FreedomWorks chapter plugs new energy policy campaign

Conservative group plans to spend $1 million to counter ‘environmental extremists’

By Steve Law

The Portland Tribune, Aug 13, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Oregon’s chapter of FreedomWorks chose a Gresham gas station Tuesday as the setting to announce a million-dollar campaign to support development of new energy sources.

FreedomWorks said its new effort, the Campaign for Affordable and Reliable Energy, will counter “environmental extremists” who have opposed Oregon hydro dams, liquefied natural gas pipelines, offshore oil drilling, ocean wave energy and windmill farms.

"Let’s let the market dictate what is the best energy,” said Russ Walker, Oregon director of the conservative political group. “Let’s have an energy policy that is broad-based, that naturally transitions from old energy to new energy.”

Walker said his organization has committed to spend more than $1 million on an educational campaign, including radio ads, a petition drive and other vehicles. The group also created a web site: www.LightsonOregon.com.

Walker said his group has no beef with mainstream environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, which have supported renewable energy development. But he said extreme environmental groups are trying to block wave energy, wind farms and other new energy sources at a time when all available sources must be tapped.

FreedomWorks also announced highlights of a poll by Republican pollster Bob Moore of Portland. The group said that its poll showed a majority of Oregonians support a liquefied natural gas or LNG pipeline here and development of offshore oil drilling.

FreedomWorks is led by former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey, a Republican from Texas.

Walker led a successful campaign to overturn a 2002 tax package passed by the Oregon Legislature. He also is a co-sponsor of several state ballot measures, often teaming with fellow conservative Bill Sizemore, on issues ranging from tax reductions to tort reform.

Walker said the new project will draw his attention away from ballot measures he co-sponsored that will appear on Oregon’s November 2008 ballot.

“I think I’ll be a little less active in some of the initiatives than the energy campaign,” he said.

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