The view from Oregon and Portland General Electric.
Ken Silverstein is editor-in-chief of Public Utilities Fortnightly. Contact him at ksilverstein@fortnightly.com.
In our continued effort to spotlight leaders within the energy and utility sectors, Public Utilities Fortnightly takes time to speak with Jim Piro, president and chief executive officer of Portland General Electric. Prior to taking that job in 2009, he served nine years at PGE as executive vice president of finance, chief financial officer, and treasurer. Before working at PGE, Piro worked as a civil engineer for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., headquartered in San Francisco.
These days, Piro finds time to serve as a member of Oregon's Global Warming Commission. He's also active in the Electrification Coalition - a national group of business leaders advocating for policies that support electric vehicles. Who better to speak on the issues of our time: climate, carbon, and energy policy - at both the corporate and national levels?
FORTNIGHTLY: What are your thoughts on EPA's Clean Power Plan?
PIRO: At PGE we've been consistent in our outreach. Our industry needs to be part of a comprehensive national and international response to address climate change. An economy-wide, federal framework for carbon regulation is needed, and we have supported legislation in Congress to achieve that. In the absence of Congressional action, however, we understand EPA's desire to address carbon dioxide emission through regulations.
FORTNIGHTLY: Will EPA's Plan work for you?