A Message from the Executive Director:

Welcome to the December issue of Energy Action Northwest’s e-newsletter…

Before we dive into the news, I’d like to take a brief look back to our first Energy Summit. I’ll reiterate here what I’ve said in countless conversations since then. We were delighted with the level of interest exhibited by our attendees, the quality of our speakers and the action items generated. (One of which, as you’ll see elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, is already in motion.)

I also greet you this month happy to be oil-free, or, as it reads on my Oregon vanity plate, “OIL-FRE.” I recently picked up my new CNG-powered Honda GX from Beaverton Honda. That was the easy part. Getting the permit for my Fuelmaker FMQ2-36 from the city of West Linn took a couple of weeks. Completely understandable, since it was the first permit application the city had ever seen. The fuelmaker was finally installed by (and I swear I am not making this up) Smokey Stovers, a retired Northwest Natural employee. The early returns on my new ride: more fun, cheaper to run (even at today’s gasoline prices), and easier on the planet. What’s not to like?

I’ll keep you updated on my travels.

Sincerely,

Ed Finklea