businesses need to have a stable energy sector. Please reject pressures to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard and protect current renewable energy goals.
Craig Pope, Monmouth
The author is a Polk County commissioner