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| What the Governor Believes |
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A stable and sustainable economy is a foundation for a strong and prosperous future. As Governor, I want to provide all Oregonians with a quality education that gives them the chance to earn a living-wage job and provide for their families.
And, I also know that protecting our environment and our natural resources is another way we can work together to promote a sustainable economy. When we have a natural environment that is healthy and sustainable, we all win.
We can work simultaneously to both grow our economy and protect our environment.
Ensuring "livability" for us not only today - but tomorrow as well - is a guiding principle for a strong future. We must make sure Oregon has a healthy balance between growth, infrastructure, development and environmental protection.
My environmental and natural resource agenda is guided by a series of priority areas:
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| Oregon's Forests |
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 Our world-renowned forests define our state. Their diversity, productivity and climate make them some of the most productive forests in the world. When Oregon's founding mothers and fathers came to Oregon, our economy was based on this rich vastness of land. Oregonians depended upon and needed the forests then as much as our forests need us now.
Our forests built our economy, strengthened our state and defined our land - and now they need our help. We must focus on stabilizing - and growing - our forests so that we can diversify our economy, create living-wage jobs and protect the long-term health of the forests themselves.
Click here to read the full text of "Oregon's Forests" including the Governor's strategic objectives.
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| Oregon's River Systems |
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We are blessed to have an abundance of rivers that are home to fish and wildlife, connect our mountains with the sea, irrigate our crops, supply our power, provide drinking water and give us endless recreational opportunities.
Oregon's three most well-known rivers - the Columbia, Willamette and Klamath - have endured a lot of damage from the competing demands of hydropower generation, irrigation, fish conservation and industrial uses over the years. We must work to manage these rivers in a way that allows us to balance the needs of today with the long-term demands of tomorrow.
Click here to read the full text of "Oregon's River Systems" including the Governor's strategic objectives.
Click here to learn about Governor Kulongoski's Willamette River Legacy Program.
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| Endangered Species |
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Recreational and commercial fishing is a vital part of our economy, but in the last twenty years many of Oregon’s fish, wildlife and plant species have been listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Over-harvest; decline in high quality fresh water habitat, poor ocean condition; and hatchery practices have led to the decline in the number of fish species.
Click here to read the full text of "Endangered Species" including the Governor's strategic objectives.
Click here for a list of Oregon's Threatened and Endangered Species.
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| Oregon's Ocean |
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Oregon was one of the first states in the nation to create a state-level ocean management program to ensure that the majestic Pacific Ocean and Oregon Coast are conserved and protected for future generations. But that is not enough. I want to make sure we carry on this tradition and continue to protect our beautiful coast and ocean waters.
That is why in September 2006 Governor Greigore, Schwarzenegger and I signed a West Coast Agreement an Ocean Health. Together, we have pledged to do everything possible to protect the natural border we all share. We will work together in a non-partisan way to create an action plan for ocean and coastal resource protection along the Pacific Coast.
Click here to read the full text of "Oregon's Ocean" including the Governor's strategic objectives.
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| Global Warming and Energy |
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 Global warming is a serious and growing threat to Oregon’s economy, natural resources, forests, rivers, agricultural lands, and coastline. We all must work together to stop the devastating effect of global warming.
Everyday, we all see more of the overwhelming results of global warming. These are some of the tangible effects of global warming I have noticed in Oregon:
Our snow pack is in decline, which means less water for fish, irrigation and other needs in summer.
Our forests are more susceptible to fires, diseases and pests.
Our coastline is eroding, sea levels are growing and water temperature is rising.
Oregon has, and will continue to be, a leader in the fight against global warming. Oregon is home to one of the largest wind farms in the world, and we have started to develop ocean wave technology through Oregon State University. Oregon is also setting the stage to be a producer of biodiesel and other forms of alternative fuel.
Click here to read the full text of "Global Warming and Energy" including the Governor's strategic objectives.
Click here to read Governor Kulongoski's Renewable Energy Action Plan.
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| Land Conservation and Development |
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We must have land use policy that is focused, productive and well-balanced while also providing land for employment and economic opportunity for all Oregonians. It's important that we foster livable, sustainable development in urban and rural communities, but also conserve our coastal and ocean resources. I hope that we can all work together to improve the well-being and prosperity of people, business and communities across Oregon.
Under Ballot Measure 37, passed by voters in November 2004, a lot has changed for land use planning and development. The challenge we face under Measure 37 is to accommodate greater fairness in land use planning while preserving fundamental aspects of land use and not allowing our way of life, economy or environment to become threatened.
Our land and our natural resources are a legacy to leave for generations to follow. Wise choices will allow us to prosper and grow today, and leave a sound and sustainable environment that will assure prosperity and a high quality of life for generations to come.
Working together, I promise that we can help:
Oregon's Forests - Protect and enhance the economic, ecological and social values of Oregon's world-class forests
Oregon's River Systems - Resolve the competing demands and over-use of the Columbia, Willamette and Klamath Rivers
Endangered Species - Ensure species viability, which is critical to our environment and economy
Oregon's Territorial Sea - Protect the legacy of Oregon's coastal waters in the face of threats to the world's oceans
Global Warming and Energy - Advance strategies that address the serious threat of climate change while making investments to meet future energy demands
Land Conservation and Development - Update Oregon's land-use system and preserve the benefits it has created
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