Salem, Oregon [AP] After a vigorous debate, the Oregon Senators passed a bill Tuesday [April 10] that would require the state’s largest utilities to eventually draw 25 percent of their power from renewable sources such as wind, waves, sunlight and manure. A centerpiece of Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s effort to reduce global warming, supporters argued the bill also would help insulate Oregonians from volatile fossil fuel prices. The measure passed despite opposition from Republicans who said it might result in higher costs for consumers by forcing new technologies into the market before they are cost competitive.
