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Archive: Doug Henton

Getting Our Act Together for the Green Economy

Doug Henton / Nov 06 2009

For Release Friday, November 6, 2009
Citiwire.net

Doug HentonWhat if everyone wanted to do the right thing but didn’t know how to work together to achieve a shared outcome?

That pretty much sums up the challenge we face in realizing the potential of a green economy. The Obama Administration has made it a high priority. Most states and localities recognize the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Many businesses now understand the savings from greater efficiency and profits that can be gained from investing in the renewal energy. Labor sees this as a source of jobs.

So what is holding back the growth of a green economy? As we debate national cap and trade legislation, our fragmented, stove piped intergovernmental system is slowing down the implementation of over $40 billion in energy funding. Few states and regions have developed comprehensive energy strategies. Read More »

A New American Paradigm That Really Works

Doug Henton / Sep 04 2008

For Release Sunday, September 7, 2008
Citiwire.net

Doug Henton What do Portland, Ore., and California’s Silicon Valley have in common?

Both are leaders in the critical transition to the new paradigm described in Curt Johnson’s recent Citiwire.net article — a high efficiency and environmentally low impact model, reversing Americans’ profligate, high-impact, low-efficiency culture of the past half century.

And it works, economically. Since the 1970s, Portland has prospered, transforming its economy from forest products to high-value technology, simultaneously increasing incomes and boosting property values. It’s also been able to contain suburban spillover through an urban growth boundary. Portland has built a light rail system, increased urban densities, and rolled back its greenhouse gas emissions. Read More »