Democratic Senate Challenger; member of State House
Sustainable forest harvest important for economy
Both Smith & Merkley said they wanted to do more to promote timber harvesting as a way to beef up the state's economy.
Smith said 8 billion board feet were harvested during the 1980s, which he thought was too much. As opposed to his opponent,
Smith said he wants to create a timber industry that will offer more jobs.
Merkley said that a sustainable forest harvest is important for the economy. He said that both Bush and Smith have caused the state to lose 12,000 jobs in the timber industry.
Source: 2008 Oregon Senate Debate, in Southern Oregon Mail Tribune
Oct 14, 2008
Son of a timber family; will fight for timber payments
Smith noted that he was able to restore federal timber payments to Oregon counties by inserting it in the federal economic bailout bill--a bill Merkley had said he would have opposed.
Merkley responded that Smith had never
been able to restore the payments while Republicans controlled the Senate. "We need to have a son of a timber family to fight for timber payments," said Merkley, who was born in timber-dependent Douglas County and whose father once owned a mill.
Source: 2008 Oregon Senate Debate reported in Statesman Journal
Oct 14, 2008
Supports 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050
This begins with Jeff's full support of the Boxer-Sanders Bill S.309 which calls for an 80 percent reduction in climate-change-causing pollutants by 2050. In addition, Jeff will work with Senator Cantwell to pass the "Reducing Demand through Electricity
Grid Intelligence Act." This bill will encourage the development of a nationwide intelligent energy grid system through the broader use of new technologies. It will also improve energy efficiency and save consumers money on their electricity bills.
Source: Campaign website, www.jeffmerkley.com, "Issues"
Jun 3, 2008
Incentives to cities for the reduction of emissions
Jeff's plan offers incentives to cities for the reduction of climate change emissions. Taking a cue from the US Mayors Climate Protection agreement, Jeff will push for policies that reduce global warming pollution levels to 7% or more below 1990 levels b
2012. Jeff will work for clear timetables, emissions limits, & flexible market-based systems of tradable allowances among emitting industries. This part of Jeff's plan also includes incentives for cities to plant trees to increase shade and absorb CO2.
Source: Campaign website, www.jeffmerkley.com, "Issues"
Jun 3, 2008
