The state of Oregon is not waiting for international treaties, much less scientific evidence. Oregon has adopted a benchmark of stabilizing CO 2 emissions at the 1990 rate. The city of Portland, Oregon, has set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions to 20 percent below 1988 rates by 2010. We are tempted to remark about the "People's Republic of Oregon'' but are deterred by the fact that even the "People's Republic of China'' refused to sign the Kyoto agreement.
No doubt Oregon hopes to eventually meet its goal by importation of electricity from coal-fired power plants in other states.
The Wall Street Journal, January 2, 1998, p1, reports that a new Roper poll shows that more than 50% of Americans think most electricity comes from hydropower. Actually, reports the Journal, 12% comes from hydropower. Most American electricity is generated by coal and natural gas-fueled power plants.
Is the American media interested in correcting such misimpressions in minds of our citizens? So far, they have shown a greater interest in publicizing fear propaganda against coal, oil, and natural gas.
