Multnomah County purchases one percent of its power from renewable energy sources. The county is the first government in the state of Oregon to commit to the purchase of renewable energy.

The county's commitment is based on a philosophical choice to use its visible leadership position to influence positive social change. One of the ways the county can accomplish this is through its considerable buying power — including purchasing renewable energy.

"The county's purchase of green power helps develop the broader market for sustainable power," says Bev Stein, Multnomah County Chair. "Although the county's action is important, it is by leveraging this action and enlisting other jurisdictions to follow suit that we can make the biggest difference."