Energy bill catches Troutdale councilor's attention http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/print_story.php?story_id=12660...

Energy bill catches Troutdale councilor's attention

City colleagues’ positions mixed on tax parity involvement
BY SHANNON WELLS
The Gresham Outlook, Feb 12, 2010

Like many lawmakers, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden would like to see alternative “green” energy
become a stronger force in the American economy – ideally with Oregon leading the pack.
A bill he’s sponsoring seeks to encourage development of renewable energy technology and business by
changing how the federal government taxes such energies.
Unlike traditional fossil fuels, sources such as biomass, hydroelectric, wave and tidal energies are not
eligible for the same production tax credits. The result, Wyden observes, is that fossil fuels receive as
much as $43 billion more in federal subsidies than hydro, corn ethanol and other renewable sources
receive.
“This will help new energy technologies get in the game and reward solutions that create the most
energy,” said Wyden, D-Portland, upon introducing the bill in spring 2009. “America needs all of these
resources if it is going to move into a new energy future. My goal is to create a level playing field and give
all these technologies the full tax benefit in order to stimulate investment and get more renewable energy
projects built.”
According to a report from the Environmental Law Institute and the Woodrow Wilson International
Center for Scholars, $72.5 billion in federal subsidies – including direct spending and $53.9 billion in tax
relief – went toward fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas between 2002 and 2008. Renewables –
including biomass, corn ethanol and hydroelectric – received $29 billion in credits and subsidies in the
same period.
Encouraged by renewable energy projects and the city’s stash of suitable infrastructure, Troutdale City
Councilor David Hartmann is publicly supporting Wyden’s bill. He’s asked the Council to join him in
backing the concept of “BTU parity,” referring to BTUs, or British thermal units, used to measure
expended energy.
“I’m trying to support Senator Wyden on the BTU parity bill,” Hartmann said, “to promote more flow
of dollars into the renewable sector and help incentivize investors … I’m asking for (the Council’s)
endorsement as a show of force that we’re interested in supporting renewable energy.”
A registered Republican and admitted conservative, Hartmann said his interest in BTU parity was
sparked when a prospective alternative energy developer known as “ZESC” approached him about federal
incentives to support a local project.
That concept failed to capture city officials’ confidence. Hartmann, however, remains enthused that
Troutdale – armed with urban renewal property near a power substation and road, river and rail
transportation – is primed for other alternative energy ventures.
“Ultimately it’s about stimulating jobs in Troutdale,” he said. “If we get BTU parity, and developers in
the region can develop renewable energy projects, it means jobs – clean jobs, well-paying jobs.”
While some of Hartmann’s fellow councilors have offered support, others say they need to learn more
about the issue or are unsure whether BTU parity is something the city should be involved in.
Mayor Jim Kight, who’s exploring the idea of harnessing wind power to fuel the city’s wastewater
treatment plant, has withheld endorsement of the concept. However, he welcomes Hartmann’s scheduled
presentation on BTU parity to the city’s energy subcommittee at a Monday, Feb. 15, meeting.

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Energy bill catches Troutdale councilor's attention http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/print_story.php?story_id=12660...

“We’re looking into biomass, wind, solar and other sources to see what might financially work for the
city,” Kight said of the subcommittee. “Ultimately what we’re looking at is other sources of income other
than going to taxpayers to fund projects.”
Councilor Matt Wand, who said he’s talked at length with Hartmann about Wyden’s bill, noted he’s not
prepared to take a council stance regarding the federal tax structure.
“I can’t take a position on an existing law or tax until I know how it was put in place originally,” Wand
said, noting he otherwise supports alternative energy development in East County. “I would welcome any
company to the city of Troutdale that wants to bring jobs, or do research and development at Mt. Hood
(Community) College. I don’t consider it a lesser industry by any means.
“My question is the function of city government and where it has the business getting in the (federal)
energy business.”
Despite the mixed perceptions, Hartmann is optimistic the basis of his proposal will place Troutdale
ahead of the energy game.
“It isn’t going to happen overnight,” he said, “but if we’re not doing anything now, then we won’t be
ready until the time comes – or the time won’t come.”

Reporter Shannon O. Wells can be reached at swells@the

outlookonline.com or by calling 503-492-5118.

Copyright 2010 Pamplin Media Group, 6605 S.E. Lake Road, Portland, OR 97222 • 503-226-6397

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